The highly anticipated Kia Sportage 5th generation has officially been launched in Pakistan during a grand event in Karachi. The new model features a bold design, upgraded features, and for the first time, a hybrid variant, catering to the growing demand for fuel-efficient SUVs.
Engine and Performance
The Kia Sportage offers two engine options:
- Standard Variant: Powered by a Smart Stream 2.0L MPI petrol engine, delivering 154 HP and 192 Nm of torque.
- Hybrid Variant: Features a 1.6L T-GDI HEV engine, generating 226 HP and 350 Nm of torque.
Both variants come with front-wheel drive (FWD), multiple driving modes (Normal, Eco, Smart, Sport), and a Shift by Wire (SBW) transmission for seamless gear changes.
Design and Interior
The 5th-gen Sportage boasts a completely redesigned exterior, with features like:
- A panoramic black grille
- Boomerang-style LED DRLs
- Sleek rear design with unique LED tail lamps.
With a longer wheelbase providing more legroom, the SUV offers improved comfort. It measures 4,660 mm in length, 1,865 mm in width, and 1,665 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,755 mm and 181 mm ground clearance, making it suitable for both city and off-road driving.
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Inside, the Sportage features:
- A dual 12.3-inch curved display (infotainment & digital instrument cluster)
- Carbon fibre trim on the dashboard
- 8 Harman Kardon premium speakers (top variant)
- Wireless charging
- Paddle shifters
The infotainment system supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and the cabin offers luxury features like ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, and power-adjustable seats.
Seat options include fabric, navy misty grey leather, and Carmine Red artificial leather, elevating the premium feel across variants.
Safety and Driver Assistance
The Kia Sportage comes equipped with a range of safety features, including:
- 6 airbags (the base model has 2)
- Blind spot collision avoidance assist
- Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
- Smart cruise control
- 360-degree surround-view monitor
Additional driver assistance technologies include Safe Exit Warning (SEW), Driver Attention Warning, and High Beam Assist (HBA), enhancing overall security.
Variants and Features
The Kia Sportage will be available in three variants:
- Hybrid Variant (Flagship): 1.6L Turbo Hybrid (HEV) – Loaded with all features, including advanced safety tech.
- Mid-tier Variant: 2.0L Petrol FWD – Features heated seats and a sunroof, but lacks safety assists.
- Base Variant: 2.0L Petrol Alpha – Lacks sunroof and Harman Kardon speakers.
Pricing and Availability
Official pricing for all three variants will be revealed on February 6. With a combination of luxury, technology, and safety, the new Kia Sportage is expected to make a significant impact in Pakistan’s SUV market.
