Kia gives new Sportage summer makeover

KIA has unveiled its new Sportage, with an updated exterior and interior design and new safety and infotainment technology. Updates to the range also include modifications to GTLine models. European customer deliveries of the new model will start this autumn.

The Sportage now offers a wider range of engines, including Kia’s new EcoDynamics+ 2.0-litre ‘R’ diesel mild-hybrid powertrain. EcoDynamics+ supplements acceleration with power from a 48-volt battery and extends engine ‘off time’ with a new Mild-Hybrid Starter-Generator unit.

It can reduce CO2 emissions by up to four per cent on the Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP).

The Sportage’s existing 1.7-litre CRDi (Common-Rail Direct injection) diesel engine has been replaced with a 1.6-litre ‘U3’ CRDi engine, the cleanest diesel engine Kia has ever made. The new 1.6-litre diesel engine produces 115 or 136ps, with higher-powered models available with allwheel drive and seven-speed double-clutch transmission.

Improvements to the exterior include

The all-new Kia Sportage gets a redesigned exterior and a wider range of engine options

new front and rear bumpers, as well as redesigned front and rear lamps and new 16, 17 and 19-inch alloy wheel designs. Options include chrome sill trim and metallic skid plates, as well as five new paint choices.

GT-Line models are equipped with a gloss black hot-stamped radiator grille, a gloss black and silver skid plate, and dark chrome inserts on the side sills and rear tailgate. The 19-inch alloy wheels have been redesigned and all models are fitted with a dual exhaust rear valance and revised ‘ice cube’ LED fog lamp designs.

The new Sportage adopts Kia’s latest advanced driving assistance systems, including Smart Cruise Control with Stop&Go, an Around View Monitor for easier parking manoeuvres, and Driver Attention Warning. Full UK pricing and specs will be announced in the summer.