Meet the new Kia Sportage tailored for the European market

KUALA LUMPUR: Yes, that's right. Europe now has a Kia Sportage that's been tailored by the automaker a bit to the continent’s taste and style. It's the first time in 28 years that Kia has a European-specific model on offer.

The vehicle is revealed at the motor show Kia is doing in Munich this week. Now, you must be wondering what Kia has done to the Sportage to make it more likely to the European taste? Well, to begin with, the automaker has increased the car's legroom, headroom, and luggage space, so that it is close to the 'ideal dimensions for European roads'.

In addition, the Euro-spec Sportage showcases a bold design language. As per the press releases, its refined body ripples with tense and crisp lines.

Furthermore, the SUV gets an upgraded tiger nose grille, a ginormous-shaped headlight and LED DRLs both squirrelled into the front end corner, racy lines, and muscular rear haunches. All this and more contribute to the SUVs sporty look.

On the inside, the Euro-spec Sportage SUV has many features and interesting elements. One that however grabs the most attention is the massive 12.3-inch infotainment system with crisp graphics. The display runs seamlessly across the dashboard, from behind the steering wheel to the centre of the car. It surely keeps the car's button countdown.

Keeping you connected always are features like online navigation, over the air software update, and online voice recognition. The Sportage can even pull your appointment calendar from your phone. Not to forget the Kia Connect smartphone app that helps the driver connect with the Sportage, this one comes in handy in situations like losing the Sportage in a massive car parking.

What powers the new Sportage SUV?

Well, the customers will be flooded with options here, as the Sportage is offered in not two but four mill choices. For instance, there is the 1.6-litre petrol mill making 148 bhp or 178 bhp tuning, then there is the 1.6-litre diesel unit pumping 113 bhp or 134 bhp output.

Also, part of the list is a plug-in electric unit, note it's the first time Sportage is getting one and a hybrid mill. The former includes a 178 bhp 1.6-liter turbo petrol mill with a 67 kW e-motor and 14 kWh battery. The latter, on the other hand, gets the same 1.6-litre turbo mill but a 44 kW e-motor and 1.5 kWh battery.

Kia has also worked on the new Sportage overall driving experience, both on- and off-road. For which the automaker has introduced a new electronic suspension system with continuous damping control and electronic all-wheel drive. The SUVs off-road ability is defined by the new 'terrain mode' that helps it pass easily through sand, snow, and mud.

The new Kia Sportage will go on sale in the UK in early 2022, the price chart is expected to be revealed closer to then.

So, what do you think of the new Sportage? Let us know in the comments.

Also Read: All-new Kia Sportage Hybrid revealed in South Korea, details revealed