December 6, 2021 – The dedicated European version of the best-selling Kia Sportage has been carefully crafted to establish new benchmarks across the SUV segment in Europe. It combines a sleek yet muscular and modern exterior design with a cutting-edge premium interior featuring a swooping integrated curved display that houses the very latest advancements in connectivity tech.
Developed on a new ‘N3’ architecture, the European Sportage benefits from a European-focused high-tech engineering program that has realized an optimal wheelbase and ideal dimensions and proportions for European roads. This meticulous approach has helped create an SUV that is a perfect fit for European requirements, underscoring its everyday practicality and usability. Such a progressive and tailored package has also resulted in improved luggage capacity, headroom and legroom compared to the outgoing Sportage model, with outstanding legroom for the second-row passengers.
State-of-the-art hybrid powertrains further enhance the European Sportage’s capabilities, serving to dramatically reduce emissions and enhance fuel economy. An advanced plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model represents another first for the European Sportage, realizing eco-friendly electric-only driving that can cover most daily trips from the home to work or for daily shopping needs. The all-new fifth-generation Sportage also debuts a high-tech hybrid (HEV) variant and a mild-hybrid (MHEV) gasoline powertrain. The very latest internal combustion clean petrol and diesel engines are also available, ensuring that the new Sportage can meet a wide breadth of customer needs and requirements. The diesel engine can also be paired with the MHEV tech, serving to further reduce emissions and improve overall fuel economy.
“The all-new Sportage has been carefully designed, developed and honed specifically for Europe, in the process breaking boundaries and establishing new benchmarks in the SUV segment,” said Jason Jeong, President at Kia Europe.
“With its forward-thinking exterior design and its pioneering interior, the new Sportage combines a dynamic road presence on the outside with a class-leading, driver-focused premium cabin that benefits from the very latest breakthrough tech features.”
“The new Sportage is also equipped with advanced powertrain electrification technologies – we have efficient, eco-friendly hybrid models that can meet the needs of all customers. With an eco-friendly all-electric range, the all-new plug-in hybrid Sportage model further highlights Kia’s mission to accelerate sustainable mobility across Europe,” added Jeong.
Driving Dynamics
European Sportage benefits from new Terrain Mode and new ECS
Based on the company’s new ‘N3’ architecture, every element of the new Sportage has been designed and developed to enhance the SUV’s premium stature.
Representing a first for Sportage is the creation of an all-new Terrain Mode that debuts on the fifth-generation model. Developed for Sportage owners that want to pursue outdoor adventure and leisure activities, the highly-advanced Terrain Mode adjusts the Sportage’s settings so that the vehicle realizes an optimal drive dynamic for any given road condition and environment.
The new N3 platform has also heavily influenced new Sportage’s driving characteristics, combining a refined, stable and comfortable ride with agile and dynamic handling. An advanced steering and suspension system that has been meticulously tuned helps bring these qualities together.
To create a dynamic, engaging and optimal driving experience for European roads, the new Sportage debuts numerous highly innovative technology breakthroughs. A new-generation Electronic Control Suspension (ECS) provides optimum comfort and superior safety levels at all times thanks to its continuous damping control. The technology reacts quickly to the Sportage’s body movements and steering inputs, making rapid damper adjustments to counteract heave, pitch and body roll through corners. It also adapts the damping force of the suspension to comfortably accommodate obstacles and reduce wheel impact from aftershocks. An electronically-controlled AWD system makes sure power is optimally distributed between the front and rear wheels depending on road conditions and driving situations, not only further enhancing driving performance but also boosting safety and efficiency.
Advanced powertrains
At the heart of the new European Sportage lies efficiency, power and performance
The new Sportage will be launched with a comprehensive range of powerful, responsive and efficient powertrains, including state-of-the-art hybrid electric technologies as well as the very latest-generation clean gasoline and diesel internal combustion (IC) engines.
From the very start of development, new Sportage was intended to embrace the latest electrified powertrain technologies, making it one of the most efficient SUVs available. Developed on an advanced architecture that encompasses powertrain electrification innovations, both the HEV and PHEV models of the new European Sportage deliver a no-compromise eco-friendly SUV package.
The packaging for the HEV and PHEV models has been carefully arranged to minimize impact on passenger and luggage space. For the HEV derivative, the battery pack is placed under the second-row seats, resulting in legroom that is the same as the IC engine Sportage models. For the PHEV Sportage, the high-voltage battery is placed centrally between the two axles under the body of the SUV, ensuring a balanced weight distribution and an interior space that is practical, comfortable and versatile.
All three state-of-the-art hybrid models – HEV, PHEV and one of the two MHEV derivatives – that help make up the fifth-generation Sportage line-up feature Kia’s award-winning 1.6-liter T-GDI engine. Along with being sporty, engaging and highly responsive, the advanced four-cylinder unit also features Continuous Variable Valve Duration (CVVD), a sophisticated technology that controls the duration of a valve lift event to dramatically improve performance, fuel economy and emissions.
In addition to the application of CVVD, the 1.6 engine also benefits from a new and optimized combustion process, cooling technologies and key friction reduction measures, including an advanced integrated thermal management system and the use of a low-friction ball bearing.
For the Sportage Plug-in Hybrid, the compact turbo engine is part of an advanced powertrain package that also features a 66.9kW permanent magnet traction electric motor and a 13.8kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack. This powertrain combination delivers a total system power output of 265PS, with 180PS originating from the T-GDI engine.
The state-of-the-art battery pack in the Sportage Plug-in Hybrid features a high-tech battery management unit that constantly monitors the state of the battery, including factors such as current, voltage, isolation and fault diagnosis. The pack also has an advanced cell monitoring unit that measures and monitors cell voltage and temperature.
For the Sportage Hybrid model, the acclaimed 1.6 T-GDI engine combines with a 44.2kW permanent magnet traction electric motor and a 1.49kWh lithium-ion polymer battery to deliver an efficient and responsive powertrain. Total system power is 230PS.
The Sportage also features a gasoline MHEV that benefits from the 1.6 T-GDI engine, with the hybridization technology working to reduce emissions and enhance frugality. Two power options of the Sportage Gasoline MHEV are available – 150PS and 180PS.
Also included in the launch line-up of the new European Sportage is a highly efficient 1.6-litre clean diesel engine that is available with 115PS or 136PS power outputs. The 136PS clean diesel model is the second MHEV powertrain available in the Sportage, with the hybridisation technology further reducing emissions and enhancing efficiency of the SUV. The diesel engine also features the latest SCR active emissions control technologies that further cuts pollutants such as NOx and particulate matter.
The new Sportage is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (7DCT). A six-speed manual transmission (MT) is also available, while a 6-speed intelligent manual transmission (iMT) is exclusive to the MHEV models. Both the Sportage Hybrid and Sportage Plug-in Hybrid models are equipped with the latest-generation six-speed automatic transmission (6AT). To meet all customer requirements, new Sportage is available in either all-wheel drive (AWD) or front-wheel drive (FWD) spec. The Sportage Plug-in Hybrid benefits from AWD technology.
State-of-the-art interior space
Carefully crafted cabin combines advanced tech withcontemporary style
The interior of the new Sportage plays with boldness in character, softness in qualities and innovation in technology, creating a driver-orientated space that is truly state-of-the-art. The cabin has been carefully crafted to fuse breakthrough tech with luxury features, premium materials and modern style.
At the centre of the new Sportage’s modern cabin sits a beautifully sculpted integrated curved display with touchscreen and finely detailed sporty air vents. The curved display sweeps across the front of the interior, giving the cockpit dramatic width and depth.
The high-tech 12.3-inch touchscreen and the multimode touch display act as the nerve centre for driver and passenger connectivity, functionality and usability needs. Both have been created to be easy-to-use, highly intuitive and soft to touch. The 12.3-inch instrument cluster is equipped with the latest-generation full thin-film-transistor liquid-crystal display for incredibly precise and clear graphics. With such advanced and secure high-tech connectivity, new Sportage benefits from the latest over-the-air software and map updates. The advanced connectivity software in the new Sportage allows users in Europe to connect with their vehicle remotely via the Kia Connect smartphone app. The interactive, easy-to-use tech also gives users access to key onboard features, providing total peace of mind with a simple tap to check that their Sportage is locked and the doors are closed, and full convenience by informing users exactly where they parked their SUV.
An ergonomic centre console has been optimally positioned for the driver and front passenger to provide further flexible storage. For example, by simply pressing a button, the cupholders located in the centre console fold into the unit when they are not needed, giving occupants a larger and practical space in which to store items. The centre console is also home to the striking shift-by-wire transmission dial. A smartphone charging bay offers high-speed 15W wireless charging.
Throughout the cabin, the highest quality materials that are sumptuous to touch have been used, while dynamic colour options add vibrancy and energy. The driver and front passenger seats combine innovation, comfort and functionality in a sporting slim design. They house fast-charge USB ports and, further enhancing passenger convenience, at the rear of the seats are integrated hanger-type designs within the slim headrests, allowing clothing and handbags to be easily and conveniently hooked into place.
The European Sportage’s intelligent interior space, which combines practicality, functionality and versatility, is underpinned by a compact wheelbase of 2,680mm, a width of 1,865mm, length of 4,515mm and height of 1,645mm. This has resulted in a package that leads the way in legroom, headroom and luggage capacity. The European Sportage offers 996mm legroom for second-row passengers (955mm for the PHEV model) while headroom at the rear is 998mm. Luggage capacity is 591 litres (VDA) for the ICE models.
To further maximize convenience, the rear seats can fold down in a 40:20:40 split allowing for 1,780 litres of total cargo space. This intelligent interior functionality, with the rear seats folding down by simply pulling a lever, comes as standard across all Sportage models in Europe.
Fully immersive, in-car surround sound is delivered to the occupants of the new Sportage via an industry-leading speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system.
The new GT-line model further accentuates the Sportage’s energetic nature, with elements of the interior creating visually strong contrasts between black and white, in the process giving the model a lively and sporty environment.
DriveWise leads the way in safety
Sportage is home to the very latest passive and active safety technologies
With safety being a top priority during development, the fifth-generation Sportage is one of the safest vehicles in its class.
Underneath the sleek exterior design of new Sportage is a reinforced and lightweight body structure that has high torsional rigidity. New Sportage has different safety restraint and structure system applications, including driver airbag, passenger airbag, side curtain airbags, front-seat centre airbag and low-side airbags.
Kia’s acclaimed Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) technology – also known as DriveWise – helps the new Sportage to avoid potential hazards, fully protecting occupants and other road users on every journey. As part of its DriveWise ADAS package, the new Sportage features Kia’s industry-leading Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist System with Junction Turning functionality, which helps avoid collisions with oncoming cars, pedestrians and bicycles when turning left or right at junctions.
Highway Driving Assist (HDA) maintains a set distance and speed from the vehicle ahead when driving on a highway and helps to centre the new Sportage in its lane. HDA can also adjust vehicle speed according to the speed limit.
Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC) helps drive the new Sportage at a safe speed on the highway using real-time navigation data. Further extending the scope of NSCC, for parts of the highway where there are corners and curves, the technology automatically reduces the speed of travel before encountering the corner or curve. Upon getting back to the ‘straight’ of the highway, NSCC resets the speed limit to the original level.
When operating the turning signal to change lanes, if there is a risk of collision with a rear-side vehicle, a new Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) system will provide a warning to the driver. After the warning, if the risk of collision increases, BCA actively controls the new Sportage to help avoid a collision. BCA is also active in situations such as parallel parking manoeuvres, further helping to avoid collision with rear-side vehicles. Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM) is also included on the new Sportage and further enhances safety and driver visibility when changing lanes by displaying a real-time rear-side image of the vehicle in the instrument cluster.
Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) helps the driver to remotely park or exit a parking spot from outside the vehicle. Parking manoeuvres are further enhanced with the addition of Surround View Monitor (SVM) technology, which displays real-time video footage of the vehicle and its surroundings.
Instant visual impact
A new design identity based on a bold and daring philosophy
The exterior of the new Sportage establishes new design boundaries, giving it dramatic presence on European roads.
Tense and crisp lines ripple along the refined body, amplifying exquisite styling tensions. At the same time, clean but muscular surfaces join forces with intricate graphics to give the SUV a dynamic and assertive road presence.
Revealed earlier this year to great acclaim from the design community, Kia’s new design language – Opposites United – is at the core of the new Sportage, influencing every aspect of its appearance and character.
The thought-provoking and daring philosophy is formed of five pillars: Joy for Reason, Power to Progress, Technology for Life, Tension for Serenity and Bold for Nature. The last pillar – Bold for Nature – has profoundly influenced the design creation of new Sportage, embodying the natural world and creating a design identity that takes a daring, emotional, modern but organic form.
From the front, new Sportage showcases a precise and intricate design form with its detailed-orientated black grille graphic stretching across the width of the face. The technical graphic pulls together the main frontal features of the new Sportage, presenting a striking look. The grille links Kia’s modern signature Tiger Nose grille to the distinctive futuristic-styled boomerang-shaped LED DRLs (daytime running lights), which in turn create solid boundary lines for the striking Matrix LED head lamps also known as intelligent front lighting system.
Paying homage to its sports utility heritage, the side profile of the new Sportage creates a stirring road presence with taut lines cutting across clean but refined body surfaces that seamlessly blend the contrasting volumes together. The addition of a chrome beltline that kicks up onto the rear side of the new Sportage creates harmonious lines with the rear spoiler, further adding to the sporting pedigree of the car.
The European Sportage maintains its strong road presence right at the rear with a muscular swooping fastback design that flows into the rear lamps, which have been crafted to give the impression that they cut into the body with fine precision. The razor rear lamps are connected by a slim horizontal design, giving the new Sportage a stunningly wide impression from the back.
Representing another first for the new Sportage range in Europe, a new black roof is now available with the GT-line model, helping to accentuate the sporting profile and highlight the architecturally dynamic C-pillar. The new black roof is a compelling design feature that is further complimented on the GT-line by standout body colours that are vivid and spirited.
Depending on spec and model, new Sportage rides on 17-inch, 18-inch or range-topping 19-inch wheels, with a choice of six different alloy designs, colours and finishes.
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