Test drive Kia Sportage
From an unnoticed brand, where the Korean addition was already considered almost a curse, a new, amazing story has emerged that has yet to be completed. The impatience of Kia Koreans to talk to at car dealerships is immeasurable.
"Are we not equal to the best?" is an all too common question (albeit wrapped in more indirect thinking). Kia is rising, no doubt about it, the shape of the new models also speaks for itself.
This is also true of the new Sportage, a very cute SUV with a well-thought-out design that is focused on the city. The strong impression is supported by the packaging, which is hidden under the nicely shaped sheet metal.
In fact, it is mostly sheet metal, a well-known example of the industrial and business partnership between Kia and Hyundai.
Since we already know the Hyundaia ix35 well, we were all the more surprised that the Sportage is not only a clone of the aforementioned, but also a rather independent brother in technical and design decisions.
In addition, they look completely different and are not nearly as similar as the previous Sportage and Hyundai Tucson models.
Even more similarities can be found in the chassis of the two cars as they share the same basic design.
When we talk about the visible differences in the cabin, they are quite meticulous, only a pickpocket can find that, of course, the most important components (such as the air vents, the location of the information display, or the ventilation and air conditioning control unit) are in the same places. ...
Even the engine equipment, although Kia and Hyundai “cook on the same water,” isn't exactly the same, at least for now. Namely, the most powerful turbodiesel (from the ix35) cannot be obtained from Kia (yet?).
The new Sportage, with a new body design, new engines and a fresh and straighter look, is a much more dynamic car than its predecessor, which has already been well received by European buyers.
Out of a total of 850.000 150.000, 9 1 are produced by buyers from the Old Continent. The new Sportage is longer (5 cm), wider (6 cm) and lower (1 cm), as well as an increased wheelbase (+7 cm). Also important (also for a better position on the road) is an increase in the front (+4 cm) and rear (+7 cm) wheelbases, as well as a decrease in the floor above the ground (-5 cm).
The aerodynamic coefficient has also been improved from 0 to 40. The fact that the new Sportage is more than 0 kg lighter than its predecessor is also important in reducing fuel consumption and CO37 emissions.
It is not yet possible to imagine the full range of engines that will be available. Kia promises to release only two engine versions, both two-liter. A smaller 1-liter turbodiesel (front-wheel-drive version) will be available in the fall, and when the offer is complemented by an even smaller gasoline engine (7L), they have not yet been announced.
In terms of driving experience with both XNUMX-liter engines, we can say that in both cases they are quite tenacious engines, with the XNUMX-liter gasoline engine seems to lag behind the promised maximum power, and with much more powerful torque, the turbodiesel almost completely compensates for the apparent power lag. ...
This is also noticeable in the first impression of the economy of both versions, especially with the surprisingly low consumption of the turbodiesel.
The driving experience (on Hungarian roads with proper potholes) is very satisfactory and the comfort level is satisfactory (also due to the feel of the fairly good quality seats).
Kia also boasts its own version of the all-wheel drive developed by Canadian supplier Magni and carries the Dynamax AWD designation.
Magna presents this innovation as intelligent active four-wheel drive that predicts the required gear ratio and does not adapt to the situation in response to the current situation (action, not reaction).
Dynamax constantly monitors (using vehicle control sensors) the trip and predicts which drivetrain will be required. Analyzing the data, the electro-hydraulic drive includes a multi-plate clutch that transfers the drive to the front wheels or possibly the rear pair of wheels.
As usual for the Kio, the upcoming Sportage will have a variety of standard equipment such as manual air conditioning, electrified lift and lowering windows, redesigned rear bench (40: 60), RDS radio with CD and MP3 player (Aux, Usb and iPod) , ABS, electronic stability control ASC, central locking and much more, including, of course, one-time "equipment", Kia's seven-year warranty.
Sportage now!
The first two engine versions will be available in a few days: 2.0 front-wheel drive for 19.990 € 21.990, 2.0 all-wheel drive for 22.890 € and 24.590 CRDi for 200 XNUMX (two-wheel) and XNUMX XNUMX (four-wheel). ). Slovenian Kia is planning to sell around XNUMX vehicles this year, but due to the great response across Europe, they are not expecting more from the Zilina, Slovakia plant.
Tomaž Porekar, photo: institute
