Park Jin-hai primarily focuses on K-dramas, entertainment shows and actor interviews. Beyond that, she also pens articles covering the broader arts scene, with a particular emphasis on classical music, dance and various aspects of lifestyle. Since joining The Korea Times in 2013, she has made significant contributions in the realms of hallyu (Korean wave), industry news and international affairs.
Kia Motors unveils new Sportage SUV
Kia Motors showed off the fourth generation new Sportage SUV during a media event in advance of its September launch, at the Kia design, research and development center in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, Thursday. / Courtesy of Kia
By Park Jin-hai
By Park Jin-hai
Kia Motors unveiled its fourth-generation Sportage SUV, Thursday, prior to its September launch. With an upgraded design and performance the nation’s second-largest automaker said it will compete against rivals such as the Volkswagen Tiguan and Honda CR-V SUVs.
“Compared with our sibling firm, Hyundai Motor’s Tucson, its design is sportier, which will appeal to younger generations,” said a Kia Motor official, during a media event in Kia's design research and development center in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province.
“The new Sportage will rival the Volkswagen Tiguan in domestic and European markets, while competing against the Honda CR-V in the North American market.”
The Sportage has been one of Kia’s best-selling cars. Since its launch in 1993, the company has sold more than 3.5 million over the past 22 years.
The latest Kia urban SUV succeeds the Sportage R’s design, while adding a stronger and defined look. Under the concept of “Sporty & Powerful Energy,” its driving performance has been improved as well.
The new Sportage is larger and more spacious than the previous Sportage R. There are two engine types available ― the R 2-liter diesel and downsized UII 1.7-liter diesel.
The 2-liter diesel powered model manages 14.4 kilometers per liter, up 4.3 percent from the previous model. Its claimed fuel efficiency is better than Tiguan 2.0 TDI’s 13.1 kilometers and CR-V’s 11.6 kilometers.
The downsized 1.7-liter diesel mounts a seven-speed dual clutch transmission, giving more dynamic driving.
“The Sportage is a model representative of Kia's innovation and progress,” said Executive Vice President Jung Rag, head of the product management division. “Especially, the latest model is at the pinnacle in terms of all aspects, including safety, driving performance and use of space, as well as in its reduced noise, vibration and harshness.”
Safety on the new Sportage has been upgraded, with an advanced air bag system, which can adjust air pressure depending on the speed during impact, and a high-beam assist program that automatically adjusts the headlamps' range.
The portion of advanced high-strength steel used in the body been expanded as well to 51 percent from the previous 18 percent.