The facelifted Kia Sportage has been spied undisguised
at the Nürburgring. Looking instantly recognizable, the updated model has been
equipped with a new front fascia which features revised air intakes and a less
rounded appearance. The crossover also has a new chrome bar, updated headlights
and restyled fog lights.
The rear of the crossover largely carries over but a
closer inspection reveals some subtle styling changes. The most noticeable
differences are the new taillights and the removal of the thin chrome strip
that used to connect them. Further below, we can see the rear bumper has been
modified to separate the reflectors from the reverse lights.
The minor styling changes continue in the cabin as
the Sportage has an updated infotainment system which is framed by a larger
metallic bezel. Additional changes are hard to spot but it appears the model
features revised switchgear.
The 2019 Sportage will
become the first Kia model to be offered with a new 48V mild-hybrid diesel
powertrain. Dubbed EcoDynamics+, the powertrain will feature an undisclosed
diesel engine, a mild-hybrid starter-generator and an additional 48-volt
lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 0.46 kWh. The mild-hybrid
starter-generator is connected to the diesel engine’s crankshaft by a belt and
it can provide up to 13 hp of electric power assistance. The
starter-generator also captures kinetic energy from deceleration and braking to
recharge the lithium-ion battery.
The mild-hybrid powertrain will be debut in the
European Sportage later this year and it will eventually be offered on the Ceed
in 2019.
Cr : Carscoops
