- Updated design, inside and out, for Kia’s global and European best-seller
- EcoDynamics+ powertrain reduces CO2 emissions by up to 4% under WLTP
- Idle Stop & Go now standard;
- New technologies include upgraded infotainment and active driver aids
September 2018 – The upgraded 2018 Kia Sportage features a range of enhancements to cement its position as the brand’s flagship SUV and its best-selling model in Europe. The new Sportage pairs an updated exterior and interior design with new safety and infotainment technologies, as well as efficient new powertrains complying with future emissions standards. Upgrades to the Sportage range also include modifications to GT Line models.
More than 3066 Sportage models were purchased by irish customers customers in 2017, representing a quarter of the brand’s total Irish sales One Sportage was sold every 69 seconds globally in 2017, making it Kia’s international best-seller. The five-millionth Sportage was built in March 2018, three months into the car’s 25th year on sale, following its introduction in 1993. The Sportage for Europe is produced at Kia’s manufacturing facility in Žilina, Slovakia.
James Brooks , Managing Director of Kia Motors Ireland commented: “The Sportage has been a major contributor the development of the Kia brand here in Ireland .The C SUV segment is one that particularly attracts Irish motorists and the Sportage is a model that is consistently on those consumers consideration list .
“As our flagship SUV in Europe, the Sportage represents the best of Kia’s brand values – great design, innovative technologies, and high quality. The upgraded model remains as compelling as ever, with enhanced and cleaner engine technology , a refreshed design, and a series of new technologies to boost safety, comfort and convenience.”
Design
Updates to attractive Kia SUV design
The original design of the fourth-generation Sportage was led by Kia’s European design studio in Frankfurt, Germany, with input from the company’s design centres in Namyang, Korea and Irvine, California. For 2019 the three studios have modernised the look of the Sportage, which features a range of updates to its sporty exterior design. Changes extend to GT Line models, which feature a series of unique upgrades compared to other trim levels.
There is a redesigned front bumper with new fog lamp housings, and new gloss black or bright chrome inserts leading from the fog lamps into the lower air intake. The Sportage is also now available with an evolved version of its ‘tiger-nose’ grille, with new gloss black or matt black grille. New full-LED headlamps with four-point LED daytime running lights and redesigned fog lamps also provide maximum visibility and enhance the SUV’s light signature for a more modern appearance. An optional metallic skid plate is available.
At the rear, the slim combination lamps retain their horizontal shape, with the revised design featuring a new C-shaped LED light signature. The reversing lamp and reflectors are now integrated into the new rear bumper, which is now finished with a flash of chrome across its base.
In profile, the upgraded model is available with a choice of new 16-, 17- and 19-inch alloy wheel designs, and optional chrome sill trim. Five new paint colours are available on the new Sportage, including new shades of silver, grey, metallic blue, and copper.
Changes to GT Line include a new gloss black hot-stamped radiator grille, gloss black and silver skid plates, and dark chrome inserts on the front bumper, the side sills and rear tailgate. The GT Line’s unique 19-inch alloy wheels have been redesigned, and all models are fitted with a dual exhaust rear valance and revised ‘ice cube’ LED fog lamp designs.
A drag coefficient of 0.33 Cd remains unchanged following the changes to the SUV’s exterior design, while its dimensions and profile remain the same (4,485 mm long, 1,855 mm wide, 1,635 mm tall, with a 2,670 mm wheelbase). The GT Line model is 10 mm longer, at 4,495 mm, due to its unique bumper design.
While the layout of the cabin is retained, a series of minor upgrades further engender a sense of modernity. The upgraded model is equipped with a new steering wheel and revised driver instrument cluster, while the cabin is now available in new black-and-grey two-tone upholstery. GT Line models are available with new black-and-grey two-tone fabric and leather seats as standard, or with optional black-and-grey two-tone leather or black leather with red accents. The design of the ventilation and air conditioning controls at the centre of the dashboard has also been revised, with new bezels around the dials adding further clarity to the dashboard layout.
New 1.6 Litre U 3 Engine Nn
Powertrain line-up boosted by new 1.6-litre ‘U3’ engine – Kia’s cleanest diesel ever
The Sportage’s existing 1.7-litre CRDi (common-rail direct injection) diesel engine has been replaced with Kia’s efficient new 1.6-litre ‘U3’ CRDi engine, the cleanest diesel engine Kia has ever made. The new 1.6-litre diesel engine produces 115 or 136 ps, with emissions rated from 126 g/km for 115 ps models, and 123 g/km for higher-powered models (combined, WLTP, converted back to NEDC). Driving the front wheels via six-speed manual transmission as standard, 136 ps models are also available with all-wheel drive and a seven-speed double-clutch transmission. The new U3 engine features SCR active emissions control technology to reduce NOx and diesel particulate matter.
Idle Stop & Go (ISG) is now standard across every engine in the upgraded Sportage range.
Ride and handling
Fully-independent suspension for intuitive handling and a comfortable ride
The Kia Sportage rides on fully independent front and rear suspension, carried over unchanged for the 2019 upgraded model. Delivering a comfortable ride and superior damping over poor road surfaces, the chassis is nevertheless tuned to offer intuitive and engaging handling. GT Line models feature their own specially-tuned suspension characteristics, endowing the Sportage with sharper, more athletic handling and a slightly firmer ride – crucially, without compromising the SUV’s fundamental comfort and stability. The suspension characteristics for the Sportage GT Line were tested and fine-tuned on a variety of European roads, with European drivers in mind.
The fourth-generation Sportage is available with Kia’s ‘R-MDPS’ rack-mounted electric motor-driven power steering. Available as standard on most models, and as an option for the entry-level 1.6-litre GDi engine, the R-MDPS system delivers quick responses and enhanced steering feel, placing the Sportage among the most agile models in the compact SUV class. The Sportage is fitted as standard with a column-mounted power steering system, which delivers linear responses to driver inputs and maximum stability and confidence at the wheel.
The Sportage is equipped with 305 mm ventilated disc brakes at the front and 302 mm solid disc brakes at the rear.
Technologies and safety
New driver assist technologies and infotainment systems
The upgraded Sportage adopts a series of Kia’s latest advanced driving assistance and infotainment systems, building on its reputation for high occupant safety and high-tech convenience.
The latest driver assist technologies available in the Sportage include Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, and Driver Attention Warning, to combat fatigue and inattentiveness at the wheel. Already a strong performer in Euro NCAP’s important ‘Safety Assist’ category, Sportage buyers have access to a wide array of existing driver assist systems. These include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, High Beam Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Warning and Blind-Spot Collision Warning
Every Sportage is equipped as standard with Kia’s Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), which maximises stability when braking and cornering by controlling the car’s Electronic Stability Control (ESC) if it detects a loss of traction. The Sportage is also fitted with driver and front passenger airbags, first-row side airbags, and first- and second-row curtain airbags.
The infotainment systems in the Sportage have been upgraded for 2018. Depending on trim levels Irish customers will enjoy either a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment, or navigation system, or a new ‘frameless’ 8.0-inch system. All navigation systems include Kia’s Connected Services powered by TomTom® as standard, offering a wide range of telematics and driving-oriented information. Connectivity features include live traffic updates, speed camera locations and alerts, local search, and weather forecasts, depending on legal restrictions applied in each country..
The Sportage is equipped with a 160-watt six-speaker audio system . GT Line owners will addition enjoy an eight-speaker system from JBL®, with a more powerful 320-watt output, external amplifier and Clari-Fi™ music restoration technology.
Practicality and packaging
A versatile choice for families
The Sportage remains a highly practical and versatile choice for buyers – whether owners are loading the car with luggage and cargo, or accommodating a full complement of passengers.
Its 2,670 mm wheelbase and 1,635 mm height ensure occupants are never lacking for space, with 997 mm and 993 mm of headroom for front and rear passengers, and 1,129 mm and 970 mm of legroom, front and rear. The front seats can be specified with three-stage heating, plus 10-way power control with lumbar support for the driver’s seat, and eight-way power control for the front passenger. Reclining rear seats offer 17 ‘steps’ – from 23 to 37 degrees – allowing rear occupants to shift seat backs fore and aft for maximum comfort. Rear passengers can also benefit from two-stage seat heaters. ISOFIX anchor points are fitted as standard to all models, making the Sportage a practical choice for young families.
