Kia adds air-filtering functions to 2018 Sportage SUV

SEOUL, April 13 (Yonhap) -- Kia Motors Corp., South Korea's second-biggest carmaker by sales, has added an advanced air filter system to its upgraded Sportage SUV amid growing concerns about deteriorating air quality, the company said Thursday.

Kia Motors has launched the latest versions of the Sportage SUV, all mated with a high-performance air-conditioning filter system designed to reduce yellow dust and fine dust particles, the carmaker said in a statement.

On top of upgraded models of the existing 1.7 diesel and 2.0 gasoline Sportage SUVs, Kia has added a new trim, a 2.0-liter diesel model, to the SUV lineup, the statement said.

The 2.0-liter diesel-powered Sportage is mated with a six-speed automatic transmission and 19-inch wheels to lure local customers keen on safety features and competitive prices, a company spokesman said.

The upgraded models come with prices between 21 million won and 29 million won (US$19,000-$26,000) depending on features.

kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
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