When Kia rolled out the Sportage almost 20 years ago, the Korean brand was one of the pioneers in urban SUVs. In the meantime, after selling 2.5 million Sportages (730,000 of them in Europe), the brand is about to present the fifth generation of the compact SUV, which is also set to mark the beginning of a new era for the company.
“The new Sportage,” says Kia Product Manager Sven Goh, “is the first model that we have developed with our new brand identity.” The compact SUV is in one of the fastest growing segments, which now has a market share of 17 percent Europe has reached and, according to Goh, “will grow by up to 22 percent” in the coming years. Compared to its predecessor, the creatives in the European design center worked with their colleagues in Korea to develop a completely new design that gives the Sportage a much more self-confident appearance. While the predecessor still looked a little chubby, the new edition is dominated by sharply drawn lines and a newly designed front section with matrix light headlights, which are framed by two narrowly cut daytime running lights.
In terms of dimensions, the Kia designers resisted the temptation to rely on growth, so that the Sportage increased in length by just three centimeters to 4.51 meters and in the wheelbase by one centimeter to 2.68 meters. In height was added one centimeter to 1.64 meters. The Sportage promoted to “Ambassador for Kia” appears dynamic without taking on aggressive traits. For an optimized driving experience, the company’s technicians have given the Sportage a new, electronically controlled chassis.
The brand’s new premium orientation, which was once started as an inexpensive alternative, can also be seen in the interior. High-quality materials, a lot of piano lacquer look, a large touch-sensitive screen facing the driver, which was obviously inspired by the EV6 electric model, and optional leather seats underline the new claim. All information is transmitted to the person behind the steering wheel over a total of 24 inches. The passengers will also find sufficient space in the rear, and the audio system from Harman Kardon provides the entertainment program during the journey. The space for travelers’ luggage has increased by ten to 15 percent compared to its predecessor, resulting in a volume of a good 500 liters behind the tailgate.
Meanwhile, numerous digital helpers support the driver. This includes the small monitor in the driver’s display, which switches on as soon as the turn signal is in action and makes vehicles visible in the blind spot. The range also includes a parking assistant as well as collision warning systems for the front and rear, adaptive cruise control and other electronic helpers.
The propulsion department is shared by two petrol engines, one diesel and one full hybrid engine, and later also a plug-in hybrid. The gasoline engine group consists of a newly developed 1.6-liter four-cylinder with either 150 or 180 hp. The 1.6-liter diesel has an output of 115 hp and the full hybrid achieves a system output of 230 hp. The 265 hp plug-in hybrid should, Kia promises, have an electric range of “around 60 kilometers”. The petrol engines can also be ordered as all-wheel drive. The launch is scheduled for early next year, and prices will be announced at that time. (aum)