The 2022 Kia Sportage made its global online debut a few months back, featuring quirky styling and some personalization choices. Now the South Korean automaker has introduced the new Sportage for European countries before its public debut at the 2021 IAA in Munich next week.
If you find this 2022 Kia Sportage a little different from the global crossover, there is a reason for that. First off, the pictures we have are of the sportier GT Line model, which has a unique front fascia styling. The radiator grille, for instance, features a hexagonal design, while the lower section of the bumper gets an altered design and a new place for the adaptive cruise control radar.
The biggest change for the European-bound Sportage is its shorter length compared to the global model. If you look closely, you will find the undersized rear doors and littler rear quarter panel without a window.
It is because of the shorter wheelbase for the European model that measures 2,680 millimetres (105.51 inches) against 2,755 mm (108.4 in) for the worldwide model. The complete length of the European Sportage is 4,515 mm (177,75 in), turning it 145 mm (5.7 in) shorter than the global model we saw in June 2021.
Keeping the wheelbase aside, the rest of the design is pretty much the same, particularly inside. Here you will find the same two-screen design we found in the global Sportage. The GT Line variant comes with many cool changes like a flat-bottom, multifunction steering wheel, carbon fibre accents on the dashboard, and specific leather upholstery with white stitching and sewed GT Line wording.
Talking about the powertrains, Kia says it is the “first European-specific version of Sportage in the model’s esteemed 28-year history.” Buyers will be able to choose from hybrid, plug-in hybrid, gasoline, and diesel engines. So, you can say there is a Sportage for every crossover buyer in Europe.
Another salient feature of the 2022 Kia Sportage is the standard start-stop system boasting Kia’s ADAS technology. It continuously monitors the road ahead and automatically activates when the crossover will draw near to a stop signal or junction.
The pricing details for the European model will be revealed soon.
Source and Images: Motor1