Kia Sportage gets a new hybrid variant

MANILA: It’s not just the big, high-end bands that first commit and then deliver to the go-green campaign. The mass market auto manufacturers are also fast catching up the trend. For example, Kia started with a concept that was based on hybrid technology and then moved it forward to the production phase.

As for today, Kia unveiled the all-new Kia Sportage SUV that comes with a new Ecodynamic+ variant. Staying true to its name, this new trim features a hybrid mill that is supported by a 48-volt electric motor tuned to a starter generator. The said setup uses a 0.46kWh lithium-ion battery and in the future it will feature in other Kia models as well.

The starter-generator is the highlight of Kia’s hybrid technology. It has the capability to switch from a system that provides 13 hp of power to a unit that captures engine braking energy. Smart, isn’t it? On the conventional side, the Sportage Ecodynamic+ variant comes with a 2.0-litre diesel mill that produces a maximum output of 134 hp.

In the Philippines market, the new diesel hybrid engine will sit below the existing R-2.0-litre in-line 4-cylinder mill which churns out a maximum power of 183 hp.

Closing the bonnet and moving forward to the design, the new Sportage showcases a slightly revised exterior. The front gets a new pair of headlight, while the rear gets restyled tail light and bumper. Its side profile now features new set of alloys ranging from 17-to 19-inch.

The cabin is also benefited from the revision and now showcases some smart gadgets. Included in the list are 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, smart cruise control system that can halt or pull away the Sportage in heavy traffic, and a 360-degree camera.

Kia Philippines recently announced the soon arrival of its new crossover, the Stonic that’ll go against the upcoming Hyundai Kona. As for the all-new Sportage, we are expecting its arrival sometime close to next year.