The Kia Sportage emancipated itself in the new generation more of the traditional off-road design. In the future, the Korean SUV's compact SUV will once again appear much more dynamic than its predecessor, which has already been briskly cut. So he wants to distinguish not only from his rather brashly subscribed group brother Hyundai Tucson, but especially from the segment-Primus VW Tiguan.
Where the new Wolfsburg-based competitor continues to present a few slightly sharper-tipped sheet metal dresses, the Sportage sports a completely new style at the Frankfurt Motor Show (until 27, September). Distinguishing feature are the headlamps mounted high on the hood, among which the typical "Tigernasen" radiator grille can be found. A little reminiscent of this arrangement on the SUV models from Porsche, with the predecessor can be found at least at the front no more in common. In comparison, the flanks are less concise with the slightly rising shoulder lines and the rear with large roof spoiler and chrome trim between the taillights. The interior is kept in the tidy style of the brand, metal trim and plastic in piano finish look to provide a quality impression.
Inside, passengers benefit from increased space. The length of the entire vehicle has increased by 4 centimeters to 4,48 meters, 3 centimeters of which account for a larger wheelbase (2,67 meter). The luggage compartment has also increased: from 465 to now 503 liters.
The drive range includes two petrol and three diesel. As always, the entry-level engine remains an 1,6-liter gasoline engine with 97 kW / 132 horsepower. New in the range is a turbo version with 130 kW / 177 PS, which replaces the previous 2,0-liter naturally aspirated engine. The strongest demand but should be again the diesel. There, the offer starts with the well-known 1,7-liter engine (85 kW / 115 PS), above it ranks the revised 2,0-liter engine in two power levels (100 kW / 136 PS and 136 kW / 185 PS). All-wheel drive is standard only in conjunction with the top diesel on board to have the middle diesel and the more powerful petrol engine surcharge. The small diesel and the base gasoline is only available with front-wheel drive.
Technically, the Koreans have upgraded the model change. In addition to a modern infotainment system with online functions and new assistants, such as for high beam or cross-traffic monitoring, there is also a sports steering option. In the particularly sporty GT equipment line, this is always on board, for the other models, it is available at extra cost. However, the manufacturer does not yet specify the exact costs. However, the starting price should remain around 20.500 Euro.
Author: Holger Holzer / SP-X