Tag Archives: Sportage

News

SUVs were the best-selling cars in Europe in 2024

Although the demand for SUVs has been slowing down in recent years, this type of vehicle remains the most sought after in Europe. According to sales data, 6.92 million SUVs were sold in Europe in 2024, which is four percent more than in 2023.

Compact SUVs (C-SUV segment) were the most popular type in the category, and the top seller was the Kia Sportage. This segment accounted for 42 percent of total SUV sales last year, followed by smaller models (B-SUVs), with a 36 percent market share. The biggest demand was for the VW T-Roc. However, the greatest growth was achieved by luxury SUVs, whose sales increased by 13 percent (56,300 units).

SUVs were significant for a number of carmakers last year, including Jaguar Land Rover, Geely, Honda and SAIC Motor, while the segment accounted for less than half of total sales at Stellantis, Renault Group, BMW Group, Mercedes-Benz and Mitsubishi.

If we look at individual manufacturers, the highest demand was for SUVs from the VW Group. They accounted for almost 1/4 of the total number of new SUVs sold in Europe last year, and the T-Roc and Tiguan are among the ten best-selling models in the category. Stellantis was the second best-seller with almost 800,000 units (-7% compared to 2023), while Hyundai and Kia finished third with more than 705,000 units sold (-1%).

Source: Reuters, Photo: VW

EV, Hybrid, News

KIA Sportage Plug-in Hybrid World Premiere At IAA Munich

At this year’s IAA in Munich, which will be held from September 7-12, KIA will present innovations in the field of electrification.

Until the coronavirus pandemic, the IAA was held annually in Frankfurt. At this event, KIA will hold the global premiere of the plug-in hybrid model Kia Sportaga. It is based on the first European version of this SUV, and is intended for users who want to switch to electric vehicles.

The new plug-in hybrid Sportage is powered by a 1.6-liter T-GDI engine with an electric motor of 91 hp, and a total output of 265 hp. The electric motor is powered by a 13.8 kWh lithium-ion battery.

Senior vice president and head of the Global Design Center Karim Habib said: “With the all-new Sportage, we didn’t simply want to take one step forward but instead move on to a different level in the SUV class.”

KIA will use the IAA to introduce the new all-electric EV6 model. It will be equipped with a fast charging system and the option of access to the nearest charging stations. It will offer an impressively long range and the most spacious interior in its class.

Visitors will have the opportunity to get to know EV6 in more detail via VR technology, at the KIA showroom, and see the new Sportaga PHEV and the new EV6.

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