Safety

A safer drive thanks to new ‘active’ and ‘passive’ technology

To ensure that owning and driving Kia’s latest compact SUV will be a safe and rewarding experience for all occupants, the new Sportage offers buyers a range of state-of-the-art safety systems and equipment as standard – or as options, depending on model and market.

In most European countries, standard ‘active’ safety technologies fitted to the new Sportage will include ESC (Electronic Stability Control), and three new systems – HAC (Hillstart Assist Control), DBC (Downhill Brake Control) and an ESS (Emergency Stop Signal) system.  

HAC prevents slip-back during stop-start driving up inclines, while DBC ensures safer travel down the steepest slopes by maintaining a steady 8 kph (5 mph) speed.  ESS automatically ‘flashes’ the brake lights whenever the driver has to make a sudden or abrupt stop.

The performance of the Sportage’s all-disc braking system during extreme conditions is boosted by three systems – a regular ABS (anti-lock system), plus EBD (electronic brake-force distribution) to adjust the front/rear brake pressure and BAS (brake assist system) which recognizes an emergency stop and delivers maximum braking power.

Two active systems are available to assist drivers with reversing manoeuvres.  The back-warning sensor helps the driver to avoid contact with pedestrians by triggering an audible warning whenever the vehicle approaches an obstruction.

A second option is the new rear-view camera mounted on the tailgate.  This camera is fitted with a 130-degree, wide-angle lens which transmits images to an LCD display set within the interior rear-view mirror (or to the navigation display if fitted).  Simultaneously it enables the driver to check the rear view and the blind spot below the rear window.

A TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) is available as an option to alert the driver to low pressure if any tyre suffers a pressure drop of more than 25%.

For new Sportage, a new rollover sensor is part of the upgraded ESC system (standard in most European countries), and can be ordered as an option in all others.  This sensor monitors possible overturn situations and triggers the deployment of the side airbags, curtain airbags and seatbelt pretensioners if appropriate, while also extending the period of time that airbags are inflated.

Achieving maximum protection through ‘passive’ technology

The new Kia Sportage has been designed to meet the highest standards of crash safety.  The all-new platform and bodyshell employs a much greater proportion high strength and extra-high strength steels than the previous model.

Structural improvements include stronger and straighter longitudinal side members in the engine bay floor; an enhanced B-Pillar design that links to upper and lower cross-members to form an internal rollover hoop; reinforced floor members in the trunk floor and a rerouted and better protected fuel filler pipe.

In most European countries, new Sportage will be fitted with six airbags as standard.  Dual front airbags, dual front side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags (linked to the new rollover sensors in the ESC system) offer head protection for all occupants.

Active headrestraints for the front seats of all models are standard in most European countries and protect occupants against whiplash injuries.