Shorter Kia Sportage for Europe steps out

The European version of the all-new Kia Sportage has been revealed and it will be significantly shorter than the fifth-generation Kia Sportage available to Australians from October.

It's the first time the Korean car-maker has spun off a smaller version of the Kia Sportage since the mid-size SUV was first introduced back in 1993.

The short-wheelbase model comes following fears in some markets that the 180mm increase in length of the NQ5 Kia Sportage would see it cannibalise sales from the bigger Kia Sorento.

The new Euro Sportage measures in at 4515mm long, making it 145mm shorter in overall length than the longer-wheelbase new-generation model and just a fraction longer (+35mm) than the outgoing Sportage.

The Euro model's 2680mm wheelbase is 75mm shorter than the Sportage that will launch in Australia next month. 

As far as the design goes, there are a few subtle differences compared to the global Sportage. Look closely and you'll see the Euro-spec SUV gets thicker C-pillars that delete the small rear window.

Not surprisingly, considering the size and weight difference compared to the model sold in Australia, the smaller Euro Sportage will get a unique chassis tune that's been "meticulously honed to offer optimal drive and handling characteristics for European roads", Kia says.

Along with new adaptive dampers, the new Sportage gets Comfort, Eco and Sport driving modes, plus a new Terrain button for enhanced traction in snowy, sandy or muddy conditions.

Under the bonnet, the SWB Sportage comes with a 1.6-litre mild-hybrid turbo-petrol four-cylinder that produces either 110kW or 132kW, and a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel offering 85kW or 100kW.

Two transmissions are available: six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

As far hybrids go, in Europe there will be two. Also expected to come to Australia eventually is a non-plug-in powertrain that combines a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol four with a 1.5kWh battery and a 44kW electric motor to produce 169kW. Meantime, a 195kW plug-in hybrid powertrain, which won't come to Australia, pairs the same engine with a 67kW electric motor and an 13.8kWh battery pack.

Inside, the new SWB Sportage gets an identical cabin to the SUV we're getting Down Under, featuring two big 12.3-inch screens that dominate the cabin.

Despite the shorter wheelbase, there's more space for occupants both front and rear compared to the previous-gen Sportage, and boot space remains a generous 591 litres.

Fresh tech like matrix LED headlights, a 360-degree camera, wireless phone charging, over-the-air software updates and new adaptive dampers will all be introduced, plus dozens of new safety and driver assistance systems.

The short-wheelbase Sportage goes on sale in Europe in early 2022, following the launch of the full-size model a month later than Australia in November 2021. Kia Australia has no plans at this stage to bring the more compact Sportage Down Under.