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New Sportage Close Up

A brief look at the interior, new audio, safety features and the brilliant AWD system of Kia’s new Sportage crossover.

Interior

The new Sportage’s interior focuses on innovation of technology and spaciousness – the high seating position makes for easy access and all-round visibility, while the ergonomic dash with well-laid out instruments and switchgear maximises driver comfort.

The high-tech look is followed through to the sporty 3D-style instrument cluster and thick-rimmed leather steering wheel complete with tilt and telescopic adjustment function. All grades feature the now-familiar, Kia red-illumination on all electrical displays and systems within the cabin.

For added differentiation, the upholstery varies throughout the range, starting with full black cloth on entry models; progressing to black part cloth & leather on mid-grade models, and finally moving to full black leather on all top-grades. Both mid and high grades feature front and rear heated seats for maximum comfort.

Audio

New Sportage audio features Bluetooth, AUX iPod & USB connectivity & remote steering control

The main feature of the dash is a stylish centre console stack featuring a superb audio system with an RDS Radio and CD player and USB/AUX ports for external MP3 connection.

All models feature steering wheel mounted audio controls as well as Cruise Control and Bluetooth with Voice Recognition. Not only can drivers safely receive calls wirelessly and hands-free, but the innovative voice recognition functionality also allows the driver to safely place calls remotely.

Safety

A number of new electronic features have been added to the Sportage, increasing safety for on-road driving and the car’s capability for those owners who wish to opt for an All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) model and venture off-road or live in areas where bad weather and poor driving conditions are facts of life.

Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) counteracts any tendency for the car to understeer or oversteer in hard cornering or adverse conditions. It is linked to three additional systems similar to those on new Sorento – Downhill Brake Control (DBC), Hillstart Assist Control (HAC) and a Roll-over Sensor.

DBC ensures the car maintains a steady and controlled speed of 5mph when descending steep slopes, whilst HAC has the reverse effect, preventing slip-back when setting off uphill and eliminating the possibility of wheelspin.

The Roll-over Sensor detects when the car might begin to roll over in the event of an accident and deploys the side and curtain airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners accordingly so that occupants are fully protected.

The overall safety package is further enhanced by 6 airbags, Front active head rests, ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Brake-Assist System, ISOFIX preparation, All-round 3-point seatbelts (height adjustable for the front seats), and Child safety rear door locks.

All-Wheel-Drive (AWD)

New Sportage features the option of All-Wheel-Drive

The Intelligent AWD system (where equipped) is an innovative system which continuously monitors driving conditions and anticipates when all-wheel-drive will be needed, whereas many other competitor systems simply only react to changing conditions. With the AWD system, new Sportage is always in the correct drive mode for the prevailing circumstances.

Under normal driving conditions 100% of engine torque is delivered to the front wheels, but it can be redistributed up to a maximum of 60:40 front-to-rear to enhance cornering stability or if road surfaces deteriorate. For off-road driving, owners can manually select lock mode, which gives a 50:50 torque split at speeds of up to 25mph.

In the next post we’ll look at other features of the new Sportage including: the new Panoramic sunroof, new seating design, engines and security.

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