Kia released the first official information on the
2019 Sportage, ahead of its autumn launch. The highlights include the
addition of a new 2.0-liter diesel mild-hybrid powertrain, as well as a new
1.6-liter diesel unit that’s claiming to be “the cleanest diesel engine Kia has
ever made”.
Other revisions include subtle updates to the
Sportage’s design, including new front and rear bumpers, redesigned front and
rear lamps, revised ‘ice cube’ LED fog lamps and new wheel designs (16 up to 19
inches). Kia will also add five new paint options, with GT-Line models set to
get a gloss black hot-stamped radiator grille, gloss black and silver skid
plates and dual exhausts, among others.
The interior of the facelifted Kia Sportage now features
a new steering wheel, a revised instrument cluster and a new two-tone
upholstery. The safety kit list includes Kia’s latest driving assistance
systems, including Smart Cruise Control with Stop&Go, an Around View
Monitor for easier parking maneuvers, and Driver Attention Warning. The Korean
car maker also updated the infotainment system for European models, which now
gets a 7.0-inch display as standard, while a ‘frameless’ 8.0-inch display is
offered as an option.
Kia didn’t reveal technical details on the new
diesel mild-hybrid powertrain, dubbed EcoDynamics+, aside from saying that the
2.0-liter diesel engine’s performance is boosted by a 48-volt battery and a
Mild-Hybrid Starter Generator unit. Kia claims that the new hybrid powertrain
can reduce CO2 emissions by 4 percent on the new WLTP cycle.
As for the other engine, the new 1.6-liter ‘U3’ CRDi
will replace the existing 1.7-liter unit in the range and will be available in
two power guises: 115 or 136 PS. The latter version will be
available with all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The updated 2019 Kia Sportage will go on sale in
Europe during the third quarter of 2018, so expect to learn more about its
diesel hybrid powertrain option in the months to come.
