New Kia Sportage is designed specifically for Europe

General Guides  New Launches 

European roads are different. They are according to Kia anyway, which is why a European-focused high-tech engineering programme has realised an optimal wheelbase and ideal dimensions and proportions for European roads. That's what the Kia communications say anyway. All that really matters is whether the brand-new ‘specially designed for Europe' Kia Sportage is a good choice for your next lease.

There is something to that road business though. Europe is a curious mix of modern and expansive motorway networks, narrow country lanes, and ancient cities with cobbled streets designed to accommodate the turning circle of a donkey. Building a car that is appropriate on all those roads and that still offers excellent luggage capacity, headroom and legroom isn't easy.

Sleek new lines, assertive road presence, a new grille, boomerang-shaped LED running lights, and matrix LED headlights lift the face of the new Sportage. A black roof is available to accentuate the sporting profile and complement the chrome beltline that kicks up into the rear spoiler.

The swooping fastback design flows into the razor rear lamps, connected by a slim horizontal design that gives the new Sportage a purposefully wide stance. Depending on spec and model, the new Sportage sits on 17-inch, 18-inch, or range-topping 19-inch wheels, with a choice of six different alloy designs, colours, and finishes.

Advanced connectivity at heart of new Sportage interior

The cabin has been designed to blend the latest technology with luxury features, premium materials, and modern style. At the centre of the new Sportage's cabin sits the sculpted curved display with touchscreen pad that sweeps across the interior, giving the cockpit a sense of width. The high-tech 12.3-inch touchscreen is the nerve centre for driver and passenger connectivity and functionality, and the advanced connectivity allows the new Sportage to benefit from the latest over-the-air software and map updates. The advanced connectivity software in new European Sportage also allows users to connect with their vehicle remotely via the Kia Connect smartphone app. All the storage, cupholders, and switches sit on the ergonomically positioned centre console.

Kia will launch the new Sportage with a range of powerful, responsive, and efficient powertrains, including state-of-the-art plug in and hybrid electric options. The PHEV Sportage features Kia's award-winning 1.6-litre T-GDI engine, a 66.9kW electric motor and a 13.8kWh lithium-ion battery pack to produce a total of around 260bhp. The HEV model gets the same engine, but it features a 44.2kW electric motor and a 1.49kWh battery to produce around 230bhp.





The new 1.6 T-GDI engine is also available in the new Sportage line-up with a mild hybrid (MHEV) system that has been developed to reduce emissions and optimise frugality. It combines enhanced efficiency with sporty performance, generating 150bhp or 180bhp depending on the specification. Also included in the new Sportage line-up is a highly efficient 1.6-litre clean diesel engine with active emissions control to reduce pollutants such as NOx and particulate matter. Depending on your chosen model you can have the engine bit bolted to either a seven-speed, dual clutch automatic, or a six-speed manual transmission.

On top of that you also get an all-new Terrain Mode for those who want to pursue outdoor adventures. It automatically adjusts the Sportage's settings for any given road condition and environment, including snow, mud, and sand. Out of Terrain Mode, the Sportage defaults to Drive Mode, with the driver selecting from Comfort, Eco, or Sport sub-settings.

The new Kia Sportage looks practical, well-equipped, stylish, well made, comfortable, great value for money, and the list of reasons not to drive a Kia just keeps getting shorter by the day. If you're looking to lease a practical family SUV , we've got plenty of tempting reasons why you should.

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