Kia Europe has today revealed the dedicated European Sportage, which 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 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 luggage capacity, headroom and legroom all being substantially increased over the outgoing Sportage model, with best-in-class legroom for the second-row passengers.
An advanced plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model represents another first for the European Sportage, realizing emissions-free electric-only driving that can cover most daily trips from the home to work or for daily shopping needs.
The PHEV Sportage features Kia’s award-winning 1.6-litre T-GDI engine, a 66.9kW permanent magnet traction electric motor and a 13.8kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack. The powertrain combination delivers a total system power output of 265PS, with 180PS originating from the internal combustion engine.
The state-of-the-art battery pack in the PHEV Sportage 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.
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 Controlled Suspension (ECS) provides optimum comfort and superior safety levels at all times thanks to its continuous damping control in real-time. A new Terrain Mode gives the Sportage outstanding ride capabilities in more challenging conditions such as snow, mud and sand, allowing owners to pursue more adventurous leisure activities.
The new Sportage also leads the way in safety featuring both passive and active high-tech systems – including Kia’s world-renowned comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
The new European version of the Sportage is an essential addition to the all-new fifth-generation family, of which the first member – a long-wheelbase variant – was unveiled in July.
“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 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 all the needs of customers. With a zero-emissions all-electric range, the all-new plug-in hybrid Sportage model further highlights Kia’s mission to accelerate sustainable mobility across Europe,” added Jeong.
The all-new European Sportage – including the PHEV model – will make its real-world debut at the first IAA Mobility show. Taking place in Munich, visitors to IAA Mobility (7-12 September) can find Kia at Odeonsplatz.
