The new hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants of the Kia Sportage offer very low consumption and high performance at the same time
The new Sportage sets new standards in the SUV segment. It combines a sleek and muscular exterior design with a cutting-edge interior, with an integrated curved screen that houses the latest connectivity technologies. This approach has helped to create an SUV that is perfectly tailored to the needs of European customers and has further improved functionality and everyday use. It has also resulted in significantly increased boot, head and legroom over the previous Sportage, with plenty of legroom for second row passengers. State-of-the-art hybrid powertrains further enhance the Sportage’s capabilities, reduce emissions and improve fuel economy. An advanced plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model is a new first for the Sportage, with a zero-emission electric mode that can cover most daily commutes (approximately 60 kilometers for a fee).
The new fifth-generation Sportage also introduces variants with petrol engines with electric hybridization HEV and a mild hybrid MHEV. Internal combustion, petrol and diesel engines are also available. The turbo diesel engine can also be combined with MHEV electric hybrid technology, further reducing emissions and fuel consumption. With its range in all-electric, zero-emission mode, the new Sportage plug-in hybrid PHEV underlines Kia’s goal to accelerate sustainable mobility. A first for the Sportage is the Terrain mode system, which automatically adjusts the car’s settings for optimal driving dynamics in all terrain conditions and environments. The new electronically controlled ECS suspension also ensures optimum comfort and superior safety at all times, thanks to continuous damping control. This technology responds quickly to body and steering movements, with rapid damper adjustments that counteract the lean and roll of the body when cornering. It also adjusts the damping force to overcome obstacles and reduce the effect of wheel collision. On some versions of the Sportage, the electronically controlled all-wheel drive ensures optimum power distribution between the front and rear wheels, depending on road conditions and driving situations. Not only does this make traction more efficient, it also increases safety and reduces fuel consumption.
The body of the electric hybrid HEV and PHEV versions is arranged in such a way that the passenger and luggage space is not disturbed. In the case of the HEV, the battery is located under the second row seats, giving legroom comparable to that of the combustion-engine Sportage. In the case of the Sportage PHEV plug-in hybrid, the battery is located centrally between the two axles and under the body, ensuring good weight distribution and a very versatile interior space.
All three state-of-the-art hybrid versions (HEV, PHEV and one of the two MHEV derivatives) in the fifth edition of the Sportage are powered by Kia’s 1.6-litre T-GDI engine. As well as offering high performance and responsiveness, this four-cylinder engine features the continuously variable valve timing system that controls valve opening to dramatically improve performance, fuel economy and emissions. In the case of the “plug-in” Sportage PHEV Plug-in Hybrid (from €33,750, including used vehicle trade-in discounts, financing and MOVES plan), the turbo petrol engine is part of an advanced propulsion system that also includes a electric motor with an output of 66.9 kW (91 hp), as well as a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 13.8 kWh. Combined, they offer a total system output of 265 hp, with 180 hp coming from the T-GDI petrol engine.
In the HEV hybrid version of the Sportage (from 32,100 euros, with the same discount plan as its “big brother”), the 1.6 T-GDI petrol engine is combined with an electric motor with 44.2 kW (60 hp) power, plus a battery with a capacity of 1.49 kWh. This results in great responsiveness, with a total system power of 230 hp. As for the combustion engines, there are two power options available on the Sportage MHEV petrol: 150 hp and 180 hp. Also included in the new Sportage’s launch range is a 1.6-litre diesel engine, with 115PS or 136PS variants; Thanks to hybridization technology (MHEV), the 136 hp diesel variant reduces emissions and consumption. The new Sportage may get a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. There is also a six-speed manual transmission and, exclusive to MHEV versions, the ‘intelligent’ six-speed manual. Both the Sportage Hybrid and Sportage Plug-in Hybrid come standard with a state-of-the-art six-speed automatic transmission. The new Sportage is available with four-wheel drive, standard in the Plug-in Hybrid version, or with front-wheel drive.
At the center of the new Sportage’s state-of-the-art cabin is a large, curved touchscreen and sporty air vents. The curved screen continues across the front, giving the interior a spectacular width and depth. The 12.3-inch (31 cm) touchscreen and integrated controller act as the nerve center for driver and passenger to control connectivity, functionality and usage functions. Both systems are easy to use, very intuitive and have a smooth feel. The 12.3-inch (31 cm) instrument panel is equipped with a state-of-the-art TFT liquid crystal display, which generates accurate and clear graphics.
The Sportage’s interior combines practicality, functionality and versatility and is spread over a compact wheelbase of 2.68 m, a width of 1.86 m, a length of 4.51 m and a height of 1.65 m. resulting in industry-leading measures of legroom, headroom and luggage space. The Sportage offers almost a meter of legroom for passengers in the second row and also a meter of headroom in the rear. The luggage compartment reaches 591 liters. To maximize comfort, the rear seats can be folded down 40:20:40, increasing the load space to 1,780 litres. The rear seats can be folded down by pulling a lever.
As part of the rich range of driver assistance systems, the Sportage offers a collision avoidance aid with a turn-by-turn function; this system helps avoid collisions with oncoming cars, pedestrians or cyclists when turning left or right at intersections. The system also maintains a set distance and speed from the vehicle in front on one-way roads and can center the new Sportage in its lane. Navigation-based intelligent cruise control helps to drive at a safe speed on the highway, using real-time navigation data. By extending the range even further, it is able to automatically reduce speed before reaching a drift or turn.
Engine: Petrol + Electric
Displacement: 1,598 cm³
Power: 230 hp
Speed: 193 km/h
0 to 100: 8 seconds
Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission
Consumption: From 4.7 liters
DGT label: ZERO
Length: 4.51 meters. Width: 1.86m. High:
Trunk: 587 liters
Price: From 33,750 euros (with discounts)
Source: La Verdad
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
