Kia offers powertrain details on the new Sportage

Tuesday, 6 July 2021

The new Sportage gets snazzy new looks and a brand new architecture.

Kia has revealed more information on the upcoming Sportage, including details on the powertrains.

The new Sportage is the second Kia model to be designed under the new ‘Opposites Unite’ language, the first being the electric EV6.

The interior takes a lot of inspiration from Kia’s larger models, like the Sorento.

Both share the distinctive boomerang headlights bookending the tiger nose grille, fat rear arches, rear spoiler and the linked rear lights, although it appears the Sportage won’t have a full-width LED across the bootlid. The Sportage also gets a contrasting black roof for the first time.

“The Kia Sportage epitomises what a family-friendly SUV should be, so it’s understandable that it has enjoyed particular sales success - nowhere more so than here in New Zealand,” said Managing Director of Kia New Zealand, Todd McDonald.

A new Terrain Mode will be included, though Kia doesn’t say if this is range-wide or a 4WD exclusive.

**READ MORE:

* Kia shows off next-gen Sportage

* Kia teases fifth-generation Sportage

Hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions are coming too.

* Five million sales can't be wrong - Kia Sportage is a popular SUV

The off-road-oriented X-Line model is also destined for New Zealand.

“We are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the all-new model as it offers enhanced aesthetics, a new driving system which improves ride and handling, together with a premium interior complemented by outstanding occupant safety.

“There has been considerable interest in the new Sportage, and that’s even before details such as model line up, specification and price have been revealed.”

The next-gen Sportage gets the new N3 architecture, allowing it to be the first Kia vehicle that will be available in long and short wheelbase versions as well.

Included is a new Terrain Mode, which “automatically adjusts the Sportage’s settings so that the vehicle realises an optimal drive dynamic for any given road condition and environment, including snow, mud and sand.” Other modes include Comfort, Eco, Sport or Smart, like current-gen Kia models.

Also new to the Sportage is Kia’s E-Handling system that improves agility and stability, working alongside a new Electric Control Suspension system and four-wheel drive, which will almost certainly be offered alongside front-wheel drive variants.

Confirmed powertrains include a 1.6-litre petrol four-cylinder making 134kW/265Nm paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and a 2.0-litre diesel offering 139kW/417Nm with an eight-speed torque-converter automatic.

Eventually, Kia will offer a hybrid and plug-in hybrid option, although those are yet to be detailed.

With regard to safety, the Sportage gets Kia’s full active safety suite. This includes navigation-based active cruise control that can adjust the speed of the SUV in anticipation of upcoming corners. Other gubbins like blind-spot collision avoidance, a blind-spot view monitor, and autonomous emergency braking are all standard.

Another new feature to Sportage is remote smart parking assist, which lets drivers park or exit a spot from outside the vehicle.

More information, including price, will be made available closer to the launch this year.

Also coming is a new Sportage X-Line model, “specifically designed to convey a more confident, vigorous and versatile character.” This gets a special front bumper, side sills and a curved roof rack along with sage green or black seating, “bold quilting” and black metal wood.