Tag Archives: KIA

Hybrid, News

KIA Sportage made only for the European market

South Korean car manufacturer KIA has introduced the fifth generation of the Sportage model. It is a model made only for the European market, which has not happened in the last 28 years.

The new generation Sportage was developed on the Hyundai Motor Group platform. The platform was used to develop the already presented model for the South Korean and American markets, with a larger wheelbase of 108.4 inches (2,755 mm).

The European model comes with a smaller wheelbase of 105.51 inches (2,680 mm) and will be offered in two hybrid versions (hybrid and plug-in hybrid) as well as petrol and diesel versions. All versions are equipped with a start-stop system as standard in cooperation with Kia’s ADAS technology. KIA will not offer an electric version due to the fact that the Sportage is similar in size to the upcoming all-electric EV6 crossover.

The new Sportage is equipped with a distinctive front grille, a radiator grille with a hexagonal pattern, the rear bumper has been redesigned, and the GT-Line equipment also offers a black roof as a contrast.

Inside, the seats are upholstered in black leather with white stitching and GT-Line lettering embroidered on the seat, there are also a multifunction steering wheel and carbon fiber decorations on the dashboard.

Source: KIA

News

Sorento plug-in hybrid

The new Sorento plug-in hybrid is the second electrified version on offer. The new performance combines exceptional practicality with low operating costs and high engine performance. That increases the attractiveness of the Sorento in the large SUV class (SUV-D).

Visually, the Sorento PHEV retains the same modernly designed exterior as the other versions. It has additional charging socket on the right side of the rear end, which makes it different from the others.

Inside, the cab is largely unchanged from the classic version, although the 12.3-inch all-digital instrument panel has been redesigned, with new graphics and counters, which offer drivers a clear picture of the state of the drivetrain. It allows drivers to monitor the state of charge of the battery, energy flow and gasoline power. The infotainment system with 10.25-inch touch screen brings new functionalities, which allow drivers to easily locate charging points on the road.

The basis of this ‘turbo hybrid’ drive is its 1.6-liter T-GDi engine with 180 hp and 265 Nm of torque. The engine operates in combination with a 13.8 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack and a 30.9 Nm 66.9-kilowatt electric motor. All components together allow the hybrid Sorento a total of 265 hp and 350 Nm of torque.

The Sorento has a 6-speed automatic transmission that provides full power to the motor and electric motor in parallel, with minimal energy loss. The result is instant acceleration and direct access to battery power at higher speeds.

Various innovations give the new Sorrento the status of the most advanced plug-in hybrid of the Kia brand. The new model brings Kia’s first use of an independent water-cooled battery, which enables optimal performance and efficiency of the high-voltage battery pack.

The Sorento’s PHEV version offers one of the largest luggage capacities in its class. The seven-seat version offering 809 litres versus the 821 litres of the standard hybrid.