Kia Europe has revealed the new 2022 Kia Sportage SUV, which comes with all-new design and premium interior with advanced connectivity options. The European-spec model receive subtle changes to look slightly different from the recently debuted Korean-spec Sportage. It is based on the Hyundai’s new N3 platform, which also underpins the new-gen Tucson.
Kia is introducing market-specific models, as the European-spec model rides on smaller wheelbase. On the other hand, the US and the South Korean model features a longer wheelbase. The European-spec 2022 Kia Sportage has a wheelbase of 2,680mm, while the Global-spec model rides on 1,755mm wheelbase. In fact, the length has been reduced by 145mm as it measures 4,515mm in length.
In terms of proportions, the 2022 Kia Sportage for Europe is 4,515mm long, 1,865mm wide and 1,645mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 2,680mm. The SUV offers a luggage space of 591-litres, which can be further extended to 1,780-litres by folding the rear seats. The SUV has shorter rear doors and completely re-designed C-pillar.
Kia claims that the new Sportage is based on the brand’s new design language – Opposites United. This philosophy is formed of five pillars – Joy for Reason, Power to Progress, Technology for Life, Tension for Serenity and Bold for Nature. The SUV features the signature Tiger Nose grille, and boomerang-shaped LED DRLs, which create solid boundary lines for the Matrix LED headlamps aka intelligent front lighting system. Depending on spec and model, new Sportage rides on 17-inch, 18-inch or range-topping 19-inch wheels, with a choice of six different alloy designs, colours and finishes.
The interior of the 2022 Kia Sportage for Europe is similar to the global model. It features a large 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity and connected car tech. It has a 12.3-inch instrument console, which is equipped with the latest-generation full thin-film-transistor liquid-crystal display for precise and clear graphics.
The SUV comes with Harman Kardon premium sound system. The European-spec model is also offered in a sporty GT-Line avatar, which comes with GT Line badges, new colour options and dual-tone interior scheme.
The European-spec Sportage will come with multiple engine options including Hybrid, Plug-in HYbrid, Petrol and Diesel. The company has no plans to launch the electric version of the Sportage, as the brand will introduce the EV6 electric crossover. The engine options are likely to include a 1.6L petrol with mild hybrid system, a diesel MHEV, and a plug-in hybrid with a 13.8kWh battery.
