Set to arrive in Europe during the third quarter, the Sportage’s exterior enhancements are more evolutionary than revolutionary, with changes consisting of redesigned front and rear bumpers, new grille, restyled headlights with updated “ice cube” daytime running LEDs, dual exhaust outlets, choice of 16, 17 or 19-inch alloy wheels and on the flagship GT-Line, a hot-stamped black grille, dark chrome detailing, silver front skidplate and model specific alloys.
Inside, the interior gets a new steering wheel, updated instrument cluster and a two-tone black and grey upholstery finish with leather incorporating red stitching optional, while the touchscreen infotainment system offers a choice of either a seven or “frameless” eight-inch setup. As for new driver assistance systems, the Sportage can be had with Driver Attention Warning, Smart Cruise Control and Around View Monitor.
The biggest change is to be found up front though, where the Sportage marries the existing 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine with a 48-volt battery pack for a mild-hybrid setup. Dubbed EcoDynamics+, the powertrain not only conforms to the new Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) requirements, but is claimed to cut emissions by four cents relative to the previous non-electrically assisted oil burner.
Borrowing from the Ceed, the internally designated U3 1.6-litre CRDI replaces the long serving 1.7-litre CRDI, and is claimed to be the “cleanest diesel Kia has ever made”. Like the Ceed, outputs are rated at 85kW or 100kW with the latter boasting all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox as standard.
More details will be revealed closer to the Sportage’s European market reveal.
