The 4th generation of the Kia Sportage has landed in South Africa and we have the specs and pricing for this Korean compact SUV.

The Kia Sportage has proven particularly popular in our market; on the back of more than 1.6 million sales of the 3rd-generation model (globally) comes an all-new model that features acompletely redesigned interior with upgraded materials and improved build quality, as well as better practicality and a range of technologies to improve comfort, convenience, connectivity and safety. A range of new and updated engines and transmissions results in enhanced efficiency and performance, while ride quality, handling and refinement are claimed to have been improved. This new Sportage is manufactured inSlovakia.

“The Sportage is a car of ‘firsts’ for the Kia brand,” says David Sieff, Marketing Director of Kia Motors South Africa. “It was one of the first Kia models to receive multiple global design awards, and one of the first Kia models to revolutionise its segment, a feat that was thought impossible for a Korean brand up until the launch of the third generation model in 2010. The all new4th-generation Sportage carries that award-winning legacy forward with significant improvements in tactile quality, overall refinement, and driver enjoyment.”

The design of the new Sportage wasled by Kia’s European design studio in Frankfurt, Germany, with input from the brand’s design centres in Namyang, Korea and Irvine, California. Its wheelbase is30 mm longer (now at 2 670 mm) and itsbody has been lengthened by 40 mm overall (to 4 480 mm). It's not just about the attractive looks, however, as the drag has been reduced from0.35 to 0.33 Cd, to the benefit of fuel consumption. You can opt for16-, 17- or 19-inch aluminium alloywheels, depending on the spec level, while the GT Line specification comes with a unique 19-inch wheel design as standard.

More upmarket interior

Inside, there's a focus on material quality with theextensive application of soft-touch plastics and cloth or leather trim with smart-looking stitching to createa more luxurious ambience. All Sportagescome standard with a classic black interior, but for the first time, customers who purchase the GT Line model can specify either a Dark and Light Grey or Black and Canyon Beige two-tone interior (the Black and Canyon Beige two-tone interior is also available as an option on SX models). The console is finished in black, for a classy, stylish appearance, regardless of the chosen interior colours. Buyers specifying the new GT Line ill a cabin with a slightly sportier feel, with a D-shaped leather steering wheel, high-quality piano black fascia and aluminium alloy pedals.

The claimed luggagecapacity of the Sportage has increased from465to 503 litres,while the purported utility space is up from 740 to 868 litres. The cabin has also undergone considerable development in terms of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) control. Cabin-and road noiseare said to be reduced thanks to the introduction of new rear suspension bushings that isolate road noise, and more sound-absorbent materials in the Sportage’s wheel arches. Wind noise is also reduced as a result of thicker windshield glass, a new dual-lip seal for the panoramic sunroof and additional soundproofing in the doors.

Safety equipment and stand-out features

Thanks to an even stronger bodyshell, a wide array of passive safety equipment and the latest active safety technologies, the new Sportage scored 5stars in the Euro NCAP crashtests. Six airbags are fitted, as are ISOFIX child-seat tether and anchor points.

In terms of the driver assistance technologies, features such as electric motor-driven power steering, ABS with EBD and brake assist are complemented by Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) systems. Buyers of the new Sportage GT Line will also benefit from Blind Spot Detection (BSD) with Lane Change Assist (LCA).

Furthermore, the GT Line model features anew wireless charger for mobile devices.The Sportage also features 2USB charging points, one in the front and one in the rear, to allow all occupants to charge their mobile devices while on the move.High specification models in the Sportage range are also equipped with a 7-inch colour touchscreen with satellite navigation as standard. They also feature a rear-view parking camera andKia’s Smart Power Tailgate.

Engines and transmissions

At the entry point of the range is the Sportage Ignite, powered by a 2.0-litre engine, producing 114 kW at 6 200 rpmand 192 Nm torque at 4 000 rpm. This engine has seen some mild tweaks to improve efficiency and this model is available with a 6-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive.The next model is the EX, which is front-wheel driven and hasa2.0-litreturbodiesel engine. Itproduces 130 kW at 4 000 rpm and 400 Nm of torque between 1 750 and 2 750 rpm.The 2.0 CRDi EX, by contrast, is only available in front-wheel drive configuration in combination with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Next up are two SX models, both of which feature all-wheel drivetrains. Customers can choosebetween diesel and petrol power here, with one motor being the same 130 kW, 400 Nm 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine. The new engine is the 2.4-litre GDIpetrol motor, which produces 135 kW of peak power at 6 000 rpmand maximum torque of 237 Nm at 4 000 rpm. Both SX models are paired with a smooth-shifting6-speed automatic transmission and Dynamax on-demand all-wheel drive, and feature the 7-inch colour touchscreen with integrated satellite navigation as standard.

Finallly, the top-spec model is the 1.6 T-GDi GT Line, which features a number of exclusive interior and exterior design features, such as unique machine finished alloy wheels, quad LED "ice cube" front fog lights, silver metal skid plates front and rear, as well as 2-tone interior options. More importantly, the Sportage GT Line features a sportier, more responsive, and more dynamic engine and transmission pairing for increased driver enjoyment.

It is powered by an even further refined version of Kia's 1.6-litre turbocharged GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) engine, which develops 130 kW at 5 500 rpm, and 265 Nm of torque between 1 500 and 4 500 rpm. This engine is mated withKia’s new 7-speed DCT (dual clutch transmission) for smooth, quick gear changes, leading to quicker acceleration, as well as improved fuel consumption.

Kia Sportage Price in South Africa

2.0 Ignite R369 995

2.0 CRDi EX R487 995

2.4 GDI SX AWD R557 995

2.0 CRDi SX AWD R567 995

1.6 T-GDI GT-LINE AWD R599 995

Two-tone Black and Canyon Beige upholstery is available as a no-cost option on SX AWD and GT Line models, while GT Line models are also available with a 2-tone Black and Light Grey interior as a no-cost option. A panoramic sunroof is available as a R12 500 option on SX AWD models, and is standard on the range-topping GT Line model.All Sportage models ship as standard with Kia’s 5-year/unlimited km warranty, 5-year/unlimited km roadside assistance as well as a 5-year/90 000km service plan.

Further Reading

Read all the latest Kia news here

Kia Sportage (2016) First Drive

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