The fourth-generation Kia Sportage SUV debuts with fresh design, new engines and advanced technologies
Compared to the previous generation model, the new Sportage features a bolder front end with a more prominent “tiger nose” grille placed lower and wider, new headlights and a redesigned front bumper.
The Sportage looks quite similar to its predecessor when viewed from the side, while the rear end is dominated by the slim taillights inspired by the 2013 Kia Provo concept car. The impression of width is reinforced by the strip that runs the width of the rear, uniting the taillights.
Inside, the new Kia Sportage sports a driver-oriented dashboard, divided into two clear zones called ‘display’ and ‘control’. The ‘display’ zone delivers information to occupants via the driver instrument binnacle and optional new 7.0- or 8.0-inch HMI (human-machine interface) infotainment systems, while the ‘control’ zone is essentially the center console tilted 10 degrees towards the driver. Kia says the Sportage has a far greater proportion of soft-touch materials, with the use of cloth, leather and stitching creating a more luxurious ambience.
Since the new Sportage is 40 mm longer (4,480 mm) with a 30 mm longer wheelbase (2,670 mm), interior space has improved compared to the previous model: headroom and legroom for all passengers have expanded. Cargo volume has also increased from 465 liters (16.4 cu-ft) to 503 liters (17.7 cu-ft), while comfort is said to have improved thanks to reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).
From a mechanical point of view, the big news is the addition of a new 1.6-liter T-GDI turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine, offered exclusively for the new GT Line sporty model. Rated at 177PS (175hp) and 265 Nm (195 lb-ft) of torque, the engine is mated to a new 7-speed DCT gearbox. The only other gasoline engine available is carried over from the previous model – the 1.6-liter GDI rated at 132 PS (130 hp) and 161 Nm (119 lb-ft) of torque.
The new Sportage is also available with three diesel engines: a 115 PS (113 hp) 1.7-liter CRDi unit carried over from the previous model and a significantly-upgraded 2.0-liter ‘R’ unit available in two states of tune – 136 PS (134 hp) with 373 Nm (275 lb-ft) and 184 PS (181 hp) with 400 Nm (295 lb-ft). With the exception of the 1.6-liter turbo petrol, the engines are mated to six-speed manual and automatic transmissions.
The all-new Kia Sportage goes on sale across Europe in the first quarter of 2016.