An SUV resolved in design, with a slightly renewed engine. We had a first taste of the new Kia Sportage, and this was the experience.
See it also in VIDEO
Kia Sportage reaches its fourth generation, with a total renovation in aesthetics, equipment, passenger compartment and engine. It arrives in Colombia with three levels of equipment, including front-wheel drive or integral AWD. This SUV is positioned above Kia Sonet y Kia Seltos.
The compact SUV segment is one of the strongest and most competitive within the Colombian market. Kia has had its workhorse, which has been the Sportage, where fortunately we have been able to enjoy the four present generations. For 2022 it is renewed despite the global crisis, with Colombia being one of the first countries in the region to have it.
During its launch in Barichara, Santander, we were able to have a first contact of about 60 kilometers with the Kia Sportage in its intermediate Zenith version. In uncovered terrain and on the road, we were able to demonstrate the elements it offers and a timid handling sensation with this midsize SUV that arrives from Slovakia.
Kia Sportage, a hit in exterior design
Aesthetically the change is noticeable and obvious. In the front, large LED optical units stand out, with a DRL in the shape of a “boomerang”. The grill is kept “Tiger nose” and on the bumper there is now a new front diffuser, with functional air intakes and LED fog lights.
On the side, the Zenith version has 18-inch wheels with different spokes in smoke gray. This is framed with plastic wheel arches, like the bottom ones, giving a clearance of 17 cm. On the roof there are functional bars in gloss black. equip Keyless Entry and it does not have 360Âş cameras (GT Line version does).
At the rear there is also a total change, with sharp LED and halogen optical units, with gloss black appliqués. The bumper is finished in black plastic, has an aluminum-tone rear diffuser, integrated reverse lights and fog light. On the roof there is a spoiler in body color.
Friendly and intuitive interior
The interior design is renewed and very well resolved in design and ergonomics. This version of the Kia Sportage has manual adjustment chairs in cloth and leather steering wheel with integrated controls, with paddles behind it. The finishes on the front console are soft, but on the doors they are entirely rigid plastics.
Towards the front are two 8-inch screens for the instrument and multimedia cluster, with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. This version does not have a 12.3″ curved screen. Dual, automatic ventilation, with rear air outlets. USB-A and USB-C charging ports, in the center console and in the front seatbacks, where the headrests double as a coat hook.
In the rear, the finishes are just as austere, with adjustable backrest inclination chairs. LED lights inside and two-panel panoramic roof. The space is optimal for three occupants. For its part, the trunk now offers 591 liters, with electronic and proximity opening. A more advanced element than hands-free technology.
Old drivetrain?
Despite equipping a 2-liter naturally aspirated engine, this Smartstream generation evolved in mapping and driving modes. It is capable of delivering 154 horsepower and 192 Nm of torque. It is mated only to a six-speed automatic transmission. This version is front-wheel drive, but the GT Line has AWD.
The suspension has a special adaptation for Colombia, independent for both axes, with excellent absorption and stability in curves. The brakes are ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, with ABS + EBD. The address is electro-assisted and as is traditional in Kia, an excellent turning radius.
Something to highlight, the driving modes, where “Eco”, “Normal”, “Sport” and “Smart” are integrated. The latter adapts autonomously according to the driver’s driving mode in suspension, steering, acceleration and gearbox. This is where the differential factor between the 2-liter Smartstream engine and the old “Nu” lies.
Safety with Kia Sportage Zenith
All Kia Sportage versions come with six Airbags, in addition to ISOFIX Anchors, three-point belts and ergonomic head restraints. It adds ABS, EBD, Traction and Stability Control, as well as a hill start assistant.
This specific version integrates blind spot sensor in the mirrors, rear cross traffic alert, cruise control and conventional speed limiter. The other driving assistance is equipped with the GT Line or top of the range version.
For parking, it has a reverse camera and rear sensors. As a plus, it could have had 360Âş sensors or even cameras around the vehicle. The semi-autonomous parking assistant is missing in the GT-Line version.
final notes
Aesthetically it is pleasing to the eye wherever you look at it, even better than its cousin, the Hyundai Tucson. Inside it is comfortable, spacious, and intuitive in its handling. Some better finishes and perhaps the curved screen are missed from the intermediate version. The trunk space a great attraction.
In terms of safety, it is well mounted compared to what Kia had accustomed us to with their vehicles. As a plus, it would be that she brought all the driving assistance and cameras from the intermediate version, to make her more competitive against her rivals such as Volkswagen Taos, Ford Escape o Chevrolet Equinox RS.
The motorization is fine, with the great advantage of being able to walk with current calmly. It is not a car designed to be sporty, so the benefits are optimal. To improve, the response of the box, which is somewhat slow to overcome, even in Sport and sequential mode. This sacrifices torque delivery.
Versions and prices
Kia All New Sportage 2022 can be purchased in Colombia in three scales of equipment. It only arrives in Colombia with a 2.0L Smartstream engine, with the six-speed automatic gearbox available for Colombia. The top-of-the-range version has an AWD all-wheel drive option.
Without further ado, this is the offer of the model in our country, for August 2022:
- Vibrant 2.0 Automatic: $138,990,000
- Zenith 2.0 Automatic: $149,890,000
- GT Line 2.0 Automatic: $184,490,000
- GT Line 2.0 Automatic 4X4: $189,990,000
See also: Kia Sportage debuts its new generation in Colombia, prices and versions
CREDITS:
- First contact, texts, recording, presentation and photographs: Nicolás RamĂrez Ordóñez.
- Video Editing: Nicol Vanessa Salgado Ordóñez.
- Audiovisual Direction: Daniel Felipe RodrĂguez LĂłpez.
- General Management: Óscar Julián Restrepo Mantilla.
Production of Publicaciones El Carro Colombiano SAS, 2022. Its total or partial copy or reproduction is prohibited without the authorization of its owner.