Special Kia Sportage: now a “short” crossover

The popular SUV of the Korean brand acquired a special version for its anniversary, which was distinguished by its decor.

This year Kia Sportage celebrates its 30th anniversary, and in honor of this event the company decided to release a special modification with the simple name Anniversary Edition. In the homeland of the brand, a special version launched back in July, and now a similar version has appeared in the SUV for Europe. By the way, as Kia noted, during its existence the model has sold over 7 million copies around the world.

Five generations of Kia Sportage. Current crossover — in Euro version

Let us remind you that the current fifth generation Sportage, which debuted in 2021, is presented in two modifications: in most markets, including Korea and America, they sell an SUV with a length of 4660 mm and a wheelbase of 2755 mm, but a “short” SUV was made especially for the Old World ( 4515 and 2680 mm respectively). In addition, the cars also differ in design: for example, the Euro version has solid rear pillars (the stretched five-door has additional windows) and its own window sill line, plus a smaller glass on the fifth door. But let's return to the anniversary version.

Kia Sportage Anniversary Edition for Europe 1/3 Kia Sportage Anniversary Edition for Europe 2/3 Kia Sportage Anniversary Edition for Europe 3/3

Like the Korean Kia Sportage Anniversary Edition, the “old-world” crossover received an extended black decor: the massive plate on the radiator grille, exterior mirror housings, side window trim and 19-inch wheels are made in this color. The remaining chrome on the outside was also darkened. The body of the European special SUV can be painted in the new Wolf Gray color (as in the company photos).

Kia Sportage Anniversary Edition for Europe 1/3 Kia Sportage Anniversary Edition for Europe 2/3 Kia Sportage Anniversary Edition for Europe 3/3

The seats of the “short” Sportage Anniversary Edition are upholstered in suede and faux leather, plus green trim is provided. The list of standard equipment includes electrically adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel and seats, a virtual instrument panel and a multimedia system (each display is 12.3 inches diagonal), and a smart key. Options include ambient lighting.

Kia Sportage Anniversary Edition for Europe

Kia has not yet said which engines the special crossover will be available with. Judging by the official pictures, in Europe the anniversary Sportage will definitely be offered with a rechargeable hybrid PHEV system based on the 1.6 T-GDI petrol turbo engine. Most likely, the Anniversary Edition series will include other versions. Eurocross also comes in the form of a “mild hybrid” with a 1.6 T-GDI and a 1.6 CRDi turbodiesel (in both cases there is a 48-volt starter-generator), there is also a regular HEV hybrid with the same petrol turbo engine.

Production of the Kia Sportage Anniversary Edition has already started in Slovakia; such cars will reach European dealers at the end of September. Prices have not yet been announced. For example, in Germany, a standard crossover today costs from 34,690 euros.

For Russia, before the well-known events began, Kia SUVs were assembled by the Kaliningrad Avtotor plant, and we made a long-wheelbase version. Now cars are supplied to the Russian Federation via “parallel” routes. However, Kolesa.ru tested the fifth generation Kia Sportage crossover; details are in our material.