South Korea’s top carmaker, Hyundai Motor Co., and its sister affiliate, Kia Motors Corp., saw their combined market share in Europe reach its highest level in one year.
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“Sportage is a bit of a phenomenon for us, we launched it in 2010 and in its past year this we’ll hit a new record volume of 22k”, – Hyundai Motor Co.
With a more rounded look than the current model the Sportage has been given a striking road presence with large front nacelles either side of the grille each housing a cluster of four LED fog lamps.
For the first time, a new “GT Line” specification is available to Sportage customers.
“The all-new Optima builds on the worldwide success of the existing model, with a modern, new exterior, a bold interior design with more space for all occupants, an array of new technologies and a wide choice of efficient powertrains”, according to Kia.
While the idea of a petrol-powered Sportage fits American buyers more than diesel-mad Europeans, having a petrol Sportage in the range positioned as a performance version with sporty styling could work. While details have not yet been released it will include visual upgrades. The changes apply to every model in the cee’d range, incorporating the five-door cee’d hatchback, Sportswagon and three-door pro_cee’d. An even sportier look can be added with a new GT Line kit. The Kia Optima GT is going to be put into production soon and it will be sold starting from next year.
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The all-new 1.0-litre ecoTurbo engine fulfils Kia’s sustainable engine downsizing strategy, and will be fitted to other vehicles in Kia’s European model line-up in future. The 2.0-liter version delivers up to 186 horsepower and meets the tougher Euro 6 standards with a fuel efficiency of 14.4km/l. The 1.7-liter diesel engine, which is set to hit showrooms next month, is equipped with a seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission.
