Today Kia officially released the Sportage through an online premiere in South Korea (we almost have seen everything about the KDM Sportage) but we also found pictures of the European Sportage GT Line trim for the first time.
While the 5th generation Sportage will have two flavours in South Korea/U.S (as far as we know), the regular and the Gravity/X-Line, a short wheelbase model exclusive for the European market (first time ever) has been spied with the GT Line treatment.
Talking about the short wheelbase Sportage (codenamed as NQ5) that we recently spotted completely undisguised, Kia said it will share more details in September, but while we wait we want to show you first pictures of the Sportage GT Line.
The European Sportage will repeat the same formula used by the Hyundai Tucson. Currently Hyundai’s brother from another mother has two versions, a regular one sold in Europe (4,50 meters) and a long wheelbase model stretched to 4,63 meters for countries like South Korea, USA or Australia. The car looks almost the same despite the longer rear door and bigger rear overhang.
Sportage GT Line trim upholstery
Like with the all-new Tucson, the 5th gen Sportage will have several hybrid models, from mild-hybrid to hybrid or plug-in hybrid. In terms of 48-volt mild hybrid technology, we are sure customers will be able to choose from three different options (same options as Tucson):
- 1.6-litre T-GDI Smartstream with 150 PS and front-wheel drive
- 1.6-litre T-GDI Smartstream with 180 PS with optional four-wheel drive
- 1.6-litre CRDi Smartstream with 136 PS with optional four-wheel drive
The “real” hybrid version will be based on the new 1.6-litre T-GDI (turbocharged gasoline direct injection) Smartstream engine and a 44.2 kW electric motor, with a 1.49 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. It is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission (6AT). The combined output is 230 hp.
A plug-in hybrid version of the all-new Sportage with a 1.6-litre T-GDI engine and 265 PS will also be available to customers. This model could arrive before the end of the year or early 2022.
Apparently the rear bumper looks the same as the spotted model, but with fully dark graphite wheels.
Photo Source: Infinite Run TV
