The fourth-generation Kia Sportage is one of the most anticipated releases of the year. And not just because it is a box inside the SUV vehicle segment, one of the most sought after in Europe, but also because it is one of the most successful in the Kia range models.
The Sportage is long, one of the most important models for the South Korean firm worldwide and therefore might almost call it your "darling". Much of the sales of the brand in Europe come from this compact SUV of more than 105,000 units were sold in 2015, representing 27.5% of sales for Kia in this market.
Just as the current generation is winning in the marketplace, his replacement arrives, more efficient Sportage, broader, more streamlined, more capable in all fields and, above all, more fun and enjoyable to drive. A comprehensive list of virtues of the new SUV we add important new aesthetic inside and outside, a considerable increase in quality in the cabin and lots more technology safety, comfort and connectivity for the price content.
Its release in Spain is planned for March 2016, but orders are already accepted and given its expertise in our market and the strong competition it faces, we wanted to be a little more demanding of the new Sportage, testing it on different grounds and paying particular attention to detail. At the end of the day, to be a star need to know shine. Will we find out you accompany?
The new aesthetics of the Kia Sportage has achieved many followers as critical since it was officially unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show, essentially the front, now inherits the new design language of the brand. I must admit that once, when he saw the first images of the model was not of those who flattered his peculiar nose, but after seeing him in person I can assure you it is much better than it looks, with a nice image that does not displease absolutely.
The first thing you'll notice on an outside will preview its new dimensions, which directly affects a wider and more comfortable as we will see inside. Thus, the new Sportage retains its known side view increasing in 30 mm his battle (for a total of 2,670 mm); 40 mm length (up to 4,480 mm) and leaving width of 1,855 mm intact.
Putting us in front of the most controversial of all, the front, the undisputed star is the calender feature 'tiger-nose' manufacturer, which is no longer seen escorted by the front lights (optionally include dynamic cornering lights). They are now at a higher position and extend rearward to reach the outer edges of a hood more defined by two ribs well marked. Grilled, meanwhile, it is now lower and wider, dimensioned for greater engine cooling and provide more volume to the lower half of the front of the Sportage.
If you also opt for a GT Line version (a new feature of the Sportage range) like the picture above, the result is a more imposing appearance and presence that inspires stability thanks to the underbody protection with aluminum effect and flashy lights lights with LED technology and design type 'ice cube'. By contrast, in standard versions, the protector remains in black and fog lamps continues its classic rounded design.
Continuing along the side view undoubtedly call your attention to the chrome accents that brand wanted to incorporate in the Sportage. As part of the windows is offered chrome for various versions of the model, detailed doorsteps is unique to the GT Line finish, providing an extra distinction and dynamism that certainly more than one will love. And it is that the Korean manufacturer's engineers have worked hard to make robust and muscular styling of the SUV also exude high doses of agility and sportiness.
To achieve this, the silhouette Sportage slopes gently toward the rear, with sharper lines, a smoother surfaces marked by the upper and lower ribs and a longer and aerodynamic rear spoiler creates the image of a scan profile back. Complementing this dynamic image we find the huge 19-inch wheels of the GT Line, which will be 17 inches in the case of the Drive finishes and Emotion and 16 inches in the rest. In any case, all are escorted by wheel arches more prominent than its predecessor.
At the rear the muscular look is maintained, presenting more horizontal forms and clearly defined lines with a smooth door that emphasizes the width of the car and gives this compact SUV a semblance of stability. Maybe the back of the model is one of its strengths, especially thanks to the stylized pilots joined by a strip that runs the entire width of the back, while the direction indicators and running lights have preferred to keep them separate and back in a down position to add more visual weight to the body.
Again, if we opt for the Kia Sportage GT Line we will have an extra sportiness in the case of the rear translates into two exhaust outlets and a lower diffuser metallic appearance. Optionally, users can choose a high finish also opt for an automatic gate and intelligent trunk.
The interior of the new Kia Sportage is undoubtedly one of its best assets. The increase in model dimensions directly translates into more space for passengers and increased capacity, which stands at 503 liters of luggage equipping the anti puncture (491 liters with temporary spare wheel) kit and 1,492 liters with the second row seats folded (1,480 with the wheel). Until the fuel tank increases to 62 liters!
The dashboard design is clearly oriented towards the driver, looking for him having to divert his attention as little as possible from the road (just take a quick look at the photo of the interior to realize it). In it we find a marked dynamic inspired by the Sorento to continue to attract the attention of consumers, in turn increasing the feeling of quality, refinement and packaging. There is one element that has not been heeded and that we can describe as "bad".
So its simple design combined with various metals combined with soft touch materials, quality and clearly defined horizontal lines harboring all pushbuttons divided into two distinct areas: the monitoring and control.
The first one is focused exclusively on providing information to the occupants of the clearest way possible, through the instrumentation for the driver and HMI interface with an optional screen 7 or 8 inches (depending on grade chosen) in the center of the dashboard, whose handling is easy, fast and intuitive. Under a clear line walking across the dashboard is the control area, with a center console that extends downward and is oriented at 7.2 degrees towards the driver.
One of the elements that have caught my attention are the controls at the door, that is, the management of the rearview mirrors and power windows. Usually it is a detail that few brands pay attention, finding quite unsightly and touch buttons on models that could be considered even premium. Kia, however, have been wary of this detail, with such a nice touch and sight pushbuttons. In addition, top-end finishes heating for the rear seats is included.
Depending on the trim level chosen, the console between the seats can change the design. The simplest have a traditional hand brake, while high-end carry the mail system that is gained in aesthetic leaving a cleaner surface. The same applies to other interior details. For example, the GT Line finish features a sports leather steering wheel in a "D", glossy black dashboard of high quality aluminum pedals.
In terms of comfort and versatility, the Sportage is also what gets tough rivals with new invoice seats that reduce the vibration level while enjoying a more rigid structure and a new design of the springs and foam panels , achieving greater comfort when making long trips or want to enjoy a more agile driving on twisty roads.
Back inside lower floor is 40 mm and the backrest can be tilted in 7 steps from 23 to 37 degrees, thus favoring the position of the legs and back; while the form in which it can fold the backrest is also more comfortable now. Regarding access to the rear seats, this is as simple as that of a minivan and although the seats are perfect for two adults, if three people traveling the space itself that is somewhat fair.
Finally, and in terms of equipment, we must recognize that the Sportage is well served, especially in one aspect that I think is essential, that of security. Do not miss the emergency braking assistance, the stability management system, the Lane Assistant, or rear blind spot traffic sign recognition, among others.
In terms of connectivity, we can not have any complaints, equipping the latter system audio, video and navigation Kia including even wireless charging smartphone, traffic updates in real-time location and notices speed controls, local search and weather forecasts. Of course, we miss the signs of navigation clearer and more precise, because they can easily take you to error in some cases and distract the driver too much if this feels lost.
Completion levels are chosen to launch the so-called Basic, Concept, Drive, Emotion and GT-Line. In all cases, traction and stability control, multiple airbags, ABS, EBD, TPMS, power steering, trip computer, air conditioning, four electric windows, hook control, electric mirrors, audio system with Bluetooth and port are included USB, painted bumpers, etc.
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