Saar: Additionally, the updated Sportage gets a revamped exterior and interior design as well as new safety and infotainment technologies.
A few days ago, Kia Motors revealed the working process of its first-ever diesel 48V mild-hybrid powertrain and confirmed that the Sportage SUV will be the first vehicle to get it. That time has come as the company has now taken the wraps off the upgraded Kia Sportage SUV for the European market. Apart from the inclusion of the mild-hybrid system, the refreshed Sportage gets a revamped exterior and interior design, a new diesel engine as well as new safety and infotainment technologies.
Let’s start with the new powerplant. The 1.6-litre U3 CRDi engine, which Kia says is the cleanest diesel engine it has ever made, replaces the 1.7-litre mill. It is available in two states of tune, with 115PS or 136PS on tap. The more powerful of the two is available with all-wheel drive and 7-speed automatic transmission. The mild-hybrid system, which Kia claims, can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 4 per cent on the Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP), comes mated to the 2.0-litre ‘R’ diesel engine.
In terms of design, the refreshed Kia Sportage gets new front and rear bumpers along with restyled headlamps and taillamps. For the wheels, Kia will offer 16-, 17- and 19-inch alloys while other options include chrome sill trim, metallic skid plates and five new paint shades. GT Line models enhance the visual appeal by sporting a gloss black hot-stamped radiator grille, skid plates finished in gloss black and silver, and dark chrome inserts on the side sills and tailgate. They also get newly designed 19-inch alloy wheels along with dual exhaust rear valance and new ‘ice-cube’ LED fog lamps.
Inside the cabin, there is a new steering wheel which is accompanied by a revised instrument cluster. The Kia Sportage also gets new dual-tone black-and-grey upholstery. For GT models, Kia keeps the same dual-tone combination but with leather seats. However, an upholstery in black leather with red accents is available for an extra fee.
On the technology front, the refreshed Kia Sportage gets Smart Cruise Control with Stop&Go, an Around View Monitor and Driver Attention Warning system. For European markets, Kia will also offer a choice between the new 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment or a frameless 8.0-inch one.
Chances for the Sportage to come to India aren’t that great. Instead, the company’s Indian arm, which will begin operations from next year, will focus on more competitive products such as a compact SUV and a compact sedan. That said, we won’t rule out the possibility of the mild-hybrid powertrain to make its presence felt on our shores. Kia Motors India is currently readying production-spec of the SP Concept compact SUV and will soon be finalizing its official name.
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