Cutting-edge 2021 Kia Sportage breaks cover

Avant-garde exterior styling

 

The futuristic Kia Sportage, completely new from the ground up, is thoroughly cosmopolitan — a design collaboration effort between Kia's networks in Germany, Korea, the US, and China. 

Revealed earlier this year to great acclaim from the design community, Kia’s new design language namely 'Opposites United' is at the heart of the new Sportage, influencing every aspect of its look and personality. The Sportage's appearance also takes much of its inspiration from nature, "creating a design identity that takes a daring, emotional, modern but organic form", the brand says.

 

 

A more outgoing and rugged-looking Sportage X-Line model will also be available that features curved roof racks, a rugged bumper and sage green interior details.     

                                                                     

An ultramodern, sleek interior

 

The new Sportage's driver-orientated cabin is state-of-the-art and combines breakthrough tech with luxury features and contemporary styling.

The integrated curved display with a slim touchscreen pad that sweeps across the front dashboard takes centre stage, affording the driver excellent visibility ahead, and of the on-screen display.

 

 

"The high-tech 12-inch touchscreen and advanced integrated controller act as the nerve centre for driver and passenger connectivity, functionality and usability needs. The instrument cluster is equipped with the latest-generation full thin-film-transistor liquid-crystal display for incredibly precise and clear graphics. With such advanced and secure high-tech connectivity, all-new Sportage benefits from the latest over-the-air software and map updates", says Kia.

If this Kia Sportage does reach South African shores, this kind of tech will largely be model-dependent, we presume, as with many of the convenience and semi-autonomous safety features.          

   

Premium safety tech

 

Apart from the usual range of safety features, the new Sportage is rated as one of the safest vehicles in its class. The new model also features Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Highway Driving Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM), Remote Smart Parking Assist and Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control, much like we've seen in the upper echelons of the premium brands, but with a slightly different nomenclature.              

   

Engines

 

Overseas markets will receive optimised engines in the shape of the four-cylinder 1.6 TGDI powertrain (mated to a 7-speed DCT) which offers 132kW and 265Nm of torque, as well as a 2.0-litre diesel with 137kW and 416Nm of torque. The latter has been built with tightening emissions regulations in mind and to also enhance day-to-day fuel efficiency and is combined with an extensively re-engineered 8-speed auto transmission. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models will be available too, but only time will tell what we will receive locally; chances are that we'll be privy to the above-mentioned petrol and diesel models since our local lineup currently includes lower-output versions of the same powerplants, as well as a 2.0-litre petrol.

An automatic Terrain Mode for a variety of road surfaces such as snow, sand, and mud will also be on offer. In Drive Mode, the driver can choose from Comfort, Eco, Sport or Smart sub-settings. 

 

 

*Kia SA says more information on the all-new Sportage will be made available in due course, and product details for each market will be confirmed closer to the start of the sale. Certain tech features will be available in certain markets only.                 

 

We will bring you all the latest Kia Sportage news as soon as it becomes available.