Talkar, Kia’s importer to Israel, announces the start of marketing the new Kia Sportage, a model that has signed a number of significant milestones that have shaped the Israeli car market over the years, starting with the 1.6-liter version that landed in 2015 with a price tag that challenged the sedan’s family. The popularity and end of the fourth generation launched in 2016 and set a new standard of requirements for the popular segment when equipped with active safety systems as standard. Now that more than 80,000 units have hit Israeli roads since 2008, the new Sportage will try to replicate the success with the help of extremely generous dimensions, an upgraded multimedia system and an updated range of engines.
Externally, the Sportage is the second swallow in the number of Kia’s latest design philosophy ‘Opposites United’, which also serves the Kia EV6 electric. The overall look, like previous generations, is tough and aggressive with a wide “Tiger Nose” -style grille attached to new boomerang-shaped LED lighting units. The dimensions of the car have grown by a few millimeters and maintain the status of the Sportage as one of the most spacious vehicles in the category with a length of 4.51 meters, a width of 1.86 meters, a height of 1.64 meters and a wheelbase of 2.68 meters. The trunk volume has grown by 100 liters and now stands at 591 liters, folding the second row increases the volume to 1,780 liters.
The highlight of the cabin is the new multimedia array that houses under a concave glass surface two 12-inch screens each with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. On the lower level is a mechanical temperature control system for two areas, while the console that separates the pair of front seats has been joined by a pulley for selecting travel gear and a wireless charging pad in the senior versions.
In the world, the Sportage is attached to a wide range of hybrid propulsion units and plug-in hybrids, but at this stage only the petrol and diesel versions have landed in Israel. The familiar 2.0-liter engine gave way to a 1.6-cylinder four-cylinder gasoline engine with 180 hp and a maximum torque of 27 kg, the acceleration per hundred km / h is 8.8 seconds and the average fuel consumption is 13 km / h. It is joined by a 1.6 turbo diesel engine with an output of 136 hp and a maximum torque of 32.6 kg already available from 2,000 rpm, the acceleration figure per hundred km / h is 11.4 seconds and the average fuel consumption is 18 km / h. All engines are mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (7DCT) that transmits power to the front wheels. In the suspension section, a line is registered for driving enthusiasts with the use of a multi-link suspension at the rear to improve the ability to attach and ride comfort.
Later this year, it was reported from the importer, hybrid versions and plug-in hybrid versions will also be available.
Armature
The entry-level URBAN is offered in two propulsion units to choose from, 1.6 turbo petrol or diesel and is equipped with, among other things, LED front lighting, rear parking sensors, smart key with remote start option, 12.3-inch multimedia screen with support for Apple CarPlay and Android auto via cable, information screen 4.2-inch dashboard, split climate control and electric handbrake with Auto Hold function. The safety specification includes; 7 airbags, front collision prevention system including pedestrian and two-wheeled detection, lane center guard system, dead space vehicle monitoring system including resistance by braking and automatic high light. The TOP trim level as its name implies opens a panoramic roof and LED reading lights in the cabin.
The EX trim level adds LED backlighting, front parking sensors, a 12.3-inch digital dashboard, leather upholstery combined with fabric, electric adjustment for the front seats including heating and gearshift paddles behind the wheel. In the safety section, adaptive cruise control and an autonomous braking system are added at the entrance to the junction. The senior PREMIUM trim level upgrades the existing one and adds adaptive LED matrix lighting, an electric trunk door including a foot gesture opening, a dial-shaped gear selector, leather upholstery combined with suede, ventilation for the front seats and memory for the driver’s seat.
Regarding delivery times, it appears that there are currently several hundred units in the country, some of which will be delivered in April, subject to the model. Future shipments will also arrive in May and in any case the importer hopes not to encounter any unusual delays (over half a year). Gadi Unger: “We chose not only to play in the open, but also to score and bring what is there now – and not wait for the hybrid versions that will arrive in the future.”
Prices
Level of equipment ‘Urban’ 1.6 turbo gasoline: NIS 170,000
Level of equipment ‘Urban’ 1.6 turbo diesel: NIS 175,000
Level of equipment ‘Top’ 1.6 turbo gasoline: NIS 180,000
Equipment level ‘EX’ 1.6 turbo petrol: NIS 185,000
Premium equipment level 1.6 L turbo gasoline: NIS 195,000.