Facelifted Kia KX5 (Kia Sportage) with unique front fascia unveiled in China

17/11/2018 - 10:34 Kia Sportage, Kia Sagar Parikh

China has received the facelifted Kia KX5 (Kia Sportage) with a unique front fascia. The new model debuted at the 2018 Guangzhou Auto Show this week.

2019 Kia Kx5 2019 Kia Sportage Front Three Quarter — From the front, the new Kia KX5 is slightly reminiscent of the SP Concept, which is also on display at the 2018 Guangzhou Auto Show.

Unlike the global Kia Sportage update, the China-only facelift features a longer hood and a more prominent tiger-nose radiator grille flanked by substantially sleeker and more streamlined headlamps that are not as swept-back. Right below the lights are the four-level LED clearance lamps. A thin opening in the mid-section of the bumper lends a good amount of aggression. The ice-cube fog lamps too are a little different, and their housing is slimmer.

The Chinese-spec version enjoys exclusivity even at the rear. The tail lamps, connected via a new red strip, sport distinctive graphics. As Chinese customers prefer chrome, there's a chrome strip right above the tail lamps and the red embellisher covering the entire width.

Kia says that the updated model features a new infotainment system co-developed with Tencent QQ Music. So, it is possible to stream music via simple voice commands, such as “play a song of Avicii”, or even just saying “sleepy”, which will lead to an energetic music playlist that keeps the driver awake.

2019 Kia Kx5 2019 Kia Sportage Rear Three Quarters — The new Kia KX5's tail lamps, connected via a new red applique, sport distinctive graphics.

Also Read: Hyundai Styx-based Kia compact SUV to debut at Auto Expo 2020

Dongfeng Yueda Kia will offer the new KX5 with the same engines: Nu 2.0-litre GDI petrol (165 PS/203 Nm) and Gamma 1.6-litre T-GDI petrol (177 PS/265 Nm). These engines are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission respectively. Customers choosing the 1.6-litre engine can opt for an AWD system.

[Image Source info.xcar.com.cn]