Marketed in early 2022, the fifth generation of the Kia Sportage uses the overall recipe of its cousin Hyundai Tucson, which it dresses differently. The vehicle is available in gasoline, diesel, hybrid and plug-in hybrid. First impressions on board.
Believe it or not, the Kia Sportage compact SUV is the brand’s second best-selling model in France in the first seven months of the year. With 3,400 units sold, it still remains far from its commercial potential and impatiently awaits the next generation. By benefiting from the novelty effect, its replacement aims much higher behind the references that are the Peugeot 3008 and Nissan Qashqai. When we know that the very latest Hyundai Tucson with which it shares the recent N3 platform brought happiness to 9,381 customers over the same period, so he has no hopes… or almost!
Muscle and curves
Compared to the fifth generation Sportage offered in other markets, the European version is shorter. However, this does not prevent it from growing slightly compared to the previous opus. The new vintage lengthens by 3 cm (4.515 m), while gaining 1 cm in width (1.865 m), in height (1.645 m) and in wheelbase (2.68 m is the same value as the cousin Hyundai Tucson). The Korean SUV adopts a new design called “Opposites United” or digital face. The bow, now rounder, sports a boomerang-shaped daytime running light that surrounds optional Matrix headlights and an imposing grille with honeycomb treatment in this GT Line finish.
At the rear, the massive stern, inspired by that of the Kia EV6, exhibits taut forms. Behind its new Borneo green livery and an optional biton atmosphere, the new Sportage is still distinguished by the absence of side quarter panels. On this generation, the rear window includes a fixed part reminiscent of that of the last Renault Mégane. A bias that inspires robustness at the cost of an often smaller glass surface.
Assumed rupture
The interior marks a clear difference from that of its predecessor. By recovering the two curved horizontal tiles of 12.3 inches and the same interface as that of the EV6 crossover, the Sportage is making its digital revolution. The first screen offers customizable instrumentation according to the driving modes, which now offer an all-terrain program (mud, snow and sand). Useful, of course, but largely insufficient to transform this Sportage into a franchiser.
Fully tactile, the second controls the entertainment part and the air conditioning controls. Located below, a banner called multi-display modes simplifies ergonomics by allowing direct access to essential functions in a tactile manner. What to purify the interior by limiting knobs and Commodo to the strict minimum, while maintaining sufficiently intuitive ergonomics. The presentation flatters the retina despite the presence of some flashy materials. As for the driving position, it adapts to all sizes.
The sense of hospitality
The rear seats lack a little light, and the presence here of darkened windows does not help. The occupants, on the other hand, benefit from a nice legroom and of sufficient headroom for tall riders, even for the space in the middle. The two side seats which have adjustable tilt backs are obviously more welcoming, despite a fairly firm seat. Finally, USB sockets are integrated into the backs of the front seats.
The Kia Sportage announces a trunk capacity of 591 liters. A high volume on paper, which becomes a little less generous in real life due to a double bottom of 132 liters which is almost unusable. IThis leaves 459 “useful” liters. Classic modularity includes folding rear backrests, freeing up flat cargo space.
A complete range of engines
By sharing the technical below of the latest Hyundai Tucson, the Sportage also takes some the motors, all electrified to varying degrees. Only available in traction, with a manual gearbox or with a DCT double clutch, the 1.6 petrol T-GDi with 150 hp receives a light micro hybridization in 48 V. This technology is found on the 1.6 CRDi 136 hp diesel, only coupled to a gearbox. DCT, in traction or all-wheel drive.
There are also two hybrid versions. The first, classic, combines a 1.6 petrol engine with 180 hp and an electric unit of 60 hp which transmits a cumulative power of 230 hp on its front wheels only. Its 1.49 kWh battery limits its silent evolutions. The second, available in all-wheel drive, is a plug-in hybrid that uses the same thermal unit, but accumulates 265 hp. Its 91 hp electric motor can power the Sportage for 56 km, once the 13.8 kWh battery is fully charged.
The engine range:
- 1.6 T-GDi 150 BVM6 MHEV
- 1.6 T-GDi 150 DCT7 MHEV
- 1.6 T-GDi 230 BVA6 hybrid
- 1.6 T-GDi 230 BVA6 hybrid 4 x 4
- 1.6 T-GDi 265 BVA6 plug-in hybrid 4 x 4
- 1.6 CRDi 136 DCT7 MHEV
- 1.6 CRDi 136 DCT7 MHEV 4 x 4
Up-to-date technology
Sportage is taking advantage of the group’s new N3 platform to full of driving aids. In addition to the assistance to keep in the line, the automatic high beams, the reversing and 360 ° camera or the fatigue detector already available previously, it adds new aids: vehicle exit warning, emergency braking autonomous with crossing function, anti-collision with display and detection of blind spots, recognition of panels coupled with adaptive cruise control, semi-autonomous driving on motorways, detection of rear traffic with braking function and remote parking assistance.
Without revolutionizing the genre, the Sportage incorporates the ingredients expected of a compact SUV that is similar to premium models : style, technology and a wide range of engines including hybrids. In an ultra-competitive niche dominated by the Peugeot 3008, nothing should be forgotten. Its success will depend on its prices, which will be communicated in October, before its planned commercialization in early 2022. Cousin Tucson’s price range, which extends from € 29,900 to € 50,100, allows us to get a first idea.
