Category: Car News

Kia Motors has revealed the upgraded Kia Sportage, introducing a range of enhancements to the brand’s European and global best-seller. Don’t forget, Kia sold more than 131,000 examples of the Sportage in 2017, representing a quarter of the brand’s total European sales. European customer deliveries of the new model will start during Q3 2018.

Improved powertrains and electrification..

The Sportage’s new EcoDynamic+ 48V diesel mild-hybrid powertrain is the first to be launched as part of the brand’s global powertrain electrification strategy. Kia is the first manufacturer to offer hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery-electric and 48-volt mild-hybrid technology across its full model line-up.

Kia will launch 16 advanced powertrain vehicles by 2025, including five new hybrids, five plug-in hybrids, five battery-electric vehicles and, in 2020, a new fuel-cell electric vehicle.

The Sportage now offers a wider range of engines, including Kia’s new ‘EcoDynamics+’ 2.0-litre ‘R’ diesel mild-hybrid powertrain. EcoDynamics+ supplements acceleration with power from a 48-volt battery, and extends engine ‘off time’ with a new Mild-Hybrid Starter-Generator unit. It can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 4% on the Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP).

The Sportage’s existing 1.7-litre CRDi (common-rail direct injection) diesel engine has been replaced with Kia’s efficient new 1.6-litre ‘U3’ CRDi engine, the cleanest diesel engine Kia has ever made. The new 1.6-litre diesel engine produces 115 or 136 ps, with higher-powered models available with all-wheel drive and seven-speed double-clutch transmission.

Improvements to the Sportage’s exterior design include new front and rear bumpers, as well as redesigned front and rear lamps and new 16-, 17- and 19-inch alloy wheel designs. Options include chrome sill trim and metallic skid plates, and five new paint colours.

GT Line models are equipped with a gloss black hot-stamped radiator grille, a gloss black and silver skid plate, and dark chrome inserts on the side sills and rear tailgate

The cabin features a new steering wheel and revised instrument cluster, as well as new black-and-grey two-tone upholstery. GT Line models are available with new black-and-grey two-tone leather seats, or optional black leather with red accents.

Improved infotainment

The upgraded Sportage adopts Kia’s latest advanced driving assistance systems, including Smart Cruise Control with Stop&Go, an Around View Monitor for easier parking manoeuvres, and Driver Attention Warning, to combat fatigue and inattentiveness at the wheel. European customers have a choice of Kia’s new infotainment systems: a 7.0-inch touchscreen, or a new ‘frameless’ 8.0-inch infotainment system.

Hans Knol ten Bensel

Measuring 4.50 m long, looking robust and muscular, the new model has the typical recent Citroën styling language with flowing shapes punctuated with graphic touches such as the Airbump®, large 720 mm-diameter wheels, ground clearance of 230 mm and distinctive roof bars.

Citroen returns with this flagship model to its roots: the new C5 Aircross SUV is quite modular and practical, being also comfortable, as it is equipped with the suspension with Progressive Hydraulic Cushions® and Advanced Comfort seats, offering a typically Citroën travelling experience.

It is modular, reminiscent of the old 2CV tradition where one could take the seats out for a comfortable picknick. This modularity can now also be fully enjoyed with three individual sliding, folding and inclining rear seats and best-in-class boot capacity of 580 l to 720 l. Modern and high-tech, New C5 Aircross SUV is equipped with 20 driver assistance systems, including Highway Driver Assist, a level-two autonomous driving system, and Grip Control with Hill Assist Descent, for adventures off the beaten track.

It also comes with six connectivity technologies, including wireless smartphone charging. Produced in France at the Rennes-La Janais site, it will be launched in Europe and the rest of the world starting in late 2018 and will be the first Citroën vehicle to come in a plug-in hybrid version at the end of 2019.

For the time being, the C5 Aircross SUV is powered by efficient and high-performance petrol and diesel engines ranging from 130 bhp to 180 bhp and the new EAT8 automatic gearbox.

Hans Knol ten Bensel