Kia reveals more details on the all-new Sportage – two ICE powertrains, hybrid and PHEV soon



Following the unveiling of the gorgeous fifth-generation Kia Sportage last month, the Korean carmaker has now followed up with some more photos of the all-new SUV model, along with a full list of specifications for the Korean market.

Firstly, the size – the all-new Sportage will be available in either a long- or short-wheelbase version, depending on market. For the former, the SUV measures 4,660 mm in length, 1,865 mm in width, and 1,660 mm in height, making it 180 mm longer, 10 mm wider and 25 mm taller than before.

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Kia says that the increase in size has enabled to Sportage to boast class-leading rear legroom (1,050 mm), headroom (1,000 mm) and luggage space (637 litres). The rear seats can also be folded down with a button press for a flat cargo space to easily fit in bulkier items.

At launch, the all-new Sportage will be available with a choice of two internal combustion engines, both slightly upgraded versions from those in the outgoing model. A hybrid and plug-in hybrid variant will be introduced at a later date.

The petrol variant is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged inline-four engine that’s good for 180 hp and 265 Nm, and is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (or a six-speed manual). Meanwhile, the diesel variants get a 2.0-litre turbodiesel mill with 186 hp and 417 Nm, that’s paired as standard to an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Off-road enthusiasts can only opt for the oil burners for now, as they are the only ones to offer a variable all-wheel drive system. Although, it does come with a new Terrain Mode with auto, snow, mud, and sand settings that alters the drivetrain to better suit the trickier terrains.

For on-the-road driving though, all of them boast a “refined, stable and comfortable ride” with better handling characteristics, thanks to the new third-generation N3 architecture that underpins the all-new Kia Sportage. Hybrid models will also get something called the “E-Handling system” which supposedly further increase agility and stability on corner entry and exit, through smarter torque and brake force distribution.

As for safety, the all-new Kia Sportage comes as standard with an abundance of advanced driver assistance features, including autonomous emergency braking, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM), as well as a Remote Smart Parking Assist system.

The Kia Sportage also comes with the Highway Drive Assist (HDA) system, which offers level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities with smart cruise control based on navigation data from the on-board infotainment system.

Speaking of infotainment, the cabin of the all-new Sportage is dominated by a huge curved display panel, which houses both the instrument and infotainment screens – both measuring 12-inches in diameter, and features the latest LCD technology for clearer graphics.

Kia says that both the displays have been created to be easy-to-use, highly intuitive and “soft to touch” – but the ergonomic considerations don’t end just at the touchscreens. The centre console has also been “optimally positioned” for the driver and front passenger, offering storage space, infotainment controls, soft-touch switches, and a shift-by-wire transmission dial.

That all sounds great, but frankly, we’re still stuck here staring at this gorgeous white-and-blue upholstery colour combination.

Of course, we can’t talk about the new Sportage without mentioning its striking design – although we did leave it to the very end here. You’ve already heard all about Kia’s marketing blurbs when the car was first unveiled, so we’re going to skip that here.

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But in terms of specifications, the all-new Kia Sportage will be offered with wheels ranging from 17- to 19-inches in diameter, depending on trim levels. There’ll be a GT-Line model with sportier styling cues, and a new X-Line package that adds rugged front and rear bumper designs, silver skid plates, and roof rails.

The all-new Kia Sportage is now available for pre-orders in South Korea, with prices ranging from 24.42 million won (~RM90k) to 31.85 million won (~RM124k). The new model is expected to go on sale later this year, though the specification for other markets (and hopefully Malaysia) will only be revealed at the later global launch.


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