With its technical improvements, the fifth-generation Kia Sportage wants to prove that it can put the "utility" in SUV.
Based on the company’s new N3 architecture, Kia's first Terrain Mode that debuts on the Sportage. Kia said the feature has been developed for Sportage owners who want to pursue outdoor adventure and leisure activities.
Terrain Mode automatically adjusts the Sportage’s electronic four-wheel drive settings, so that the vehicle can easily tackle any road condition and environment, including snow, mud, and sand.
Out of Terrain Mode, the Sportage defaults to drive mode, with the driver selecting from Comfort, Eco, Sport or Smart settings. For convenience and added safety, all drive modes are displayed within the digital cluster.
A visual graphic in the audio-video navigation system shares how the vehicle has changed in terms of driving setup, when changing from one drive mode setting to another.
The new platform aims to improve the Sportage’s driving characteristics, ride comfort, and handling. An advanced steering and suspension system that has been meticulously tuned helps bring these qualities together.
At the front, all-new Sportage benefits from a MacPherson strut suspension, while the rear gets a four-link setup.
A new Electric Control Suspension (ECS) provides optimum comfort and superior safety levels at all times, thanks to its continuous damping control. The electronic 4WD system makes sure power is optimally distributed between the front and rear wheels depending on road conditions and driving situations.
In addition, hybrid-electric vehicle (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions of the all-new Sportage will get a new high-tech E-Handling system.
From the very start of development, all-new Sportage was intended to take the form of HEV and PHEV. More information about the HEV and PHEV models, along with other gasoline and diesel variants, will be made available near start of sales, Kia said.
For now, Kia shared the enhancements in the engines' oily bits, starting with the four-cylinder 1.6-liter gasoline unit.
The engine "realizes enhanced fuel efficiency through a new combustion process, breakthrough cooling technologies, and key friction-reduction measures, including an advanced integrated thermal management system and the use of a low-friction ball bearing."
The Sportage's two-liter diesel has been designed in response to tightening emissions regulations, and features an array of sophisticated technologies to drive down emissions output and enhance real-world fuel efficiency.
Kia explained that the mill uses a solenoid valve control, a variable capacity oil pump, an electric thermostat, and an optimized lubricant and cooling setup.
As for transmission choices, the 1.6-liter is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (7DCT), while a six-speed manual transmission is also available.
The new R2.0-liter diesel comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The addition of a damper-controlled multi-disc torque converter serves to enhance fuel efficiency by enlarging the lock-up range.
The revised eight-speed benefits from a newly designed transmission structure. It now reduces oil leakage, improves control stability, and gear shift response. It also features a new oil pump that has been optimized for capacity along with a high-efficiency tooth profile design.
Photos from Kia
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