Kia Sportage GT Line EU Version studio photo from the frontq

Published on September 9th, 2021 | by Subhash Nair

Kia Sportage GT Line Has A Shorter Wheelbase In Europe

The all-new Kia Sportage GT Line comes to the European market with a shortened wheelbase.

By now most Kia fans are waiting eagerly to get a glimpse of the upcoming Sportage, which is more radical in looks than any of its predecessors.

Kia Sportage GT Line EU Version front end

Last week, Kia showed the European version of this new Sportage, which is actually a lightly different model with a shorter wheelbase.

Kia Sportage GT Line EU Version studio from the side

Despite the compact wheelbase of 2,680mm (vs 2755mm in LWB), the European Kia Sportage still offers 996mm of legroom for passengers in the rear with 998mm of headroom. This is down from 1050mm and 1000mm respectively on the long-wheelbase model. Luggage capacity is 591L (vs 637L in LWB) and with the seats folded down, this expands to 1780L.

The European Kia Sportage GT-Line

Because regulations and market tastes are different in the EU, Kia have specially adapted the Sportage for that particular market. It has more high-tech powertrains and an optimised, shortened wheelbase. Kia developed a long-wheelbase model as well, which is more likely to be introduced to other markets like North America and China. We’re not sure which one we’ll get, but it’ll be interesting to see how Berjaya specs and prices their first Sportage in Malaysia.

Kia Sportage GT Line EU Version studio from the rear

In Europe, the Kia Sportage is available with the GT-Line trim package which adds more aggressive and sporty bumpers, side skirts and aero bits. The Sportage GT-Line also comes with a black roof, a chrome beltline and a rear spoiler. The black grille graphic puts a futuristic spin on the familiar Tiger Nose with Matrix LED headlamps and striking daytime running lights flanking. Wheel sizes range from 17-19 inches.

State of the art Sportage

This new Kia Sportage will push expectations in the segment higher than before. It will be available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain in Europe for short emissions-free drives, as well as clean petrol and clean diesel engine options.

This PHEV pairs a 1.6-litre TGDI engine with a 66.9kW permanent magnet and a 13.8kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack for 265PS of combined system output.

There’s also a non-plug-in version of this system with a 1.49kWh battery and 230PS of combined system output.

New Electronic Controlled Suspension is also an option in this market for the Sportage. Terrain Mode allows for software-optimised off-roading capabilities. It will also get a comprehensive suite of Advanced Driver Assitance Systems. Inside, you get a 12.3″ touchscreen for infotainment and another 12.3″ digital display as the instrument cluster. A Harmon Kardon sound system and a 15W wireless smartphone charger is also available.