After 28 years of history, the Kia Sportage it is now entering its fifth generation and, more than ever, it is focused on the European market. Proof of this is the fact that, for the first time, the South Korean brand is preparing to launch a variant specially designed for the “old continent”, but we'll be there soon…
First, let us introduce you to Kia's new SUV. Aesthetically, the inspiration for the recently launched EV6 is all too evident, both in the rear section (with the concave trunk door) and in the front, where the luminous signature in boomerang format helps to build a “family air”.
Inside, the sobriety gave way to a more modern style, clearly inspired by the one used by the “older brother”, the Sorento. That said, we have a digital instrument panel that “joins” the infotainment system screen, a series of tactile controls that replace the physical buttons, “3D” ventilation ducts and a new center console with a rotary control for the box of speeds.
the european version
As we told you at the beginning, for the first time Sportage will have a version specially designed for Europe. Scheduled for arrival in September, it will be exclusively produced in Slovakia at Kia's factory.
The European version of the Kia Sportage will not be different from the one we show you today, although some differentiating details are expected. In this way, the biggest differences will appear “under the skin”, with the “European” Sportage having a chassis tuning specially designed for the tastes of European drivers.
As far as the engines are concerned, Kia maintains its secrecy for now. However, the most likely is that it will count on an offer of engines very similar to the one proposed by its “cousin”, the Hyundai Tucson, with which it shares the technical basis.
Thus, we were not surprised if under the hood of the Kia Sportage gasoline and diesel engines appeared with four cylinders and 1.6 l, associated with a mild-hybrid system of 48 V, a hybrid engine (petrol) and yet another plug-in hybrid (Gasoline).
