Suspension & Running Gear

New electric steering and new multi-link rear suspension

Kia’s Sportage engineering team designed the new electric power steering system to deliver good steering feel and precise vehicle control, with low effort during parking and city driving and more substantial feedback during out-of-town motoring.  The rack-and-pinion system is speed-sensitive and requires just 2.96 turns of the steering wheel from lock-to-lock.  Switching from the previous model’s hydraulic system to electric power assistance delivers a 3.5% improvement in fuel economy.

Both the front and rear suspension systems are mounted on a lightweight hydro-formed subframe to isolate occupants from irregularities in the road surface.

At the front, the compact MacPherson Strut suspension receives a little fine-tuning to smooth its operation and is largely carried over from the previous model.  Small changes to the suspension geometry improve feel and stability, while new side-load coil springs reduce friction.

The new Sportage benefits from an all-new, multi-link, fully-independent rear suspension system with the dampers and coil springs mounted separately to minimize intrusion into the cabin and trunk space.  

All new Sportage models sold in Europe are equipped with an all-disc braking system, backed up by ABS anti-lock and EBD brake-force distribution systems as standard.  For maximum stopping power, ventilated front discs and solid rear discs are fitted.

Off-road credentials for the new Sportage include a 172 mm ground clearance, an approach angle of 22.7 degrees, a 28.2 degrees departure angle and a ramp-over angle, which is 17.7 degrees.  For drivers interested in tackling more demanding terrain, the maximum climb angle is 44.2 degrees and the potential roll over limit angle is 45.0 degrees.