A new generation of the KIA Sportage arrives, one of the most popular SUVs on the market. His change is radical, although you don’t just have to look at the outside. We have already tried it, and we will tell you everything about it.
The KIA Sportage has gone from being considered a second-rate product to being one of the best-selling SUVs in Europe. The latest update has just been introduced, the fifth generation of this best seller. The Sportage is considered a modern product, but few know that its beginnings predate the commercial explosion of SUVs. The first generation was introduced in the 1990s, based on the then Mazda Bongo. That first contact hardly had an impact in our country, but as new models arrived, sales skyrocketed.
The fourth generation has set the bar very high, and the question that everyone asks is simple: can this fifth edition improve the figures of the past? If there is something that I like about Asian brands, it is that they know no fear. European manufacturers, mainly German ones, are not inclined to make radical design changes. That’s not the case with the new Sportage, which looks nothing like the old one.. It doesn’t matter where you look at it, from the front, from behind, from the side… The collection of new elements is inexhaustible.
The resources and details would give for a specific article on the subject. Every time you look at it you discover a new detail. There is no doubt that it will draw a lot of attention on the street, although yes, it will be especially the most complete versions of the range.also the most expensive, where it is worth highlighting the presence of the GT-Line finish with its striking paints with contrasting roof, chrome details and wheels up to 19 inches.
The rear is no less spectacular, although it is not as striking. All attention is directed to the headlights, which are joined by a black mask, which does not turn on, and the huge tailgate that hides a very large and well-used trunk. The current model announces different sizes for the trunk, between 526 and 591 liters depending on the mechanical variant and the traction system. Considerable growth over the previous generation.
That is not the only dimension that changes with respect to the past model. The Sportage grows, although it continues to position itself in an ideal size within the C-SUV segment. Its new measurements take it to 4.51 meters long, 1.86 meters wide and 1.64 meters high with a wheelbase of 2.68 meters. Within the Korean family, above it we only find the KIA Sorento, and if we look down there are the KIA Niro, KIA X-Ceed and the KIA Stonic.
KIA has changed the platform, but has hardly changed the interior dimensions. However, it has been able to make better use of the figures. The habitability in the rear seats is very good. Room for midsize passengers is very generous, with freedom of movement for legs and head. Occupants over 1.85 meters tall may not travel as loose, but comfortable enough. Of course, the width does not seem to be ideal for three adult passengers, although the seats are comfortable and there are many details.
Details such as the USB sockets or the ventilation outlets that are perfect elements to enter a spectacular front part in its presentation, a space that is very reminiscent of the KIA EV6 that we already told you about a few months ago. KIA does not take a step forward, it takes a tremendous leap in technology. The offer is distributed in several lines of equipment: Concept, Drive, Tech and GT-Line. Its base finish includes such interesting elements as the multimedia system with an 8-inch screen, LED headlights, a parking camera, dual-zone climate control and many driving assistants.
But that is only a small sample of what can be included. Panoramic ceiling, heated and ventilated electric front seats, leather upholstery, digital instrumentation and 12.3-inch dual-panel multimedia systemthree-zone climate control, keyless entry and start, 360-degree camera, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and all the security deployment and assistants with level two autonomous driving.
Technology takes a leading role in the interior, there is no doubt about that, but few objections can be made to the presentation. KIA has chosen the materials very well. Soft, pleasant-touch surfaces that generate a greater sense of perceived quality. The ergonomics are also very satisfactory, with elements such as the multichannel module that we had already seen in the EV6. The only thing “different” is the driving position, with a very low steering wheel which is strange at first, but which is easy to get used to (it’s not like the Peugeots).
One of the main axes of this new generation of the Sportage has been the mechanical part. KIA presents a fleet of engines that is electrified for the most part in various echelons: Mild-Hybrid, hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems with the advantageous ECO and ZERO labels. Powers range between 116 and 265 plug-in hybrid horsepower. Depending on the mechanics chosen, we will have the possibility of having front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive systems with manual gearboxes or double-clutch automatic transmissions, which will come as standard in hybrids and in the most powerful versions.
At the wheel of the new KIA Sportage
Mechanical diversity allows Kia to offer a different Sportage for each buyer. From those looking for a simple gasoline or diesel engine to those who are concerned about pollution and want to take the step to more electrified mobility. The hybrid is one of the winning bets. It has a gasoline engine and an electric motor that together offer a maximum of 230 horsepower. with a small battery of 1.49 kWh capacity that will allow us to drive a couple of kilometers without spending gasoline
The plug-in hybrid is the most powerful, but also the most expensive. In that case we talk about 265 horsepower and a 13.8 kWh capacity battery that will allow you to ride in 100% electric mode for about 50 or 60 kilometers. It’s important to note that getting the most out of a plug-in hybrid requires charging the battery. For this, the Sportage has low-power feeders, up to 3.3 kW that allow it to recover 100% of the battery in about three and a half hours.
Microhybrid versions are a known solution. They offer an additional electrical system that hardly involves changes in driving and consumption, but with which they manage to homologate the ECO label, especially interesting to move in the increasingly common anti-pollution protocols. And since I’ve talked about consumption, saying that the official data report an expense between 4.9 and 7.1 liters on average per 100 kilometerswith the 1.6 CRDi diesel being the most economical unit, followed by the conventional hybrid.
In terms of driving, I must admit that the Sportage has gained poise and ride quality. You can see a more mature and better made car. We are not talking about a very passionate SUV, but it meets everything that can be expected, giving itself mainly to comfort.. KIA offers several driving modes, both on asphalt and in the field for the 4×4 versions. In the field we will be limited by very discreet off-road dimensions, as well as summer tires as standard.
During the presentation I had the opportunity to test the hybrid and the sensations could not have been better. The smoothness of the ride receives the highest score. Hardly any noise is transmitted to the passenger compartment, being able to drive at high speeds without receiving the sensation of doing so. In addition to that, it has the necessary response to be able to overtake or start from a standstill without problems, and therefore, as I have said before, it is one of the winning bets in this new generation.
All the improvements of the new KIA Sportage have had an impact on the sale price. We are no longer talking about that cheap SUV, although it cannot be said that it is exaggeratedly expensive, taking into account the prices of cars today. The starting price of the KIA Sportage is 23,500 euros, offers and discounts included. In the case of the hybrid, the minimum price goes up to 31,450 euros, also with offers and discounts. The cost of the plug-in hybrid has not yet been announced, although figures close to 40,000 euros can be expected.
Conclusions
KIA and the Sportage have taken a giant leap, improving the product in each and every one of the aspects: design, habitability, technology, mechanics and driving. By logic, it should be installed month after month in the highest positions of the success lists, along with his twin brother the Hyundai Tucson. It will not be easy, as the latest updates in the sector have been very good: Peugeot 3008, Citroën C5 Aircross and Volkswagen Tiguan are its greatest threats.