While most of the (mostly electric) vehicles that were exhibited at this month’s IAA Mobility show in Munich weren’t of immediate significance to the South African market, the new NQ5-generation Kia Sportage was a notable exception. In short(ish)-wheelbase guise (for the European market) and clad in head-turning GT-Line trim, the Slovakian-made Sportage shown here is closer to what we’ll get in Mzansi than the longer version that was unveiled earlier this year, which is destined for the Asian, Australasian and North American markets.
Kia South Africa sources its Sportage units from the Korean brand’s Slovakian factory and that should remain the case with NQ5. Whereas Kia units destined for our shores have traditionally been “general market” spec (especially pertaining to some engines), a Kia SA spokesman has confirmed that the firm is homing in on the European version of the model.
The new Sportage is based on Hyundai Kia’s N3 platform (which is better optimised for electrification), but the European version is stubbier than its sibling. It measures 4 515 mm in length, 1 865 mm in width and 1 645 mm in height, while its wheelbase is 2 680-mm long. The other version has a 75-mm longer wheelbase, gains 145 mm in overall length and is slightly taller, while offering 52 mm more rear legroom and 46 litres of extra luggage space.
Nonetheless, the (ostensibly SA-bound) Sportage is notably bigger inside (including its load bay) than its predecessor; Kia claims the newcomer “leads the way in legroom, headroom and luggage (space)” in its segment, with 996 mm of legroom and 998 mm of headroom available for 2nd-row passengers, combined with a 591-litre load-bay capacity, which expands to 1 780 litres’ utility space when the family car’s 40:20:40 split rear seatback is folded flat.
Much has already been written about the arresting styling of the 5th-generation Sportage – the2nd Kia to incorporate the firm’s expressive new “Opposites United” design language.
Styling-wise, the European-market Sportage’s altered dimensions result in the omission of its longer sibling’s 3-quarter light (substituted by a triangular pane next to the rear window) and a narrower C-pillar, but it’s the GT-Line exterior execution that really catches the eye. It incorporates sportier black “chicken-wire” mesh in the grille and front apron, complemented by gloss black wheel-arch trims, side-mirror caps and the blacked-out A-pillars and roof.
In previous years, the GT Line would have been of little to no consequence to the South African market, but since the introduction of the current Sportage, Kia SA has introduced a range-topping GT-Line version of the Seltos compact family car and the upcoming 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol version of the Sonet may sport a GT-Line execution too. Therefore, it is not inconceivable that the new Sportage will be offered with GT Line trim in Mzansi…
Depending on the derivative and trim line, the new Sportage rides on 17-inch, 18-inch or range-topping 19-inch wheels, with a choice of 6 alloy designs in various colours and finishes.
The new Sportage’s driver-orientated cabin is dominated by a curved display panel that incorporates a 12.3-inch digital instrument clusterand a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. Whereas these elements have been moved closer to one another in recent designs, this marks the first time Kia has combined them in a Mercedes-Benz-like “Widescreen Cockpit” way.
The sculpted display panel, which sweeps across the front of the interior, gives the cockpit dramatic width/depth and it’s book-ended by distinctively shaped ventilation outlets. A slim, rectangular climate-control console is positioned in the middle of the fascia and below it, the Korean marque has fitted a charging bay that supports high-speed 15W wireless charging.
Apart from offering access to various onboard functions, the infotainment system supports over-the-air software and -map updates, as well as Kia Live Services, online navigation and -voice recognition, plus smartphone-calendar integration. What’s more, a user can connect with their Sportage remotely via the Kia Connect app to check that the vehicle has been locked and that its windows are closed… or find out where they last parked their vehicle!
Finished in piano black trim, the centre console provides cupholders and ample storage, while the L-shaped raised central control console features soft-touch switches (for seat and steering- wheel heating), an engine start/stop button and a shift-by-wire transmission dial. Another nifty touch is the integrated hanger-type protrusions located at the backs of the Sportage’s slim front-seat headrests, which allow clothing or bags to be conveniently hooked into place.
Lastly, Kia claims a Harman Kardon audio system (which we’d wager will be optional!) delivers “a fully immersive, in-car surround sound” to the occupants of the new Sportage.
By virtue of being based on Hyundai Kia’s new N3 architecture, which also underpins the respective Korean brands’ larger Sorento (MQ4) and the facelifted Santa Fe (DN8) models, the 5th-generation Sportage incorporates a couple of premium vehicle systems for the first time…
The first is a new electronically controlled suspension that “provides optimum comfort and superior safety levels at all times thanks to its continuous damping control in real-time.”
Derivatives equipped with all-wheel drive, meanwhile, feature a Terrain Mode, which automatically adjusts the Sportage’s powertrain settings to suit prevailing road conditions and incorporates Snow, Mud and Sand modes.When Terrain Mode is not active, however, the Sportage defaults to Drive Mode (drivers can toggle between Comfort, Eco or Sport settings).
Over and above the expected passive and active safety systems (including dual front-, side-, curtain airbags – plus a front-seat centre ‘bag), the NQ5-generation Sportage is equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) technology – also known as DriveWise.
This section may not be of major significance to the local market, because advanced safety systems tend to add significantly to the landed costs of imported vehicles – to the detriment of affordability, which is why local compact and family cars tend to be sparingly equipped with these systems, but it’s worthwhile to take note of what the new Sportage could offer.
As part of its DriveWise ADAS package, the new Sportage features Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist System (with Junction Turning functionality) and navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC), which helps the Sportage to maintain safe speeds by using real-time navigation data. It can, for example, automatically reduce the vehicle’s speed before curves and, when the freeway straightens, reset the speed limit to the original level.The associated Highway Driving Assist (HDA) enables the Kia to maintain a set distance and speed from the traffic it’s following – and to stay centred in its lane.
To make lane-changing manoeuvres easier, a Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM) displays a real-time rear-side camera view of the Sportage in its digital instrument cluster. However, if the system detects a risk of collision, a new Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) system will provide a warning to the driver. If the driver ignores the warning (and the risk of a collision increases), the BCA will actively intervene to help the driver avoid a collision.
Meanwhile, Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) helps the driver to remotely park the Sportage or exit a parking spot from outside the vehicle. When parking manually, the driver can, of course, utilise the Rear-View Monitor (RVM) and Surround View Monitor (SVM).
The current Sportage offers a wide range of derivatives (9) in the new vehicle market and the successor looks set to continue that trend – and perhaps diversify into electrified versions.
On the petrol side, the current model line-up includes 1.6- and 2.0-litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder motors, but although the 2.0-litre MPI (115 kW/192 Nm) engine seems to be earmarked for Asian, Australasian and North American markets, the “European” Sportage is powered by a 1.6-litre TGDI turbopetrol engine that develops a maximum of 132 kW and 265 Nm of torque and can be combined with a mild-hybrid (MHEV) system. The 1.6 TGDI is paired with either a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual ‘box.
Ivana Jandreska– Kia Europe’s product marketing manager – introduces the new Sportage
It also appears the current 2.0-litre diesel (131 kW/400 Nm) has been succeeded by a 1.6-litre “clean diesel engine” available with 85 kW or 100 kW (with MHEV) peak power outputs. The 1.6-litre diesel variants – with or without the additional MHEV tech – can be paired with either a 6-speed intelligent manual transmission (iMT) or the 7-speed automatic transmission. If the proven 2.0-litre turbodiesel is no longer available to our market, there’s a chance the local line-up of the new Sportage may be exclusively petrol-fed, but perhaps with a twist.
Toyota SA recently introduced the first petrol-electric derivative in the SA family-car market and, coincidentally, the new Sportage is now available in hybrid and plug-in hybrid guises.
The hybrid Sportage (HEV) combines the aforementioned 132-kW 1.6-litre TGDI turbopetrol engine with a 44.2-kW permanent magnet traction electric motor and a 1.49-kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. The HEV produces a total power output of 169 kW and, crucially, its battery pack is positioned under the 2nd row, which means there is no reduction in rear legroom.
The more complex – and probably prohibitively expensive – plug-in hybrid Sportage (PHEV) Sportage, in turn, combines the 1.6-litre T-GDI engine with a 66.9-kW permanent magnet traction electric motor and a 13.8-kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack to produce 195 kW.
The PHEV’s high-voltage battery is placed centrally between the vehicle’s axles and features a high-tech management unit that constantly monitors the state of the battery, including factors such as current, voltage, isolation and fault diagnosis. What’s more, italso has an advanced cell monitoring unit that measures and monitors cell voltage and temperature.
While it remains to be seen whether the Sportage HEV will make an appearance in Mzansi, all new Sportages come equipped with Kia’s emissions-reducing Idle Stop-and-Go technology.
Kia SA’s official line is that it is “considering” the introduction of the NQ5-generation Sportage, but we predict that the Korean family car is likely to debut in Mzansi during the first half of 2022, provided the semiconductor shortage doesn’t delay the launch, of course.
Toyota RAV4- & Corolla Hybrid (2021) Specs & Price
Volkswagen Tiguan (2021) Launch Review
Full reveal: All-new Hyundai Tucson
Mazda CX-5 Updated for 2022
zpostcode
Recruit
weather
mreligion
Yellowpages
sport
constellation
shopping
name
game
directory
literature
Word
tour
furnish
Lottery
tftnews
lyrics
News
digital
car
dir
Edu
Finance
