At the launch Kia boasted of the new model being a dedicated European version of their best-selling Kia Sportage. From design to engineering and manufacture it is of Europe for European motorists.
Kia added that it has been carefully crafted to establish new benchmarks across the SUV segment in Europe. Of course most European manufacturers could indeed make similar claims but somehow it rightly gets more emphasis on delivering cars to suit the market.
The new Sportage combines a sleek yet muscular and modern exterior design with a cutting-edge premium interior, where Kia points to the swooping integrated curved display that houses the very latest advancements in connectivity tech.
Developed on a new ‘N3’ architecture, Kia says that the European Sportage benefits from a European-focused high-tech engineering program that has realised an optimal wheelbase and ideal dimensions and proportions for European roads. I drove it on the back roads of rural Kildare and it offers impressive handling and performance.
Kia’s detailed 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 noticeably improved legroom for the second-row passengers.
Excellent hybrid powertrains further enhance the Sportage’s capabilities, with Kia boasting of serving to dramatically reduce emissions and enhance fuel economy. An advanced plug-in hybrid (PHEV ) model represents another first for the European Sportage, and Kia claims that it realizes eco-friendly electric-only driving that can cover most daily trips from the home to work or for daily shopping needs. That is largely based on typical city and urban commutes.
The all-new fifth-generation Sportage also debuts a high-tech hybrid (HEV ) variant and a mild-hybrid (MHEV ) petrol powertrain, while the very latest internal combustion clean petrol and diesel engines are also available, with Kia Ireland saying that it ensures 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.
"The all-new Sportage has been carefully designed, developed and honed specifically for Europe, in the process breaking boundaries and establishing new benchmarks in the SUV segment," Ronan Flood, Managing Director Kia Ireland told us at the Irish launch.
He added: "With its forward-thinking exterior design and its pioneering interior, the new Sportage combines a dynamic road presence on the outside with a class-leading, driver-focused premium cabin that benefits from the very latest breakthrough tech features.
"The Sportage is also a key model for Kia Ireland, having been our best-selling model for over 10 years. This new model is no different and we anticipate sales of nearly 3,000 in 2022."
The Kia Ireland initial product offer features a choice of four powertrains and four trim levels. PHEV models will follow in the spring.
The entry level model K2 features the 1.6CRDi (115 PS ) engine and standard equipment features include 17” alloys, LED headlamps, dual-zone climate control, reversing camera with dynamic guidelines, auto dimming rear view mirror, cruise control with speed limiter, lane keep assist, lane follow assist and forward collision avoidance. The K3 at €38,000 comes with a choice of either mild hybrid 1.6 MHEV TDGi (150PS ) or 1.6 diesel CRDi (115PS ) as well as the hybrid K3 HEV ( €42,000 ) and various increased specifications.
Moving up a trim level, the K4 is available with 1.6 Diesel and 1.6 Petrol HEV at €40,500 and €44,500 respectively, with the K4 HEV at €44,500; and the top of the range GT-line 1.6 Diesel 136PS CRDi MHEV at €43,000 or the MHEV SR version at €44,500. Trim levels and pricing for PHEV models will be announced closer to their launch.
For more information call into Conway Motors, Breaffy Retail Park, Castlebar, County Mayo. Phone: (094 ) 90 22933 or visit www.edwardconway.ie
