Kia invests heavily in R&D programmes directed at enhancing both the active and passive safety of its vehicles to deliver the highest levels of occupant protection.

To ensure that owning and driving Kia's latest compact SUV will be a safe and rewarding experience for all occupants, the new Sportage offers buyers a range of state-of-the-art safety systems and equipment as standard - or as options, depending on model and market.

In most European countries, standard 'active' safety technologies fitted to the new Kia Sportage will include Electronic Stability Control, and three new systems - Hill-start Assist Control, Downhill Brake Control and an Emergency Stop Signal system.

HAC prevents slip-back during stop-start driving up inclines, while DBC ensures safer travel down the steepest slopes by maintaining a steady 8 km/h (5 mph) speed. ESS automatically 'flashes' the brake lights whenever the ABS or ESC systems are triggered.

The performance of the Kia Sportage's all-disc braking system during extreme conditions is boosted by three systems - a regular ABS (anti-lock system), plus EBD (electronic brake-force distribution) to adjust the front/rear brake pressure and BAS (brake assist system) which recognizes an emergency stop and delivers maximum braking power.

Two active systems are available to assist drivers with reversing manoeuvres. The warning sensor helps the driver to avoid contact with pedestrians by triggering an audible warning whenever the vehicle approaches an obstruction.

A second option is the new rear-view camera mounted on the tailgate. This camera is fitted with a 130-degree, wide-angle lens that provides images to an LCD display set within the interior rear-view mirror, or to the navigation display if fitted. Simultaneously it enables the driver to check the rear view and the blind spot below the rear window.

A Tyre Pressure Monitoring System is available as an option to alert the driver if any tyre suffers a pressure drop of more than 25%.

For new Kia Sportage, a new roll-over sensor is part of the upgraded ESC system (standard in most European countries), and can be ordered as an option in all others. This sensor monitors possible roll-over situations and triggers the deployment of the side airbags, curtain airbags and seatbelt pretensioners if appropriate.