Kia Corporation Welcomes Fifth-Generation Kia Sportage!

Rumour has it that the fifth-generation Kia Sportage is the ultimate urban SUV. Well, seeing as this model is available in both long and short wheelbase model variants (depending on the region), we wouldn’t expect any less from the all-new Kia Sportage.

“Our new Sportage is a true inspiration for the SUV category in every sense,” said Senior Vice President and Head of Global Brand and Customer Experience Division at Kia Corporation, Artur Martins. “Be it the forward-thinking design, stellar interior, next-generation tech, efficient and responsive powertrains, the highest levels in safety systems or the latest engineering breakthroughs that guarantee a responsive and optimal drive – the all-new Sportage is the ultimate urban SUV.” “Reinventing the Sportage gave our talented design teams a tremendous opportunity to do something new; to take inspiration from the recent brand relaunch and introduction of EV6 to inspire customers through modern and innovative SUV design. With the all-new Sportage, we didn’t simply want to take one step forward but instead move on to a different level in the SUV class,” commented Senior Vice President and Head of Global Design Center Karim Habib.

Did you know that the company’s new design language - Opposites United - was the primary influence for the appearance and character of the all-new Sportage? This model originated from five pillars: Joy for Reason, Power to Progress, Technology for Life, Tension for Serenity, and Bold for Nature. On top of that, the latest generation of Sportage is also the result of a collaboration between Kia’s leading global design network in Korea, Germany, the US and China. The exterior highlights include a striking detailed-oriented black grille graphic that compliments the boomerang-shaped LED DRLs (daytime running lamps), and the striking Matrix LED headlamps. At the rear, the vehicle comes with razor rear lamps connected by a slim horizontal design.

Equipped with a black roof - a first for the Sportage range - customers can also opt for a different colour paint option for the vehicle's body. The new Sportage comes in three-wheel options that include 17-inch, 18-inch or range-topping 19-inch wheels. It also offers seven different alloy designs, colours and finishes.

As for the interior, some of the highlights include a high-tech 12-inch touchscreen and advanced integrated controller, a 12-inch instrument cluster that is equipped with the latest-generation full thin-film-transistor liquid-crystal display and a Harman Kardon premium sound system.

It stands at a width of 1,865mm, length of 4,660mm, a height of 1,660mm and a wheelbase of 2,755mm. Not only does it have a boot space of up to 637 litres, but it can also expand to additional cargo space when the rear seats are folded down.

Offered in the all-new Sportage line-up is a high-tech 1.6-litre TGDI engine paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (7DCT), while a 6-speed manual transmission is also available. This powertrain produces 182 hp to 265 Nm of torque. Now known as one of the most efficient and eco-friendly SUVs, its four-cylinder unit increases its fuel efficiency through a state-of-the-art combustion process, breakthrough cooling technologies and key friction reduction measures that include an advanced integrated thermal management system and the use of a low-friction ball bearing. Also part of the launch line-up is an R2.0-litre diesel engine paired with an advanced variable geometry turbocharger that helps it produce 189 hp and 417 Nm of torque. It is also equipped with an extensively re-engineered 8-speed automatic transmission. The all-new Sportage range will also include hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models. More information about the high-tech electrified all-new Sportage models, along with other gasoline and diesel variants, will be made available near the start of sales. Next, this new model will come inclusive of the new Terrain Mode, a first for Kia. The Terrain Mode automatically adjusts the settings of the Sportage so that the vehicle realises an optimal drive dynamic for any given road condition and environment, including snow, mud and sand. The driver also can choose between four drive modes that include Comfort, Eco, Sport or Smart sub-settings. Not forgetting that when changing from one drive mode to another, a highly visual graphic in the audio-video navigation system will notify the driver how the vehicle has changed in terms of driving setup.

The vehicle's front is equipped with a MacPherson strut-type suspension, while the rear comes with a four-link type set-up. The all-new Sportage comes with a new Electric Control Suspension (ECS) for more comfort and better safety thanks to its continuous damping control in real-time. As for the HEV and PHEV versions of the all-new Sportage will come with the brand’s new top-of-the-class E-Handling system. Moving on to safety, the latest generation Sportage includes different safety restraint and structure system applications such as driver airbags, passenger airbags, side curtain airbags and low-side airbags. Among the safety features available under the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) technology are Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Highway Driving Assist (HDA), Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) system, Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM), and Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA).

For more information on the all-new Sportage, stay tuned for the global market launch later this year!