Being Kia’s world best-seller since 2016, the Sportage is extra than simply an vital mannequin for the Korean carmaker. It’s very a lot a halo mannequin.
And befitting of such a moniker, Kia went balls to the wall with the all-new fifth-generation Sportage that was formally rolled out domestically this month.
Sporting a really futuristic design, the carmaker says the brand new Sportage “dramatically units the tone for the following era household”. And though Kia doesn’t supply future power know-how in South Africa but, the Sportage’s space-aged design undoubtedly lends itself to future electrification.
De-light-ful
The standout characteristic of the brand new exterior design is the brand new Sportage’s boomerang-shaped LED daytime working lights which cut up the Matrix LED headlamps from the signature Kia Tiger Nostril grille.
The rear spoiler incorporates a chrome belt line that extends into the D-pillars, whereas the razor taillights that stretch into the tailgate are related by a slim horizontal design.
Inside, the futuristic design continues by advantage of a curved show that sweeps throughout the entrance of the cabin, complementing a really elegant and trendy total ending. One which is as premium as you may want to discover in a standard “non-premium” model.
A 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system within the centre console seamlessly extends into the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, creating a way of width.
GT-Line grows
Matching the boldness of the brand new Sportage’s design is Kia’s new strategy to the medium SUV phase. The GT-Line nomeclature, which up till now was solely reserved for one mannequin in each the Seltos and Sportage line-up, has now been redefined as a sub-brand on the Sportage.
Of the 5 fashions on supply, three put on the GT-Line badge; the GT-Line, GT-Line Plus and GT-Line S. The vary begins with the LX, which is adopted by the EX trim traces, with the Ignite and Ignite Plus for the fourth era falling away.
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“The GT-Line opens itself as much as a a lot wider viewers. It’s an thrilling growth for us and which you’ll hear much more from in future,” says Stephen Crosse, Gross sales and Advertising Director for Kia South Africa.
“VW affords the one real-world equal to the GT-Line with its Tiguan R Line choices. However our GT-Line S really doesn’t have any actual competitor.”
Kia Sportage incorporates a solitary engine
Considerably surprisingly, Kia SA is just providing the brand new Sportage with a solitary engine possibility; the 1.6-litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine carried over from the fourth era. The two.0-litre petrol engine and a couple of.0-litre oil-burner from the earlier era has been canned, though the carmaker didn’t rule out the a potential reintroduction of an oil-burner down the road.
The 1.6-litre mill produces 132 kW of energy at 5 500rpm and 265Nm of torque out there between 1 500 and 4 500rpm.
The ability goes to the entrance wheels solely by way of seven-speed dual-clutch transmission as Kia says the demand for handbook gearboxes on this phase is steadily declining.
Kia claims the Sportage can attain 100 km/h from a standstill in 8.8 seconds with a high whack of 201 km/h. It’s claimed to solely sip 6.5l of petrol for each 100 km.
The brand new Sportage affords beneficiant area for passengers within the second row, with its legroom measuring 996 mm and headroom 1 000 m. Boot area of 591 litres is equally spectacular.
Worth for cash
The brand new Kia Sportage affords good worth for cash with Crosse including that the LX is simply too properly specced to function a mere alternative for the fourth era’s entry-level Ignite. The LX comes customary with a number of options together with dual-zone local weather management with rear vents, a six-speaker sound system, push-button begin, rear parking sensors with a reverse digital camera, keyless entry and rain-sensing wipers.
One very nifty characteristic is the instrumentation strip below the infotainment system which double acts as each infotainment programs controls and local weather management controllers by advantage of a toggle swap.
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All Kia Sportage fashions come customary with six airbags, ABS with EBD, digital stability management, hill-start help management, downhill brake management and trailer stability help.
It’s simple to get so carried away by all the good design options and know-how on supply within the new Sportage you could overlook its efficiency initially.
However as soon as out on the highway, the response of the mill serves as a reminder as to why Kia determined to stay to this engine. Energy supply is easy and equipment adjustments slick.
Once you want a bit of additional oomph on the twisties, the powertrain responds with aplomb whereas the dealing with stays rock stable.
Kia Sportage pricing
- Sportage 1.6 T-GDI LX DCT – R539 995
- Sportage 1.6 T-GDI EX DCT – R593 995
- Sportage 1.6 T-GDI GT-Line DCT – R649 995
- Sportage 1.6 T-GDI GT-Line Plus DCT – R677 995
- Sportage 1.6 T-GDI GT-Line S DCT – R734 995
The worth features a five-year/limitless km guarantee and a six-services/90 000 km service plan.
For extra data on the all-new Kia Sportage, go to the producer’s web site.