UK’s best-selling car unveils bold new look with stylish ‘star-point’ lights and sleek interior
KIA has unveiled a new-look model of their popular Sportage – and it’s gunning to stay one of the UK’s favourite SUVs.
The Sportage‘s facelift brings together a bolder EV-style body with “star-point” LEDs and chunkier bumpers.
For buyers to better understand, they should know that Kia is launching the Sportage in three clear lines.
These are named Pure, GT-Line and GT-Line S.
Each one comprises a range of electrified powertrains made up from petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrids.
Automatic, manual, front and all-wheel drive are all available.
Inside the new cutting-edge model is a slick 12.3-inch touchscreen and a clutter-free dashboard.
The GT-Line S adds a full digital cockpit and a 10-inch head-up display.
All versions keep a 1.6-litre turbo engine but each have different levels of hybridisation.
The first hybrid starts with 148bhp and a choice of manual or dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Full hybrids have jumped 28bhp to 235bhp thanks to a beefier e-motor.
Meanwhile, Kia‘s plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) powertrain has gotten the biggest upgrade due to a 42bhp increase in power.
It can now punch out a whopping 283bhp.
Kia has remained tight-lipped on the electric-only range’s max distance – so shoppers can expect it to remain at roughly 40 miles.
The car manufacturer is sticking to offering the Sportage in its Euro-centric short-wheelbase form.
Models made in the domestic Korean, American and Australasian markets will feature a longer wheelbase
The exterior also boasts new colour options – as well as a range of new 17-19-inch wheels.
New swipe-down shortcuts and AI voice control make the tech accessible and top of the line.
Also important to note, is the glossy scratch-prone plastics used in the surround, which have been binned for a tougher brushed metal trim.
Since 2022, Brits have snapped up over 124,000 Sportages and sales have often topped monthly charts.
Rivals like VW’s Tiguan and Hyundai’s Tucson are worthy competitors in the SUV market.
But the Kia Sportage was crowned the UK’s best selling car of 2024.
The old model already looks great, drives sweetly, and has the right mix of hybrid engines, useful tech and practicality.
And it starts from just £29,000.
The Sportage has been dubbed the “do-it-all family SUV”.