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All-new Kia Sportage – made to wow

The all-new Kia Sportage is available from today so we’ve had a look at what’s new with the popular model.

The impressive all-new Kia Sportage, made to wow.

The impressive all-new Kia Sportage, made to wow.

This is the fourth generation of the popular crossover from Kia. Improvements have been made to the exterior design, interior and overall quality. The new model now includes advanced technologies to improve safety and comfort. Building on the previous success of the Sportage, there is a range of new and updated engines and transmissions. Much emphasis has certainly been placed on the Sport of the Sportage.

Engines and transmission

The new Sportage has a range of engines to choose from that are all compliant with the latest Euro 6 emission standard. If you’re looking for a petrol-powered engine there’s the 1.6-litre GDI and 1.6-litre T-GDI. For diesel lovers there’s the 1.7-litre CRDi and two 2.0-litres turbodiesels (136 bhp or 182 bhp).

The majority of the range is available with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. This excludes the 1.6 T-GDI, which has a seven-speed DCT gearbox offering a sportier driving experience to match its 174.5 bhp.

Exterior

The Sportage’s sleek new design was led by Kia’s European design studio in Frankfurt, Germany. It is marginally larger than its predecessor with an additional 30mm length on the wheelbase, 40mm increase in length overall.

The smooth lines flow from the front to the rear culminating in an improved rear spoiler to increase aerodynamics, altered rear lights and rear window shape. The enhanced wheel arches give it an impressive, muscular stance.

One thing that hasn’t changed is Kia’s recognisable front grille; the distinctive tiger nose shape has been in place since 2006, when chief design officer Peter Schreyer was appointed.

Interior

The interior space has increased thanks to the added chassis length, and is where most of the changes have been made to the new model.

Improvements have been made to the quality of the build, which uses soft-touch, high-quality materials. The use of cloth, leather and stitching adds a luxurious feel. Additional soundproofing has made a real difference to the interior feel on journeys too.

Horizontal lines across the interior give an increased feeling of width, as well as an additional sporty element. The central console has more driver-orientated focus, improving the driver’s experience.

Technology and safety

The dashboard is devised into two separate areas by design, one a control zone, the other a display zone. The new audio-visual navigation system (AVN) is placed more centrally on the dashboard with a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen depending on trim. Another addition to the navigation system is Kia’s Connected Services, which feeds the system live driving-orientated information, such as traffic updates and weather forecasts.

Awarded a five-star Euro NCAP rating, the Sportage scored particularly highly for adult protection 90 per cent, with child occupant protection also rated highly at younger Sportage passengers at 83 per cent. With no less than seven airbags, the use of advanced high strength steel (AHSS) in the body and a multitude of safety assistance technology mean this is the safest Sportage yet. In addition ISOFIX anchor points and top tether fastenings are fitted to the rear seats and the front passenger seat has an airbag cut-off switch.

Safety technology includes, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Blind Spot Detection (BSD) and Speed Limit Information Function (SLIF).

The new Sportage is the first in its segment to offer wireless mobile device charging that also informs the driver when they are leaving the car if they have forgotten their device. There are also USB charging points in the front and you can choose to add one to the rear too.

GT Line

The GT Line offers greater visual and dynamic appeal for those seeking a sportier driving experience. Featuring ‘ice cube’ LED fog lamps, dual exhaust pipes, metal-effect rear underbody and aluminium-effect skid plates as well as 19-inch aluminium alloy wheels a D-shaped leather steering wheel, aluminium alloy pedals and high quality black fascia. Most importantly under the bonnet you’ll find a 1.6-litre T-GDI engine.

About the Author

Nicole Ferguson

Staff writer at Arnold Clark

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