Kia unveils new Sportage with new technologies and fresh design

Kia Motors has revealed the new Kia Sportage, introducing a range of enhancements to the brand's U.K., European and global best-seller. The new model pairs an updated exterior and interior design with new safety and infotainment technologies. 

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 48V battery, and extends engine 'off time' with a new mild-hybrid starter-generator unit.

The new diesel mild-hybrid powertrain is the first to be launched as part of the brand's global powertrain electrification strategy.

Kia is the first manufacturer to offer hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery-electric and 48V mild-hybrid technology across its full model lineup. Kia will launch 16 advanced powertrain vehicles by 2025, including five new hybrids, five plug-in hybrids, five battery-electric vehicles and, in 2020, a new fuel-cell electric vehicle.

The Sportage's existing 1.7-litre CRDi diesel engine has been replaced with Kia's efficient new 1.6-litre 'U3' CRDi engine, the cleanest diesel engine Kia has ever made. The new 1.6-litre diesel engine produces 113bhp or 134bhp, with higher-powered models available with all-wheel drive and a seven-speed double-clutch transmission.

All powertrains are now fully compliant with the Euro 6d TEMP emissions standards.

Improvements to the Sportage's sporty exterior design include 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, and five new paint colours.

The newly-refined cabin features a new steering wheel and revised instrument cluster, as well as new black-and-grey two-tone upholstery. 'GT-Line' models are available with new black-and-grey two-tone leather seats, or optional black leather with red accents.

The new Sportage adopts Kia's latest advanced driving assistance systems, including Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go, an Around View Monitor for easier parking manoeuvres, and Driver Attention Warning, to combat fatigue and inattentiveness at the wheel. European customers have a choice of Kia's new infotainment systems - a 7.0-inch touchscreen, or a new 'frameless' 8.0-inch infotainment system.