2022 Kia Sportage will be launched in the international markets later this year and is based on the N3 architecture
Over the last few weeks, Kia had teased the new generation Sportage in the global markets and is finally out in the open with official details. Ever since the spy images came out, the crossover turned heads for its rather eccentric looks and it shows the commitment the brand has put in to distinguish its lineup of models compared to the rivals.
The new Kia Sportage will be offered in different configurations pertaining to the market demands across different powertrain choices. The fifth-generation Sportage will be available overseas from the later stages of this year and it could be considered for India if Kia wants to expand its SUV portfolio, tapping into the realms of Hyundai Tucson and Jeep Compass.
To be sold in long and short wheelbase formats, the 2022 Kia Sportage comes with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine producing 177 horsepower and 265 Nm and a 2.0-litre turbo four-pot diesel kicking out 183 horsepower and 416 Nm of peak torque. The former is paired with a seven-speed DCT and a six-speed MT while the latter is hooked with an eight-speed auto as standard.
The eight-speed AT gains a new oil pump and damper controlled multi-disc torque converter system, which is said to enhance fuel economy by sizing up the lock-up range. More engines will be added to the lineup at a later date as hybrid and PHEVs will be made available. The new Kia Sportage sits on the N3 platform with better go-anywhere characteristics.
It comes with ECS (Electric Control Suspension) for real-time continuous damping control and a new Terrain Mode that automatically adjusts settings based on surface conditions. For on-the-tarmac driving, Comfort, Eco, Sport, and Smart modes are provided. The safety features list is also brimmed up this time around courtesy of Kia’s Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS).
It enables Highway Driving Assist (HDA), Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) and Remote Smart Parking Assist. The fifth-gen Kia Sportage has an expansive range comprising the more rugged Sportage X-Line and GT Line trims with vibrant interior and exterior touches. A host of accessories will also be offered with different wheel designs and sizes.
Just as the thoroughly overhauled exterior with the brand new tiger-nose black front grille, boomerang-shaped LED DRLs, chiselled sides, black roof, chromed out beltline, large greenhouse redesigned bumper, sculpted tailgate and new LED tail lamps, the interior gets a major revision. It features a 12-inch touchscreen, a 12-inch digital cluster, a new centre console with shift-by-wire, etc.
