Kia Motors has today revealed details of the intensive hot weather development tests for the all-new Kia Sportage – as part of the most extreme and rigorous vehicle testing programme ever devised by the company.
The all-new Sportage made its global debut at the 2015 Frankfurt International Motor Show earlier this month, and will go on sale globally in the first quarter of 2016.
Now entering its fourth-generation, Kia’s all-new compact SUV is undergoing the final stages of its development, with engineers testing the Sportage in Death Valley – one of the hottest places on Earth, with temperatures rising as high as 56ºC (132ºF) in the summer months.
This stage of testing means Kia can develop cars designed to operate in the harshest environments. For the all-new Sportage’s hot weather test, particular focus has been placed on developing its class-leading heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
The fourth-generation Kia Sportage is almost at the end of a worldwide development programme, which has seen a fleet of development test vehicles subjected to numerous durability and reliability tests, equivalent to a cumulative mileage of more than 5.5 million kilometres – approximately 137 circulations of the Earth around the equator, and a far greater distance than many motorists will cover in a lifetime of driving.
Engineered to meet the needs of a global customer base, the Sportage has been subjected to high altitudes, sandstorms, monsoons, congested city centres, alpine passes, and extreme weather material testing covering temperatures as low as -35ºC (-31ºF) and as high as 110ºC (230ºF). Extensive testing carried out across the world’s diverse roads will make the Sportage a truly global car when it goes on sale.
All Kia models undergo testing to ensure the highest possible durability in all conditions, with the all-new Sportage undertaking the company’s most extensive – and intensive – testing programme to date.
As with every Kia sold in Europe, the all-new Sportage benefits from Kia’s unique 7-Year, 100,000 mile warranty.
Leave a Reply