Contents of the material
New body
The new Kia Sportage 2023 body is based on a modular platform designated N3. At the moment, a similar chassis is already used in 10 models of the Korean concern, which indicates a high degree of unification and a positive impact on the final price and equipment. In addition, the cart was initially designed for the widespread introduction of electric, hydrogen or hybrid technologies.
The extended body of the Sportage is 145 mm longer than the standard version. Compared to its predecessor, the new Sportage model is 175 mm longer
Design
Dramatic changes in the design of the new Sportage are associated not only with a noticeable increase in size. The body proportions have also changed. Instead of two side windows there are now three, and additional triangular windows have appeared in the front doors. The design of the front part, namely the radiator grille, is made in a modern corporate style and somewhat echoes the sedan Kia K5. The rear bumper has an imitation diffuser, and on the tailgate, instead of the previous oval logo, there are stylized letters of the brand name.
The front end design echoes that of the K5 sedan. In the era of electric vehicles, exhaust pipes are increasingly hidden from view.
Salon
The interior decoration also survived the revolution. Expensive versions of the updated Kia Sportage 2023 have electronic displays of the instrument panel and multimedia complex with a diagonal of 12.3 inches each, but simpler versions will offer traditional instruments and a central screen of 4.2 or 8.0 inches. To improve visibility, the front panel is located 30 mm lower than before. For an additional price they will offer previously unavailable: ventilated front seats, a panoramic roof with a sunroof and a premium Harman/Kardon audio system.
In the photographs, the interior of the new Kia Sportage looks flawless. The diagonal of the multimedia system display is 12.3 inches. The extended wheelbase of the 2023 Sportage means record-breaking space in the second row.
Trunk
Not only did the Sportage’s interior benefit from its large dimensions, but also the trunk, which in Kia grew to 637 (+146) liters. By folding the backrests of the rear sofa, you can increase the useful volume to 2098 liters. A full-size spare wheel is located underground, and for an additional fee you can order an electric drive for the fifth door. Longitudinal adjustment of the second row of seats is not provided.
Compared to its predecessor, the trunk volume has increased to 637 (+146) liters. With the backrests folded, the useful volume increases to 2098 liters.
Handling and off-road performance
The car’s handling is at a high level. The Kia Sportage 2023 features the most advanced options and systems that were not present in its predecessor. In particular, the model received the Terrain Mode function. It is more designed for fans of active recreation. This service adjusts the car’s ride to the operating conditions and supports several modes. However, the SUV is still a little rolly when cornering. The SUV does not have the highest ground clearance – only 181 mm, but in some modifications it is equipped with an all-wheel drive transmission. Thus, the crossover will not get lost on light off-road conditions, but it is still not recommended to test it in difficult conditions.
release date
As mentioned above, the release date of Kia Sportage on the Russian market will take place in the 2nd quarter of this year. But the main news is that in 2023, the production of crossovers will move from Avtotor to the former GM plant in St. Petersburg. The latter will significantly increase the degree of localization, which will have a beneficial effect on the ratio of configurations and prices. After all, in Kaliningrad only large-scale assembly was carried out from ready-made components in the form of bodies, chassis and power units. On the eve of the new generation, sales of the previous version of the model decreased by 13.4% over the past year, but sales still amounted to an impressive 24,226 units, with second place in the class after the leading VW Tiguan (28,755 pcs.).