2019 Kia Sportage Revealed With New Mild-Hybrid And Diesel Powertrains

Kia released the first official information on the 2019 Sportage, ahead of its autumn launch. As expected, highlights include the addition of a new 2.0-liter diesel mild-hybrid powertrain, as well as a new 1.6-liter diesel unit that’s claiming to be “the cleanest diesel engine Kia has ever made”.

Other revisions include subtle updates to the Sportage’s design, including new front and rear bumpers, redesigned front and rear lamps, revised ‘ice cube’ LED fog lamps and new wheel designs (16 up to 19 inches).

Kia will also add five new paint options, with GT-Line models set to get a gloss black hot-stamped radiator grille, gloss black and silver skid plates and dual exhausts, among others.

The interior of the facelifted Kia Sportage now features a new steering wheel, a revised instrument cluster and a new two-tone upholstery. The safety kit list includes Kia’s latest driving assistance systems, including Smart Cruise Control with Stop&Go, an Around View Monitor for easier parking maneuvers, and Driver Attention Warning.

The Korean car maker also updated the infotainment system for European models, which now gets a 7.0-inch display as standard, while a ‘frameless’ 8.0-inch display is offered as an option.

Kia didn’t reveal technical details on the new diesel mild-hybrid powertrain, dubbed EcoDynamics+, aside from saying that the 2.0-liter diesel engine’s performance is boosted by a 48-volt battery and a Mild-Hybrid Starter Generator unit. Kia claims that the new hybrid powertrain can reduce CO2 emissions by 4 percent on the new WLTP cycle.

As for the other engine, the new 1.6-liter ‘U3’ CRDi will replace the existing 1.7-liter unit in the range and will be available in two power guises: 115 or 136PS (113hp or 134hp). The latter version will be available with all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The updated 2019 Kia Sportage will go on sale in Europe during the third quarter of 2018, so expect to learn more about its diesel hybrid powertrain option in the months to come.