Kia Sportage new generation: a shortened version for Europe

The fifth-generation Kia Sportage crossover has already debuted in a “global” version, which has become noticeably larger than its predecessor. Such machines are already being sold in South Korea, and will subsequently enter the markets of America, China and other Asian countries. But especially for Europe, Kia has prepared a short-wheelbase version, which will premiere at the IAA in Munich.

If the short and long versions of the related Hyundai Tucson SUV have the same design, and they can only be distinguished by proportions, then the developers of the Kia Sportage crossover used a different concept. The short European version has an original rear end, echoing the cars of previous generations. Such a Sportage is distinguished by an original window sill line, blind rear roof pillars and a reduced fifth door glass.

Compared to the outgoing generation crossover, the wheelbase is stretched by only 10 mm (for the long version by 85 mm), up to 2680 mm. The length of the European SUV is 4515 mm versus 4485 mm for the old model and 4660 mm for the new “global” version. Also with the change of generation Sportage has become 10 mm wider (1865 mm) and 10 mm higher (1645 mm).

LED optics are standard equipment, while expensive versions will have matrix headlights. You can choose from wheels with a landing diameter of 17, 18 or 19 inches. For a surcharge, for the first time, it will be possible to order a black roof. And the “sports” version of the GT-Line was immediately prepared, which differs from the basic version in an external body kit.

The interior design of the two versions of the new crossover is the same, but the “European” has a narrower back row, and the trunk volume is 591 liters, while the long-wheelbase Sportage holds 637 liters. However, this is still immediately 100 liters more than the car of the outgoing generation. The back of the rear sofa is divided into three sections in a ratio of 40:20:40. And another unusual feature of the cabin is the head restraints of the front seats, on the back of which clothes hangers are molded.

The new Euro-Sportage is offered with a rich set of powertrains. The 1.6 CRDI turbodiesel is offered in 115 or 136 hp versions, while the 1.6 T-GDI petrol turbo engine produces 150 or 180 hp. Starter-generator is standard on petrol versions and optional on diesel ones. There is a choice of a six-speed “mechanics” (for a diesel engine it is iMT without a mechanical connection between the pedal and the clutch) and a seven-speed “robot” with two clutches, the drive is front or full (with a clutch on the rear axle).

There are also two hybrids, both with a 1.6 T-GDI petrol turbo engine with a capacity of 180 hp. The basic version without the ability to connect to an outlet has a 60-horsepower electric motor, which is built into a six-speed “automatic”. Peak system power – 230 hp But such a crossover cannot move on pure electric traction, because the capacity of the lithium-ion battery located under the rear sofa is only 1.49 kWh. A more advanced plug-in hybrid has a 13.8 kWh battery, which is located under the cabin floor. The electric motor already produces 91 hp, and the peak output of the hybrid system is 265 hp.

The European Sportage has several driving modes, including off-road Terrain Mode, and among the options is an adaptive suspension with electronically controlled dampers. The arsenal has a complete set of electronic assistants: adaptive cruise control, automatic braking and lane keeping systems.

European dealers of the new generation Kia Sportage will appear before the end of this year, and there will be no long version at all. Until recently, the new crossover will only arrive in the first half of 2022, and most likely it will be a “global” extended version.

All generations of the Kia Sportage crossover