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- Kia launched its new Sportage in September 2022. Demand has been higher than product supply for local customers.
- The Sportage is also a 2023 SA Car of the Year finalist.
- The new turbodiesel engine features a 1.6 CRDi unit mated to a seven-speed DCT transmission.
Rated as the ultimate urban SUV by automaker Kia, the brand has now added a diesel model to its popular Sportage range. In fact, three new turbodiesel derivatives are being added to the existing popular 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol line-up.
Launched last September, the Sportage quickly found favour among South African buyers. So much so that Kia Motors says the demand for these vehicles far outweighs supply.
The first quarter of the year has proven to be challenging in getting vehicles in stock. Since its launch, Kia sold almost 200 units a month until the well dried up in January this year. Sales were dismal, but purely due to chip and parts shortages and the ongoing Russian-Ukraine war, to mention a few challenges.
If they were to meet demand, Kia says they could easily be selling 400 units a month. April looked brighter for the automaker, with 148 models sold. The introduction of the turbodiesel models is set to bolster its popularity while simultaneously addressing the needs of diesel fans in the competitive compact and medium SUV segment.
READ | This is the most beautiful car driven in 2022
The Sportage is a stunning car; I rated it the most beautiful car I had driven in 2022. It's also a 2023 South African Car of the Year (Coty) finalist, not just for its great looks but because of its sheer value-for-money offering.
South Africa is far from being fully converted to electric mobility. And around this neck of the woods, we still pretty much love diesel cars. We'll have them around for as long as possible. So Kia's addition of diesel models to their local line-up is definitely an ace move.
Gary Scott, Kia South Africa CEO, says: "Demand has been strong across the Sportage, and as a SA Coty finalist, it has already been recognised as a distinctive and progressive package. Such accolades reinforce our belief that Sportage truly is the ultimate urban SUV."
Still frugal, still dynamic
Under the bonnet of the new additions, there's a 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine, also available exclusively with an advanced version of Kia's 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). The 1 582cc Common Rail Direct Injection diesel engine delivers 100kW at 4 000r/min, with 320Nm of torque available between 2 000 and 2 250r/min.
Kia says the 1.6 CRDi engine and 7-speed DCT pairing make the Sportage a great package with an optimal balance between power, performance and frugality.
It goes from zero to 100km/h in 11.4 seconds and has a claimed 180km/h top speed. CO2 emissions are rated at 129g/km in the combined cycle. This means you'll pay about R1 300 for emissions tax on the car at R144 for each gram over the threshold of 120g/km.
Our launch drive included some city driving in traffic and some spirited driving on the open road. Even in Sport mode, we saw a fuel consumption reading of 6.8-litres per 100km and as low as 5.1 litres in Eco mode.
The fifth generation Sportage is built on the company's new N3 architecture and is equipped with a MacPherson strut-type suspension at the front and a four-link type set-up at the rear. This combination makes for a refined and comfortable ride with agile and dynamic handling supported by an advanced steering system, and you can really feel it behind the wheel, regardless of driving conditions. The petrol models are great to drive, but naturally, the diesel model is even punchier thanks to that great torque.
Kia says the Sportage range might be compact, but it makes for maximum choice and gives customers with discerning needs more options.
Besides being an SA Coty finalist, the Sportage has been widely recognised for its combination of luxury and value for money. It is underpinned by award-winning design and engineering that sets it apart in its segment.
Inside, its space combines practicality, functionality and versatility thanks to a compact wheelbase of 2.68m, a width of 1.86m, a length of 4.51m and a height of 1.65m. These dimensions mean this SUV is class-leading in legroom and headroom, along with a luggage capacity of 591 litres.
Safety boxes: all ticked
Safety features include an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), as well as Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), Downhill Brake Control (DBC) and Trailer Stability Assist (TSA). All models feature Smart Entry with Push Button Start and an electric parking brake with auto-hold functionality.
There is also in-house developed Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) technology included, depending on the model. All models have six airbags: a driver's airbag, front passenger airbag, side airbags, and side curtain airbags. ISOFIX child seat anchors are also standard.
Three trim levels
The new turbodiesel models mimic the existing Sportage range and are available in three grades: LX, EX and GT-Line Plus.
Sportage models also come with Drive Mode Select, allowing the driver to select from Comfort, Eco, Sport or Smart sub-settings, as well as a Blind Spot Collision Warning system to monitor your blind spots and warn you of oncoming cars via a symbol in the side mirrors.
While Kia now literally has something for everyone in every price segment across its entire stable, when it comes to the Sportage, GT-Line Plus really is the one to have if you can afford it.
Compared to the mid-tier EX models, this model gets deluxe scuff plates that add a sportier touch, a panoramic glass sunroof, and strikingly sporty 19-inch alloy wheels to set it apart from the rest of the range. Its black exterior trims are also upgraded to gloss black for a sportier, more luxurious look.
Additional cosmetic and convenience features include LED interior lights, alloy pedals, an electric tailgate and paddle gear shifters. Interior upholstery is upgraded to a combination of artificial leather and suede. Drivers benefit from various driver assistance systems, including Lane Follow Assist and Lane Keeping Assist. These systems work alongside the standard Blind Spot Warning system, with the former using cameras and radar to ensure the vehicle is electronically aided to stay in its lane.
All Sportage models come with Kia's Unlimited Kilometre or 5-year warranty, including Roadside Assistance. In addition, a pre-paid 6-year or 90 000km service plan is included to give customers peace of mind and predictability regarding vehicle maintenance. Although customers can unbundle these service packages, Kia SA says most times, this never happens, and customers are quite happy paying for these value-added items.
Pricing
Kia Sportage 1.6 CRDi LX - R597 995
Kia Sportage 1.6 CRDi EX - R651 995
Kia Sportage 1.6 CRDi GT-Line Plus - R735 995
