On sale this Autumn, design changes are limited to new front and rear bumpers, new headlights and a fresh taillight setup with a full-width LED lighting bar spanning the width of the tailgate. New alloy wheel designs are available, 16, 17 and 19 inches in size.
Five new paint colours arrive too, while the GT-Line car gets a gloss black grille, more aggressive styling with chrome inserts on the side sills and tailgate, plus twin exhaust tips.
A new steering wheel appears in the cabin and sits ahead of a revised instrument cluster. Fresh two-tone leather upholstery interior schemes appear on the options list.
The biggest news with the new Sportage is the addition of a 48v mild hybrid system, headlining a revised engine line-up. The new EcoDynamics+ 2.0-litre diesel is assisted by a 48v battery system, which supplements acceleration and also powers a starter-generator unit. It means that engine shut-off and coast capability is extended, reducing CO2 emissions and saving fuel. It replaces the 2.0-litre CRDi option.
Elsewhere, the Sportage’s 1.7-litre CRDi diesel unit has been dropped in favour of a newer 1.6-litre engine. It’ll be available with either 113bhp or 134bhp, with the higher-powered variant available with all-wheel-drive and a seven-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox. 1.6-litre GDi petrol variants will continue on sale, compliant with Euro 6D emissions standards.
Tech wise, the Sportage receives an updated adaptive cruise control system with stop and go function. A top-down style 360-degree camera setup has been added, while a new safety feature appears in the form of a driver attention warning system. New infotainment displays have been added too, with a ‘frameless’ eight-inch screen available alongside a seven-inch unit.
The new Sportage will arrive in UK showrooms this August. Exact prices and specifications have not been revealed, but it shouldn’t pack too much of a premium over the outgoing version, with a starting price of around or just under £20,000.
More details to follow here soon along with superb personal and business leasing offers
