Tag Archives: Sportage

News

Kia Unveils Redesigned Sportage for European Market with Sleek Upgrades and New Tech

After making its debut earlier this year in North America and Australia, the refreshed Kia Sportage is now officially headed to European shores. The South Korean automaker has lifted the curtain on the updated European-spec model, featuring subtle design enhancements and upgraded technology, while maintaining the shorter wheelbase unique to the Old Continent.

Although first introduced globally late last year, the European variant of Kia’s bestselling SUV remains largely consistent with the global version—sharing its bold new look and cutting-edge features, albeit with dimensions tailored for tighter European roads.

Sharper Looks, Inside and Out

The front end of the new Sportage has undergone a noticeable facelift, marked by sleeker LED headlights and a redesigned grille inspired by Kia’s “Opposites United” design philosophy. The SUV now rides on newly styled alloy wheels, available in sizes ranging from 17 to 19 inches.

Inside the cabin, Kia has taken cues from its EV3 electric model. The redesigned two-spoke steering wheel and revamped air vents modernize the driving environment. Entry-level versions now feature seats upholstered in Dinamica microfiber, while the sportier GT-Line and GT-Line S trims come with artificial leather and Alcantara finishes.

Technology takes center stage with a curved panoramic display integrating two 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system. A 10-inch Head-Up Display projects critical information onto the windshield, while a wireless phone charger and a 360-degree camera system capable of rendering 3D images enhance convenience and safety.

Practicality Meets Performance

Practicality remains a strong suit for the Sportage. The boot offers a generous 587 liters of cargo space, expandable to 1,776 liters with the rear seats folded. Hybrid models feature a dual-level boot floor, optimizing storage options for active lifestyles.

Under the hood, Kia offers two powertrain options for European buyers. The base model features a 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol engine producing 150 horsepower, paired with either a 6-speed manual or an optional 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This variant is front-wheel-drive only.

For those seeking more power and efficiency, a hybrid model combines a 1.6-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor, delivering a robust 239 horsepower. This version comes standard with a 6-speed automatic transmission and offers the choice of front- or all-wheel drive.

Made in Europe, For Europe

The new Sportage will continue to be manufactured at Kia’s facility in Žilina, Slovakia, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to the European market. Sales of the updated model are expected to begin in the third quarter of 2025, although official pricing is still under wraps.

As Kia doubles down on blending style, sustainability, and smart tech, the refreshed Sportage stands ready to compete in Europe’s fiercely contested compact SUV segment—with sharper design, greater efficiency, and a tech-rich interior that promises to keep it a consumer favorite.

Source: KIA

Gallery:

Kia Unveils Redesigned Sportage for European Market with Sleek Upgrades and New Tech
News

Kia records sales growth in April

Few companies can boast of sales growth, and Kia is one of them. According to published data, in April the South Korean manufacturer achieved a sales growth of 0.5 percent worldwide (274,437 units), which is a good sign that the company is successfully holding up under pressure from Chinese automakers.

51,005 vehicles were sold in the domestic market, which represents an increase of 7.4 percent compared to the same period last year. The highest demand was for the Sorento models (8,796 units), Carnival (7,592 units), and Sportage (6,703 units).

Among all-electric cars, customers chose the EV3 model the most, which took the title of World Car of the Year for 2025. The EV3, along with the EV4 sedan that will soon arrive in Europe and the Tasman pick-up, is the manufacturer’s main hope this year. Thanks to them, Kia managed to achieve sales growth worldwide and also boost sales of SUVs that were the leaders in sales. The Kia Sportage was the best-selling with 47,737 units, followed by the Seltos with 25,543 units, and the Sorento with 23,855 units sold.

In order to maintain and strengthen its position in the market, in March Kia presented the EV2 Concept, as a new step in its Opposites United design philosophy. This model should help achieve the set goals, as the company announced that it will be one of the most affordable all-electric crossovers on the market with a price of around 30,000 euros.

Source: Kia

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