The engine in the Kia Sportage's regular gas trims is a naturally aspirated 2. 5-liter inline four-cylinder with 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. It transmits its power to an eight-speed automatic transmission through either of two drivetrain configurations - front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive - depending on the trim. Performance with this engine is lethargic, giving the Kia Sportage a 0-60 mph sprint of around nine seconds and making it hard work on the highway and when overtaking or climbing hills, with the transmission frantically hunting for the correct ratio to keep the underpowered engine on the boil. Trailering saps the last bit of enthusiasm from the engine
We assume the hybrid and plug-in will carry over from last year as well, which includes a 1. 6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in conjunction with an electric motor to produce totals of 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, linked to a six-speed automatic transmission and a choice of FWD or AWD, depending on the trim. This gets it to 60 mph in a far swifter 7. 2 seconds and is our Sportage powertrain of choice. The plug-in hybrid has the same 258 lb-ft but a higher power output of 261 hp, which more than compensates for the additional mass, enabling the PHEV to just squeak in under the seven-second barrier for the 0-60 sprint. It's only available with AWD and the six-speed auto
Top speed isn't important in an SUV, but for what it's worth, the Sportage is limited to between 124 and 130 mph, depending on the powertrain. Towing capacity isn't class-leading, but the maximum of 2,500 lbs that the gas Sportage can tow is enough for a small boat or trailer. The hybrids can tow a maximum of 2,000 pounds. The Sportage isn't made for off-roading, but it can take on rough roads and slippery tracks in AWD guise, with at least 8. 3 inches of ground clearance providing peace of mind. The FWD trims' 7. 1 inches is marginal for an SUV, though
The Sportage is built for comfort, not speed, and the entire package feels that way inclined. The seats are very supportive, the suspension is tuned for a soft ride, the steering is light but short of feedback, and both the brakes and accelerator pedals have a soft initial response. It's certainly quiet and refined, without the irritating CVT drone of some rivals, though the hoarse base engine can be heard laboring away when trying to move the Sportage in a hurry. This is no CX-5 then, with none of the Mazda's crisp responses or sense of fun. The Sportage leans a bit and can feel somewhat underdamped when it encounters mid-corner bumps, which sets it bobbing before it settles. The gas Sportage is spoiled by its breathless engine, and the hybrid is a lot snappier, even though the power delivery can occasionally be a bit inconsistent, probably due to fewer gear ratios, turbo lag, and the blended-in electric assistance trying to balance each other out. The PHEV is swift and refined, yet despite being the quickest Sportage, it never feels sporty due to its extra weight dulling its responses
The second-generation Kia Niro hybrid and all-electric small SUV has earned top marks in safety
7 Sep 2022, 06. 01 giờ chiều
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Jordan Hickey
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- 2023 Kia Niro receives five-star safety rating
- Strong results in junction AEB and pedestrian leg impact tests
- Applies to hybrid and all-electric variants
The second-generation Kia Niro small SUV has received a five-star ANCAP safety rating, based on testing conducted by Euro NCAP
This applies to both hybrid and all-electric variants, which launched in Australia in July 2022
The latest 'SG2' Niro scored 88 per cent for adult occupant protection [33. 71 out of 38 points], 84 per cent for child occupation protection [41. 62 out of 49 points] and 76 per cent for vulnerable road user protection [41. out of 54 points]
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ANCAP also released results for the Tesla Model Y and Genesis GV60 today, with all vehicles scoring a maximum five-star safety rating
Maximum points were awarded for the upper and lower leg impact tests for pedestrians, while the full-width frontal and far-side impact tests had strong results
Standard safety equipment includes; autonomous emergency braking with junction assist, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control with a speed limiter
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This allowed it to receive a safety assist score of 87 per cent [13. 98 out of 16 points], with top marks [2 out of 2 points] for its junction AEB system, which can detect a vehicle entering the road from the side and apply the brakes to prevent a collision
Eight airbags [dual frontal, side head, side chest, driver's knee and centre] are fitted as standard
The centre airbag is designed to prevent head clashes between the driver and front passenger in a collision
MORE 2023 Kia Niro pricing and features for Australia
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The 2023 Kia Niro went on sale in Australia in July, starting from $44,380 before on-roads for the entry-level Hybrid S variant. The flagship GT-Line EV is available from $72,100 plus on-road costs
ANCAP chief executive officer, Carla Hoorweg, said today's results will provide confidence to buyers looking to purchase an electric SUV in Australia
“All three models offer high levels of safety performance across the range of ANCAP assessment areas, demonstrating the clear ability for electric vehicle models to tick both the safe and green checkboxes," she said
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During last month's electric vehicle summit, ANCAP called for proposed federal government incentives to only apply to vehicles with the highest safety rating
“Today’s results demonstrate why ANCAP is encouraging all levels of government to ensure subsidies and incentives for alternative-powered vehicles are only provided to models offering the highest levels of safety,” added Hoorweg
It is believed several examples of the BYD Atto 3 launched last week have recently undergone testing, with results expected in the coming weeks
MORE All Kia Niro News & Reviews
MORE Everything Kia
MORE ANCAP and vehicle safety stories
Jordan Hickey
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Born and raised in rural Victoria, Jordan Hickey was surrounded by a car-loving family before he could even talk. His parents’ automotive workshop fuelled his strong passion for all things four wheels