Kia Motors Slovakia successfully launched the volume production of the 4th generation of the all-new Kia Sportage that debuted at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. Its first generation was produced in the Hwasung plant in South Korea since 1993. The next two generations of this beloved SUV model were also produced in the only European Kia plant in Teplicka nad Vahom.
The second generation of Kia Sportage rolled off the Kia Motors Slovakia production lines between June 2007 and May 2010. Over 100,000 cars left the plant premises. The third generation was manufactured from 2010 until 2015 and was an instant success. During the five years of production, the model won hearts of almost 800,000 customers with the biggest boom recorded among drivers in Russia, Great Britain, and Germany.
Kia Sportage is one of the most successful models of Kia brand and the global sales exceeded 3 million sold cars. In 2010, it received the highest possible evaluation in the Euro NCAP. It also received prestigious designer awards such as Red Dot Design Award, iF Design Award, Good Design and Automotive Brand Contest. In Slovakia, the third generation of the model Sportage received the Car of the Year Award 2011. The quality of this favorite model was awarded in the J.D. Power study by German drivers last year, who placed it in the first place in its segment.
“This was a year of introducing many novelties at Kia Motors Slovakia. We launched a product enhanced version of cee’d, its all-new GT line, and now the 4th generation of Sportage. I am sure that just like its predecessor, it will bring our factory and Kia brand a huge success. Moreover, I am very proud of the company employees. I would like to thank them for their huge effort when launching production of new models throughout the whole year 2015,“ said Eek-Hee Lee, President and CEO of Kia Motors Slovakia.
The all-new Kia Sportage will be available to its first customers in the first months of 2016. However, at the end of this year, it already confirmed its high level of safety in Euro NCAP rating when it received the maximum 5 stars.
Now entering its fourth-generation, the new Kia Sportage compact SUV builds comprehensively on the success of the outgoing model, offering an innovative and sophisticated package to buyers in an increasingly competitive market. The new-look interior features high quality materials and design integrity, as well as great practicality and a range of technologies to improve comfort, convenience, connectivity and safety. A range of new and updated engines and transmissions will result in enhanced efficiency and performance, while ride, handling and refinement are all improved.
For the first time, a new ‘GT Line’ specification is available to Sportage customers. Designed and engineered to appeal to those looking for a sportier driving experience from their Sportage, the GT Line specification delivers all the versatility of the standard Sportage while adding greater visual and dynamic appeal to those customers that desire it. Kia Sportage remains Kia’s European bestseller when over 98,000 customers purchased the model in the first 11 months of this year.
