Fourth-generation Kia Sportage - 2019 minor change

The fourth-generation Kia Sportage is now on its 2019 model year and has been given a minor change. Called Sportage the Bold, this minor change features some of the newest additions on the commoner's crossover that is somewhat a commoner on Korean roads, from Seoul to Busan.

2019 Kia Sportage

2019 Kia Sportage interior

So, what's new on this minor change, you may ask? First and foremost, the Sportage has received new front and rear bumpers, which is somewhat hideous for crossover standards if you ask the other folks, as well as some new lamps and a choice of new alloy wheel designs from 16 to 19 inches. The interior hasn't been touched but it's been offered with a choice of two interior colors; black and brown. Also, the sat-nav's revamps with KakaoI voice recognition system, T-Map Mirror Link, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. Plus, the Sportage is the first Kia to be offered with the brand new UVO IoT Service, which is a car-to-home service that lets you communicate with your Sportage while at home. It takes time to get used to opening your new Sportage with your voice but it beats using the key in a long shot.

2019 Kia Sportage

2019 Kia Sportage interior

The engine lineup's changed for this minor change as well. The e-VGT R2.0 diesel engine is now mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox while the old e-VGT U-II 1.7L diesel engine has been thrown away and replaced by a brand new 1.6-litre 'U3' Smartstream D engine, which is the cleanest diesel engine Kia has ever made. The new diesel engine produces 136PS of power and 32.6kg-m of torque and is mated with a 7-speed DCT, which has a tendency to not work if you are not familiar with double-clutch gearboxes on normal vehicles like this, fuel economy, depending on wheel size, is a combined 16.3km/L. The Nu 2.0L MPi petrol engine remains in the lineup but sadly, the manual gearbox is gone for good, which is somewhat a bad trip for some.

As for safety, the new Sportage comes with a wide range of driving aids such as Front Collision Avoidance, Back Side Collision Warning, Lane Departure Assist, High Beam Assist, Rear Cross Warning, and Driver Attention Warning, among many others.

The Sportage the Bold starts at 21,200,000 Korean Won.

Available colors: Pure White, Snow White Pearl, Steel Grey, Sparkling Silver, Fiery Red, Mercury Blue, and Cherry Black.

Photo: Kia Motors