Kia Unveils Facelifted Sportage with 236bhp AWD Hybrid Option

This is the new Kia Sportage: a tried-and-true formula with a new look, a revised interior, and the option of a combustion or hybrid engine.  There's no reason to substantially modify something that has sold over seven million copies, right?

The entry-level car will be powered by a 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder engine producing 148bhp and coupled to either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DCT transmission.  Alternatively, the same engine can be modified with an e-motor to produce up to 236 horsepower.  Both will come with front-wheel drive as standard, but the hybrid will have the option of AWD. 

Kia's muscular 'tiger snout' grille sits between the ' star map' light markings.  The Sportage's front bumper design is similar to its brothers, with an almost triangular fog light housing and trim gap between the top and lower grilles.  These unique alloys come in sizes ranging from 17 to 19 inches.

Inside, there's a simple two-spoke steering wheel, disguised air vents for a minimalist appearance, several cubbyholes for used juice cartons, and a panoramic roof.  The seats will be upholstered in a variety of textiles and artificial leathers, with microfiber suede on the door cards. 

You'll also get two 12.3-inch panoramic screens bonded together, as well as a 10-inch head-up display.  This lot is controlled by the Kia Connect operating system, which provides OTA updates as needed and manages the safety suite, which includes automatic emergency braking, evasive steering help, and so on.

The pure-ICE car has a boot capacity of 562 litres, which increases to 1,751 litres when the rear seats are folded.  The hybrid gets an additional 25 litres on both counts.

The new Sportage will go on sale in the UK this summer, with complete specifications and pricing to be confirmed shortly.