Engines

 Multi-choice and diesel auto suit customers´ lifestyles

Kia´s new entry into the small SUV segment offers customers a broad range of technology choices to suit the most varied of lifestyles. The Sportage comes with two gasoline engines, a diesel power unit, manual or automatic transmissions and two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive powertrains - depending on model.

In Europe, the most popular Sportage engine choice is expected to be the thoroughly modern, 2-litre CRDi diesel with manual, or automatic transmission. This diesel, with its fuel-stretching common-rail high pressure fuel injection system, is similar to the 16-valve, single-overhead camshaft Kia engine used in the Carens compact MPV and the new Cerato. It is fitted with an Emission Gas Re-circulation system and an inter-cooler that reduces the temperature of gases inhaled by the engine and turbocharger, significantly raising their efficiency.

The 2-litre CRDi engine generates a maximum power of 112 ps (82.4 kW) at 4,000 rpm and torque of 245.2 Nm at 1,800 to 2,500 rpm. With this engine, Sportage fuel consumption on the combined cycle is 7.1 l/100 km with manual transmission and 8.0 l/100 km with the automatic, giving CO2 ratings of 187 g/km and 210 g/km respectively, on four-wheel drive models.

Unlike older diesel systems, CRDi does not rely on indirect injection of the air and fuel mixture, the common rail engine delivers vaporised fuel directly to the cylinders (direct injection), enhancing fuel efficiency to an optimal level. High-pressure fuel produced by the fuel pump is sent to an accumulator. The state of the engine is constantly analysed and monitored by the ECU, which precisely controls timing, quantity, and pressure before injecting fuel into the cylinders.

For customers who prefer gasoline to diesel, two alternative engines are available. The 2-litre, 16-valve engine, which is similar to the Kia Cerato powerplant, has continuously variable valve timing (CVVT), which automatically adjusts the valve timing to boost performance and engine throttle response and to enhance fuel economy and reduce emissions, at low and medium engine speeds.

This engine generates 142 ps (104 kW) at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 184.0 Nm at 4,500 rpm, giving the Sportage a level of power that is highly competitive in its class. Matched to a manual transmission, this engine delivers fuel consumption of 8.2 l/100 km on the combined cycle, with a CO2 rating of 194 g/km, on four-wheel drive models.

For buyers wanting the ultimate in Sportage performance, a powerful V6 engine is available. The light weight, compact, all-aluminium 2.7-litre, 175 ps (129 KW) engine is fitted with 24 valves, multi-point injection and three-stage variable intake system to boost torque at low and medium revs, while also delivering rapid response to driver commands and efficient fuel combustion. It generates 241 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm and is the fastest accelerating model in the new range, reaching 100 kph in just 10.3 seconds. On the combined cycle, fuel consumption is 10.0 l/100 km and the CO2 figure is 237 g/km with the standard automatic transmission.