2022 Kia Sportage put to the test Down Under

Kia Australia has unveiled images of its fifth-generation Sportage SUV undergoing testing in New South Wales, being put through its paces on local roads by the company's ride and handling team.

The South Korean manufacturer has developed suspension tunes for its local offerings for more than a decade and will be applying the same process to the new NQ5 Sportage, set to be released next year to replace the QL which was first launched in 2015.

According to the brand's local arm, the SUV's suspension development took place over a six-month period throughout urban and rural NSW, with the test mule notching up thousands of kilometres covered in black camouflage to hid its true identity.

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Suspension development for the new Sportage was undertaken in New South Wales

Despite the global pandemic restricting international team members from travelling to help undertake testing in person, Kia Australia’s ride and handling engineer, Graeme Gambold, said the NQ5 Sportage's suspension has been developed with Australian customers in mind.

“The QL was already dynamically competent, however, the new model must be better,” said Gambold.

“As usual, our NQ5 Sportage tune will be unique compared to other regions. We’re trialling all available spring rates globally suited, in order to flatten the ride and minimise body-roll.

“NQ5 will also apply Mando shock absorbers which feature an advanced valve technology, as first seen on MQ4 Sorento.

“Due to Covid-19 complications, we’ve been forced to apply the tuning via a ‘correspondence process’, whereby we order shock absorber production samples in batches, air-freighted for testing, rather than having a dedicated damper engineer based here for the duration of the tune.

“While it has been a challenge and taken a little longer than usual, NQ5 is sporty, youthful, fun to drive – yet comfortable, and capable of soaking up even the harshest of road conditions.

“While it’s a high bar, I’m confident it will be an even better ride than its predecessor.”

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Kia's ride and handling team had a range of springs and shocks on standby for quick changes

Kia Australia's Chief Operating Officer, Damien Meredith, reiterated Gambold's thoughts, believing the local testing program is necessary for the Sportage to succeed in Australia.

“Tuning our vehicles to suit Australian conditions is a huge factor in the satisfaction of our drivers and has attributed significantly to the growth in our overall sales,” said Meredith.

“Localisation remains an important process for our product range, and despite the constraints posed by Covid-19, Graeme and the Product Planning Team, together with Namyang, have persevered to work around the obstacles to deliver an Australian product to suit our roads and driving styles.

“The fifth-generation Sportage promises to be an excellent all-round package.”

Powering the new Sportage will be a range of three engines – 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol options and a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel.

The 2022 Kia Sportage is set to land in Australia late-2021 or early-2022.

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The 2022 Kia Sportage is set to land in Australia late-2021/early-2022