2022 KIA Sportage in Yuka Steel Grey |

Developed on a new ‘N3’ 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 improved luggage capacity, headroom and legroom compared to the outgoing Sportage model, with outstanding legroom for the second-row passengers. State-of-the-art hybrid powertrains further enhance the European Sportage’s capabilities, serving to dramatically reduce emissions and enhance fuel economy. An advanced plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model represents another first for the European Sportage, realizing eco-friendly electric-only driving that can cover most daily trips from the home to work or for daily shopping needs. The all-new fifth-generation Sportage also debuts a high-tech hybrid (HEV) variant and a mild-hybrid (MHEV) gasoline powertrain. The very latest internal combustion clean petrol and diesel engines are also available, ensuring that the new Sportage can meet a wide breadth of customer needs and requirements. The diesel engine can also be paired with the MHEV tech, serving to further reduce emissions and improve overall fuel economy. Representing a first for Sportage is the creation of an all-new Terrain Mode that debuts on the fifth-generation model. Developed for Sportage owners that want to pursue outdoor adventure and leisure activities, the highly-advanced Terrain Mode adjusts the Sportage’s settings so that the vehicle realizes an optimal drive dynamic for any given road condition and environment. The new N3 platform has also heavily influenced new Sportage’s driving characteristics, combining a refined, stable and comfortable ride with agile and dynamic handling. An advanced steering and suspension system that has been meticulously tuned helps bring these qualities together. 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 Control Suspension (ECS) provides optimum comfort and superior safety levels at all times thanks to its continuous damping control. The technology reacts quickly to the Sportage’s body movements and steering inputs, making rapid damper adjustments to counteract heave, pitch and body roll through corners. It also adapts the damping force of the suspension to comfortably accommodate obstacles and reduce wheel impact from aftershocks. An electronically-controlled AWD system makes sure power is optimally distributed between the front and rear wheels depending on road conditions and driving situations, not only further enhancing driving performance but also boosting safety and efficiency. The packaging for the HEV and PHEV models has been carefully arranged to minimize impact on passenger and luggage space. For the HEV derivative, the battery pack is placed under the second-row seats, resulting in legroom that is the same as the IC engine Sportage models. For the PHEV Sportage, the high-voltage battery is placed centrally between the two axles under the body of the SUV, ensuring a balanced weight distribution and an interior space that is practical, comfortable and versatile. All three state-of-the-art hybrid models – HEV, PHEV and one of the two MHEV derivatives – that help make up the fifth-generation Sportage line-up feature Kia’s award-winning 1.6-liter T-GDI engine. Along with being sporty, engaging and highly responsive, the advanced four-cylinder unit also features Continuous Variable Valve Duration (CVVD), a sophisticated technology that controls the duration of a valve lift event to dramatically improve performance, fuel economy and emissions. In addition to the application of CVVD, the 1.6 engine also benefits from a new and optimized combustion process, cooling technologies and key friction reduction measures, including an advanced integrated thermal management system and the use of a low-friction ball bearing. For the Sportage Plug-in Hybrid, the compact turbo engine is part of an advanced powertrain package that also features a 66.9kW permanent magnet traction electric motor and a 13.8kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack. This powertrain combination delivers a total system power output of 265PS, with 180PS originating from the T-GDI engine. The state-of-the-art battery pack in the Sportage Plug-in Hybrid 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.