Summarize

KIA has updated and refreshed its popular Sportage SUV, which now benefits new engines and new transmissions for a better driving experience and a revised model line-up boasting an impressive value proposition.While its slight exterior nip-and-tuck may need a second look to notice a more prominent tiger nose grille and more masculine bumper design front and back with a new taillights signature and a new selection of alloy wheel designs, the important changes happen under that svelte skin

While the familiar 115kW 196Nm 2-litre Multi-point Injection and 131kW 400Nm 2-litre Common Rail Diesel Injection engines continue, both the 2.4 GDI and 1.6 T-GDI turbo have been dropped. An efficient new 97kW 161Nm 1.6-litre Gamma GDI now powers the Sportage Ignite and is promised to deliver a 12.1 second 0-100km/h sprint and 170km/h Vmax at 175 g/km CO2. The 2-litre diesel Sportage now gets KIA’s all-new new slick-shifting eight-speed automatic for a 9.3 second 0-100, 201 km/h and 164 g/km CO2.

Sportage features a full complement of safety and driver assistance systems, from ABS brakes with EBD, six airbags and ISOFIX child seat anchors; Electronic Stability Control, hill-start assist and Downhill Brake and Park Distance Controls, central locking, immobiliser and Data Dot, while EX and EX Plus models also gain front parking sensors and a reverse camera, displayed on the 7- or 8-inch colour touchscreen.

Standard specification includes air-conditioning, automatic headlamp control with welcome home and escort lighting, indicator repeating power wing mirrors, a centre console storage box, Bluetooth connectivity, a radio with six speakers, power windows front and rear. Ignite models feature fabric upholstery, as well as a new leather-wrapped steering wheel with remote controls for audio, telephony and cruise control, and a new leather-wrapped gearshift along with new 16-inch alloys. Ignite Plus adds auto-folding side mirrors and an electrochromatic rear-view mirror inside, front fog lamps and stylish new 17-inch wheels

EX models get unique 17-inch wheels, front parking sensors, auto rain-sensing wipers and an Electric Parking Brake with Auto Hold function, while its Bluetooth system incorporates Voice Recognition, air-conditioning is upgraded from manual to automatic and seats are upgraded to leather with power adjustment. Infotainment system is upgraded to a 7-inch colour touchscreen with reverse camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto readiness, while the all-wheel drive EX also gets sporty 19-inch wheels .

Flagship EX Plus also gets those 19-inch wheels as well as an 8-inch colour touchscreen that incorporates satellite navigation, a panoramic sunroof, rear passenger USB port and a wireless smartphone charger. All Sportage models ship as standard with KIA’s industry-leading unlimited kilometre, five-year warranty, as well as a standard 5-year/900,000km service plan and 5 years of roadside assistance.

1.6 GDI Ignite Auto R379K

2.0 Ignite Plus Manual      R389K

2.0 Ignite Plus Auto          R403K

2.0 CRDI Ignite Plus 8-Auto R453K

2.0 EX Auto                      R459K

2.0 CRDI EX 8-Auto          R509K

2.0 CRDI EX AWD 8-Auto R536K

2.0 EX Plus Auto            R499K

2.0 CRDI EX Plus 8-Auto R549K