New mild hybrid powertrain and updated design for Kia Sportage

Kia has unveiled the latest upgrades to its best-selling model worldwide – the Sportage crossover.

For 2018, the fourth-generation Sportage receives a slight facelift as well as a new engine – the ‘EcoDynamics+’ unit. It’s a 2.0-litre diesel with mild hybrid assistance courtesy of a 48-volt battery and electrical system.

Kia claims the new powertrain will reduce CO2 emissions and save fuel, while potentially staying on the right side of upcoming bans of purely internal combustion engine vehicles. It replaces the 2.0-litre CRDi diesel.

Elsewhere in the range, the old 1.7-litre CRDi diesel has been dropped and replaced with a 1.6-litre unit. Kia claims it’s the cleanest diesel engine it’s ever made. It’s available in 113bhp or 134bhp flavours, with the latter mated to an optional all-wheel drive system and automatic gearbox.

Both new engines are fully compliant with the latest Euro 6D TEMP emissions regulations. Existing 1.6-litre petrol models will remain on sale, with alterations to meet these standards.

Changes above deck are rather more limited, with mildly refreshed front and rear bumpers, new headlights and all-new LED taillights the extent of the modifications. Five new paint colours will be available, as will new alloy wheel designs in 16-, 17- and 19-inch sizes.

The interior sees a few key updates, with a new steering wheel and gauge cluster plus optional two-tone leather upholstery bolstering the luxury feel. New equipment is available, which mostly focuses on safety – adaptive cruise control, 360-degree cameras, and a driver attention warning system are all available, as well as a new optional ‘frameless’ eight-inch infotainment display.

Prices and full UK specs have yet to be announced for the Sportage, but expect them to be broadly similar to the outgoing model – which kicks off at £19,200 for a 1.6-litre petrol model.