DEVELOPED ON A NEW ARCHITECTURE, the all-new Sportage is sure to attract plenty of buyer attention.
Under the new Kia brand and ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, the fifth-generation Sportage once again brings an innovation that elevates the brand to the next level.
To create a dynamic, engaging and optimal driving experience, the all-new Sportage debuts numerous innovative features and is focused as a driver-centric design, underscoring its everyday family-friendly practicality and useability.
The sweeping design of the dashboard creates a feeling of great width and depth while the elegant and ergonomic layout combines to form a driver-orientated design that integrates technology in intuitive and innovative ways.
Combined with a curved 12.3-inch digital cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment touch screen available in the GT-Line variant, the displays take centre stage on the dashboard and create a luxurious ambience. The digital cluster is paired with a blind spot view monitor for added safety when changing lanes.
Debuting in the all-new Sportage GT-Line is a 3D surround view monitor which optimises images from four cameras (front, side mirrors and rear) to provide a 360-degree view in various modes. The newly applied 3D feature allows the user to easily zoom and drag the camera view to suit their needs.
The exterior design of the Sportage breaks new ground in the category with its signature Tiger Nose grille and distinctive futuristic-styled boomerang-shaped LED DRLs (daytime running lamps), which in turn create solid boundary lines for the striking LED headlamps.
The all-new Sportage maintains its strong road presence at the rear with a muscular swooping fastback design that flows into the razor rear lamps, which have been crafted to give the impression that they cut into the body with fine precision.
“Sportage has always had a knack of reinventing itself more than any other Kia model and the new fifth-generation, with its unique boomerang-shaped LEDs, razor rear lamps and swooping curved display is no different,” said Meredith.
“The all-new Sportage promises to be a substantial evolution over the outgoing Sportage and is a true reflection of where not only the nameplate, but the Kia brand is heading.”
Kia’s number one selling vehicle globally has grown in virtually every dimension versus the outgoing Sportage and due to the larger exterior, there is enhanced passenger room for the second-row and greater luggage capacity. This is achieved while retaining the signature full-size spare wheel.
The all-new Sportage’s intelligent interior space, which combines practicality, functionality and versatility, is underpinned by an elongated wheelbase of 2755mm, a length of 4660mm, width of 1865mm and height of 1660mm. The all-new Sportage’s 1050mm legroom for second-row passengers and 1000mm headroom is an improvement from the outgoing model – 80mm and 7mm increase respectively.
The Sportage has also advanced in terms of safety, featuring both passive and active high-tech systems.
Kia’s acclaimed in-house developed Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) technology helps the Sportage to avoid potential hazards, fully protecting occupants and other road users on every journey. As part of its ADAS package, the all-new Sportage features Kia’s Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), which helps avoid collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists in front of the vehicle while driving.
The Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) system available on the all-new Sportage is a driver assistance technology that detects speed signs through the front view camera. Information is then displayed on the instrument cluster. The optimised speed can then be used to set the Speed Limiter or Smart Cruise Control by confirming the speed limit.
The digital display with a 4.2-inch multi-function LCD, available on S, SX and SX+ trims, is an all-new simplistic feature which has been designed to replace analogue gauges to maintain a high-tech image across the range.
Having recently been subjected to Kia Australia’s Local Ride and Handling Program, the Sportage is designed to cater to the unique nuances of Australian roads and the style of driving Australians’ best exhibit.
Kia Australia’s Ride and Handling Engineer, Graeme Gambold, who has localised the ride of over 50 Kia models across a ten-year period, is always looking to dynamically improve each new ride he tunes.
“While it’s been a challenge due to COVID complications and taken a little longer than usual, NQ5 is sporty, youthful, fun to drive, yet comfortable and capable of soaking up even the harshest of road conditions,” said Gambold.
“While it’s a high bar, I’m confident it will be an even better ride than its predecessor.”Across the various S, SX, SX+ and GT-Line trims, a 2.0-litre MPI (115kW/192Nm), 1.6-litre TGDI (132kW / 265Nm) and R2.0-litre diesel (137kW / 416Nm) will be available.
Kia’s highly regarded 1.6-litre has been paired with the dynamic seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and provides much improved low-down torque. The transmission sends power to both the front and rear wheels for improved performance and handling, particularly in low grip situations. This powertrain is exclusively available on the GT-Line and SX+ variants.
The all-new Sportage will be available in eight colours with five being new to the range.
Pricing and detailed specifications will be available closer to its October arrival.