Kia has unveiled its updated Sportage SUV. The refreshed Sportage gets a new Ecodynamics+ model that is equipped with a 48-volt electrical architecture with a starter-generator unit. This system uses a 0.46kWh, 48V lithium-ion battery and will make its way to other Kia models in the future.
Kia says the starter-generator unit can seamlessly switch from providing up to 13hp of assistance via a belt that drives the crankshaft to recuperating energy from engine braking. It comes with the 2.0-litre diesel engine, which produces 134hp on its own.
The Sportage's Ecodynamics+ powertrain also permits the use of a smaller and lighter 12V battery to power the car’s ancillaries. In addition, it uses selective catalytic reduction and active emissions control technology, which helps to lower its average CO2 output by 4 percent, as measured using the new WLTP tests.
In European markets, the new mild hybrid diesel will sit at the top of the engine range. Below it is a new 1.6-litre CRDi diesel that replaces the previous 1.7-litre unit. The new engine comes in two power outputs, 115hp and 136hp, with the latter available with all-wheel drive.
Of the petrol engines, the existing 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol is retained and Kia will add a new petrol mild hybrid powertrain in the future.
Along with its new powertrains, the 2018 Sportage also has tweaked lighting details at the front and rear, as well as different bumpers and new wheels of 17- to 19-inch diameters. Top-spec Sportage GTs get LED fog lamps and sportier detailing.
Inside, the updated Sportage comes with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard with an 8-inch system available as an option. Smart cruise control that can bring the car to a halt or pull away in traffic is also available, as is a 360-degree camera display on the infotainment screen.
Closer to home, Kia will bring the SP Concept-based SUV, likely to be called the Trazor, sometime next year. This new SUV will take on the Hyundai Creta. Additionally, a new compact SUV is in the pipeline that will share underpinnings with the upcoming Hyundai Carlino SUV. Kia is also evaluating an India launch for the Grand Carnival MPV and the Stonic crossover. There are talks of the Sportage SUV also making it to our shores in future.