The fifth generation Kia Sportage is built on a new architecture and has fascinating styling. The classic Kia Tiger Nose grille and boomerang-shaped daytime running lamps make a real styling statement. At the rear it has a swooping fastback design
Inside there’s a curved 12.3-inch digital cluster, and a 12.3-inch infotainment touch screen available in the GT-Line.
Debuting in the 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. It allows the user to easily zoom and drag the camera view to suit their needs.
For Kia’s Chief Operating Officer, Damien Meredith, the all-new Sportage is another step towards the new design philosophy.
“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.”
New Sportage has a wheelbase of 2755mm, a length of 4660mm, width of 1865mm and height of 1660mm. The new Sportage’s 1050mm legroom for second-row passengers and 1000mm headroom is an improvement from the outgoing model.
Kia’s Advanced Driver Assistance System technology helps the Sportage to avoid potential hazards.
The Intelligent Speed Limit Assist system available on the all-new Sportage 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 replace analogue gauges.
Having recently been subjected to Kia Australia’s Local Ride and Handling Program, the Sportage is designed to cater to Australian roads and the style of driving Australians prefer.
Kia Australia’s Ride and Handling Engineer, Graeme Gambold, said: “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”.
Power comes from a variety of engines; a 2.0-litre petrol (115kW / 192Nm), 1.6-litre turbo-petrol (132kW / 265Nm) and R2.0-litre diesel (137kW / 416Nm).
The 1.6-litre is exclusively available on the GT-Line and SX+ variants and is paired with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. It sends power to both the front and rear wheels for improved performance and handling, particularly in low grip situations.
The all-new Kia 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 and we will publish details than. We will follow that up with a week’s road test review.
