Kia Sportage freshens up for 2018

Kia has revealed a lightly facelifted version of its Sportage that introduces subtle styling tweaks, an updated cabin, new engines and the choice of an advanced 48-volt mild hybrid.

The good news is it's coming to Australia in July. The bad news is that Australia won't get the fancy new 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid.

There's also a smaller 1.6-litre diesel (84kW or 100kW) that replaces the 1.7-litre oiler, but it's also not coming to Australia. That means the 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre petrol variants are likely to solider on with the new look.

Pricing and specification levels are still unknown for the Australian market but the new look 2018 Kia Sportage SUV, which was spotted just yesterday in Germany, has subtle visual updates, to say the least.

Look closer though and you might be able to spot the new front headlamps, revised rear tail lamps and the full-width LED light bar that stretches across the tailgate.

Other changes include a redesigned front and rear bumpers and range of fresh alloy wheel designs.

As well as the standard car, the sporty GT-Line has also been updated with a gloss black grille, chrome side sills and rear tailgate plus new twin exhaust tailpipes.

Inside, the changes are again minor. The steering wheel is new, there's a revised instrument cluster and the option of a premium two-tone leather interior.

Under the bonnet there's more significant changes, at least for the Euro markets.

As mentioned Kia has introduced its next-gen EcoDynamics+ 2.0-litre diesel that gets a 48-volt electrical system that boosts acceleration and also powers a starter-generator.

The 48-volt mild hybrid system claws back energy under braking and allows longer periods of coasting (engine-off) at highway speeds.

The new advanced diesel is a direct replacement for the old car's 2.0-litre CRDi.

Replacing the 1.7-litre CRDI, the new engine with its highest power output is available with both all-wheel drive and the car maker's seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Other updates include more advanced driver aids like an adaptive cruise control that now features a stop and go function for commuter traffic duties.

The 2018 Sportage also gets a 360-degree camera and a driver attention warning system.

Finally, there's the choice of a new 8.0-inch infotainment system, as well as the existing car's 7.0-inch screen.

On sale in Europe from August, Australian deliveries begin slightly earlier in July 2018.