KIA HIGHLIGHT THE POWER OF THE SPORTAGE’S ‘TERRAIN MODE’

Inspired by the ‘Terrain Mode’ system available on all Kia AWD hybrid models, the South Korean automaker has put together a trio of Sportage variants, with each directly named after one of the vehicle’s three available driving modes.

As you can probably decipher from the names, the Sportage ‘Mud Mode’, ‘Snow Mode’, and ‘Sand Mode’ each serve as distinct examples of how the SUV can be tailored to suit different driving environments. This is done by equipping them with additional gear and using the dedicated Terrain Mode dial to select between Mud, Snow, and Sand mode.

While you won’t be able to buy any of these variants directly from Kia, you can piece them together yourselves using the various parts available to purchase through Kia’s vast selection of accessories. Think of these models as a bit of inspiration.

Looking first at Mud Mode, this adaptation is naturally suited to muddy tracks and fields. Kia states that by driving the wheels on a delayed shift pattern, Mud Mode ensures that the Sportage maintains momentum when travelling through heavy mud. This is aided by the Traction Control System (TCS), which applies a stronger braking force.

Kia has paired the Mud Mode Sportage with their pro bike carrier and steel crossbars. They have also included all-round mudflaps and all-weather mats to keep the cabin from looking like the final day of a music festival.

Snow Mode is ideal for low-grip, icy conditions, limiting torque output from the engine whilst allocating it out to each of the four wheels as evenly as possible. The TCS also optimises traction by carefully applying low levels of braking force to each wheel. On the transmission side, shorter shifts help to keep engine speeds down and ultimately prevent any unfavourable wheel slip.

This variant has been equipped with a Ski and Snowboard carrier, as well as winter tyres that harmonise perfectly with the traction settings. All-weather mats and a trunk liner help to keep the interior clean, and in case you find yourself stuck in heavy snowfall, Kia has even thrown in an in-car winter kit. The kit includes a wind-up torch, snowshoe grippers, an ice scraper, traction mats, and de-icer and screenwash top-ups.

Finally, the Sand Mode is perfect for sandy tracks, beaches, and if you somehow find yourself there, the desert. It matches delayed up-shifts with high levels of torque output to minimise the risk of your Sportage getting caught up in the sand, with the TCS also providing higher levels of braking force where necessary.

There are few things worse than finding stray grains of sand in your car weeks after a trip to the beach. To spare Sand Mode drivers from this inconvenience the interior once more makes use of all-weather mats and a trunk liner. Kia has also included a handy trunk organiser to help you keep any wet beach gear separate.

If you’re keen to get building, the Sportage is available to purchase with prices starting from £27,800 and can be kitted out via the ‘Build your Kia’ page on the company’s UK website.

Images: https://www.kiapressoffice.com/en-gb/releases/1505#images