Nother CarGuy

Compact crossovers tend to be dull and uninspiring, but you certainly can’t say that about the all-new Kia Sportage revealed here in its international form as a 2022 model, with the European-specification version to follow in September, and the North American variant that will carry the 2023MY moniker to debut later on. Set to be launched later this year in several global markets, the redesigned crossover is a radical departure from its predecessor as it adopts a “thought-provoking and daring” Opposites United design philosophy. The all-new look is immediately apparent up front as the model features a bold grille with a black mesh lower section. It’s flanked by boomerang-shaped daytime running lights, which create “solid boundary lines for the striking head lamps.” While the front end will undoubtedly prove controversial, it’s hard to argue with the rest of the Sportage’s styling. The bubbly bodywork of its predecessor has been replaced by taut lines, clean creases and more expressive ...

Kia has revealed the facelifted 2020 Sportage, which now features a refreshed look, making its debut at the Chicago Auto Show. The popular compact crossover now sports new front and rear fascias; the revisions include redesigned headlights with LED turn indicators, new projector-beam fog lights, new front and rear bumper design, new wheel designs, a redesigned tail light trim and more. Kia will also offer new LED headlights with LED fog lights as an option. There’s also a new midrange S Trim with sportier exterior and interior design elements offered alongside the existing LX, EX and SX variants in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The interior of the updated model has been modestly refreshed with a standard 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and optional telematics, a redesigned steering wheel and vent bezels, an optional wireless smartphone charging tray, as well as available ‘Sofino’ leatherette seats. Kia’s active safety kit has ...

Kia released the first official information on the 2019 Sportage, ahead of its autumn launch. As expected, highlights include the addition of a new 2.0-liter diesel mild-hybrid powertrain, as well as a new 1.6-liter diesel unit that’s claiming to be “the cleanest diesel engine Kia has ever made”. Other revisions include subtle updates to the Sportage’s design, including new front and rear bumpers, redesigned front and rear lamps, revised ‘ice cube’ LED fog lamps and new wheel designs (16 up to 19 inches). Kia will also add five new paint options, with GT-Line models set to get a gloss black hot-stamped radiator grille, gloss black and silver skid plates and dual exhausts, among others. The interior of the facelifted Kia Sportage now features a new steering wheel, a revised instrument cluster and a new two-tone upholstery. The safety kit list includes Kia’s latest driving assistance systems, including Smart Cruise Control with Stop&Go, an Around View Monitor for easier p...

While some automakers have started ditching oil burners completely, others, such as Kia, continue to invest in new technology that helps diesels improve fuel economy and emit less CO2. The Korean automaker confirmed a new diesel mild-hybrid powertrain, which will debut in the Sportage later this year, followed by the third-gen Ceed in 2019. Christened ‘EcoDynamics+’, the new mild-hybrid powertrain is paired with a 0.46 kWh 48-volt lithium-ion battery and uses a new mild-hybrid starter-generator (MHSG) unit. The latter is connected to the diesel engine’s crankshaft by a belt, and under acceleration, it provides up to 10kW (14PS / 13hp) of extra power. Kia says the system can switch between two modes, called ‘motor’ and ‘generator’. In ‘motor’, the powertrain reduces engine load and emissions, and in ‘generator’, it harvests kinetic energy during in-gear deceleration and braking, using it to recharge the batteries. Paired with the brand’s Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) ac...