Photo: SB-Medien
As Hyundai recently unveiled the Tucson's mid-life facelift, that of its sister CUV can't be very far behind. These are our latest spyshots, and they suggest a performance model of sorts might be on its way.
The last time we saw the Sportage, it had the cutouts in the rear bumper, but they were empty. But now, two large oval mufflers have sprouted back there. Is this a preview for an RS Q3 rival? Well, not really, but it could still be a performance model if they are going to all this trouble.
A possible powertrain option would be the 2.0-liter turbo of the Optima GT. Of course, it's also possible that this is simply a GT-Line cosmetic pack. Would there be a point of installing a roll cage just to test some fakery?
It would be cool to have the 275 horsepower engine from the Hyundai i30 N in a relatively affordable crossover. However, it's more reasonable to expect 250 HP, perhaps sent to all four wheels via an automatic gearbox with paddle shifters.
Reports have suggested that Kia wants to start offering a 48-volt mild hybrid version of one of its powertrains. But the Hyundai Tucson disappointed us in that department. It simply dropped the 1.6-liter turbo engine in favor of a bigger naturally aspirated mill.
We doubt Kia can pull the same trick off in Europe. Likewise, we don't seem them dropping diesel as Toyota did with the Auris and RAV4. So the mainstay of this crossover will still be the 1.7 and 2.0 CRDi with up to 185 horsepower.
Cosmetically, the Sportage's 2019 facelift seems to be inspired by the recently launched Forte sedan and Ceed hatchback.
We'll get new headlights shaped like ice cubes and a revised grille. The interior might see a new infotainment system as well, perched on top of the dashboard.
A possible powertrain option would be the 2.0-liter turbo of the Optima GT. Of course, it's also possible that this is simply a GT-Line cosmetic pack. Would there be a point of installing a roll cage just to test some fakery?
It would be cool to have the 275 horsepower engine from the Hyundai i30 N in a relatively affordable crossover. However, it's more reasonable to expect 250 HP, perhaps sent to all four wheels via an automatic gearbox with paddle shifters.
Reports have suggested that Kia wants to start offering a 48-volt mild hybrid version of one of its powertrains. But the Hyundai Tucson disappointed us in that department. It simply dropped the 1.6-liter turbo engine in favor of a bigger naturally aspirated mill.
We doubt Kia can pull the same trick off in Europe. Likewise, we don't seem them dropping diesel as Toyota did with the Auris and RAV4. So the mainstay of this crossover will still be the 1.7 and 2.0 CRDi with up to 185 horsepower.
Cosmetically, the Sportage's 2019 facelift seems to be inspired by the recently launched Forte sedan and Ceed hatchback.
We'll get new headlights shaped like ice cubes and a revised grille. The interior might see a new infotainment system as well, perched on top of the dashboard.
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