The Kia Sportage has been completely overhauled inside and out for its fifth generation, as the first official photos of the midsize SUV reveal ahead of its market launch later this year.
For the first time in the Sportage’s 28-year life cycle, Kia has confirmed that a Europe-specific variant will arrive in September, although it is closely related visually to the car revealed here. A bespoke chassis and slightly revised styling will set it apart, and it will be built exclusively in Slovakia.
The Sportage is the second production model after the new EV6 to be designed according to Kia’s new “Opposites United” philosophy. The Sportage’s relationship to the new flagship electric car is evident from common elements, including its distinctive ‘boomerang’ headlamps, concave trunk lid, bulging rear arches and prominent spoiler. It was designed in collaboration with Kia’s Korean, German, American and Chinese design centers.
Karim Habib, Kia Design Boss, said: “Reinventing the Sportage has given our talented design teams a tremendous opportunity to do something new; Take inspiration from the recent brand relaunch and the introduction of the EV6 to inspire customers with a modern and innovative SUV design.
“With the all-new Sportage, we didn’t just want to take a step forward, but rather take it to a different level in the SUV category.”
For the first time, the Sportage is available with a contrasting roof, while a chrome beltline would create “harmonious lines with the rear spoiler which further adds to the car’s sporty pedigree.” A new Sportage X-Line is also planned, bringing a sturdy bodywork and a curved roof rack, although this is not confirmed for the UK or Europe.
Inside, the Sportage benefits from a curved digital display, a new touchscreen infotainment display and a range of “soft-touch” haptic switches on the gloss-finished center console. Kia claims to have used “the highest quality materials” to ensure that the Mk5 Sportage “is a special place to spend time”.
Kia has yet to detail any of the powertrains available on the Sportage, although it is likely following the closely related Hyundai Tucson in getting a line of mild hybrid, full hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains based on a 1 gasoline engine, 6 liter.
Prices have yet to be confirmed, but a premium over the current car, which starts at just under £ 24,000, is expected.
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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-06-07 23:30:00
