Over the next six years after the second-generation Sportage was introduced in 2004, now, under the direction of Kia’s Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer, Kia have created a third-generation Sportage incorporating Kia’s new design DNA and many features from the 2007 Kia Kue concept car.
The all-new Kia Sportage will be available in Europe with new diesel and petrol engines. At launch this summer, the engine line-up will comprise 2-litre diesel and 2-litre petrol engines – with a 1.7-litre diesel and a 1.6-litre GDI petrol unit to follow later this year.
The ‘R’ family diesel engine was first introduced in 2.2-litre and 197 PS form in the new Kia Sorento. Now at the 80th Geneva Motor Show, a 2.0-litre version of Kia’s next-generation ‘R’ family diesel engine is making its premiere in the new Sportage. Later this year, a new 1.7-litre version of Kia’s ‘U2’ diesel will become available.
For the petrol engine, the new Kia Sporttage introduces four-cylinder 1998 cc powerunit with dual CVVT (continuously variable valve timing) for both the intake and exhaust valves, four valves per cylinder and features weight-saving, all-aluminum construction with a cast aluminum block, cylinder head and sump. Later this year, new Sportage buyers will be able to order Kia’s 1.6-litre Gamma petrol engine fitted with GDI (petrol direct injection) technology.
Buyers of the all-new Kia Sportage in Europe will be offered a choice 2WD or AWD drivetrains, five-speed or six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic transmission. For diesel Sportage models, the standard gearbox is a six-speed manual. Both the larger petrol and diesel engines can be specified with the optional six-speed automatic.
Consumers ordering a new Sportage will be able to select from five models with 2WD and four with AWD employing advanced drivetrain systems similar to those introduced with the new Sorento in 2009 (depending on individual markets).
In most European countries, the new Kia Sportage will be fitted with six airbags as standard. Dual front airbags, dual front side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.
