Kia has introduced a version of the Sportage crossover with a power plant based on the PRIUS plug-in hybrid scheme for the U.S. market. The Sportage PHEV is powered by a fuel-efficient turbocharged gasoline engine and features a 13.8-kWh battery pack. The estimated range using only the electric motor (AER) is internally estimated at 51 km (32 miles).
With the introduction of the fifth-generation Sportage, the crossover has undergone the most significant changes in its history. The new generation is designed in line with the new direction of the brand transformation, under the new slogan “Movement that inspires”.
Sales of the model in the U.S. market will begin in the third quarter of 2022.
The answer to the demand in the compact crossover segment
The powertrain for the new Sportage PHEV includes a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 177 hp, a 66.6 kW electric motor, and a lithium-ion polymer battery with an energy reserve of 13.8 kWh. A six-speed automatic transmission with a mode selection system and DBC (Downhill Brake Control) are standard equipment.
The battery can be recharged using an onboard charger with a capacity of 7.2 kW. The maximum charge density is 1.53 kW/liter. When connected to a Level-2 standard charging station, it will take approximately two hours to fully recharge the crossover’s battery. Standard equipment for the Sportage PHEV is the IEB integrated electronic brake, which combines control and hydraulic pressure functions. The linear braking sensation is realized with the help of electronic control using the motor. Due to this, the Sportage PHEV has a higher intensity of regenerative braking compared to its competitors, this system also contributes to improved fuel economy.
The Sportage PHEV, like the entire fifth-generation Sportage family of models, is based on the N3 platform, which was used for the Sorento. In the construction of the chassis are used by the method of hot forging parts, to a large extent used ultra-high-strength steels. This resulted in higher average tensile strength and torsional stiffness values. Sound-absorbing and insulating materials reduce road and engine noise and aerodynamic noise. Like all fifth-generation Sportage models, the PHEV version is one of the largest crossovers in its segment. For passengers in the second row is provided with ample space for relaxed seating and rest, the legroom on the second row — is the best in class and is 100.33 cm.
X-Line: a balance of design and technology
The Sportage PHEV will be offered in the U.S. market in two trim levels, X-Line PHEV AWD and X-Line Prestige PHEV AWD. The X-Line styling offers a combination of sporty and off-road elements in the exterior design. The front and rear bumpers feature a unique Satin Chrome finish. Side mirrors, roof rails, and door window frames are finished in gloss black. The cars are fitted with 19-inch wheels with gloss black finish alloy wheels.
The central element of the front of the Sportage PHEV is the grille in the corporate stylistics of the “smile of the tiger,” which received a “soaring” design, as well as the daytime running lights, which received the characteristic outlines of boomerangs. Relief “shoulders” around the rear wheel arches smoothly flow into the rear lights, made in a futuristic style, as peculiar slots. The taillights are connected to each other by a thin black stripe that stretches across the entire door of the luggage compartment.
The interior of the Sportage PHEV is not just a car interior, but cozy space, the design of which uses motifs and materials that echo premium clothing, furniture, and modern architecture. In front of the driver’s eyes is a twin curved panoramic screen. The total diagonal of the two displays that make up this screen is around 25 inches (12.3 inches for the digital instrument panel and the same for the infotainment system display).
The quality of the design and finish of the cabin is matched by its high-tech equipment. Standard and optional solutions allow the driver to stay in touch, give him access to information networks, allow him to feel confident and informed. In both configurations, support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is provided as standard. Located under the screen of the infotainment system and having an intuitive algorithm for using the touchpad allows you to control the climate system and the audio system. As an option is available all-around view system with 3D-view mode, which allows you to look at the space around the car “from a bird’s-eye view”. The Sportage X-Line Prestige PHEV AWD is equipped with a premium Harman/Kardon audio system.
High-tech assistance systems give the driver confidence
The Shortage PHEV models are equipped with numerous Drive Wise safety and driver assistance system solutions. These include Driver Attention Control, LED High Beam Assistant, Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Center Assist, Front Collision Avoidance with bicyclist and pedestrian detection, Rear Occupant Alert (rearview video camera with dynamic image marking, rear clearance parking distance control, blind-spot collision avoidance, rear exit collision avoidance assistant, safe exit system (intelligent speed limiter).
In addition to this kit, the Shortage X-Line Prestige PHEV AWD is equipped with: blind-spot monitoring with dashboard display, frontal collision avoidance with intersection turning function, free parking distance control in front of the vehicle, highway assist, intelligent cruise control with a function of reducing the speed before the turn-based on navigation data, the system of collision avoidance when backing up, remote parking assistant, intelligent cruise control with a function of temporary stop and resume driving.