Tweaks add extra gloss to Sportage
19 Mar 2014
Kia has updated its popular Sportage range and smartened it up with bits of fancy make-up, exterior and inside enhancements, engine and transmission upgrades and glossy cabin comforts, which are likely to push up sales, which already stand at more than 9,000 units since it was introduced to the local market three years ago.
Anybody shopping around in this segment will be foolish to ignore the new Sportage.
As one of Kia Motors South Africa's most popular models the Sportage has received numerous design awards, various Car of the Year titles, while locally it was also a finalist for the 2011 Wesbank SA Car of the Year competition. Its most recent accolade was awarded in December 2013 where the Sportage was crowned as the overall winner in the SUV and Crossover category in the Standard Bank People's Wheels Awards.
The petrol engine is now paired with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
The upgraded Sportage is available with a choice of two engines - a smooth 2.0 D-CVVT petrol engine and a more powerful 2.0 VGT CRDi diesel engine. The petrol engine is now paired with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission (which Kia says will add improved fuel consumption). Both the petrol and diesel versions will be available in three packages: the entry level Ignite model, a 2WD package and the top of the range, full house AWD package.
It steers better than expected
Korean cars have never been known for pin-sharp steering so it comes as no surprise that Kia has tweaked the steering on the diesel models from hydraulic-assisted steering to motor driven power steering.
The new alloy wheels add a touch of sportiness.
Although Kia models have in the past provided a fairly smooth ride it has been further smoothed to reduce noise, vibration and harshness levels. Both the petrol and diesel engine versions will now be available in three packages: the entry-level Ignite model, a 2WD choice and the top of the range, full-house AWD package.
Cosmetic improvements
New cosmetic improvements across the range include a re-moulded front grille, changes to the front fog lamps, a slightly lower bumper and new alloy wheels add touches of sportiness.
In the living quarters there have been slight, but clever changes to improve driver space; the sound has been improved and the upholstery trim given a fresh look. The instrument cluster features a new 4.2" TFT LCD touch screen, which provides and provides a rear-view camera display.
At the Media introduction of the jazzed up Kia, I drove the petrol version for a brief spell and enjoyed the livelier new engine that delivers 116kW and 192Nm. I also liked the smoother new 6-speed transmission, which is sure to appeal to daily commuters and Mum's Taxi operators (Both engines are available in 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions).
You'd be foolish to ignore it
Overseas commentators have remarked on the quality and speed of operation of the built-in GPS.
The Sportage's good sales figures against top competitors such as Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Hyundai ix35 and Nissan Qashqai underlines its quality, looks and driver appeal and in its smarter kit should further strengthen its market position.
Anybody shopping around in this segment will be foolish to ignore it.
The smartened up Sportage range varies in price from R271,925 to R408,995 and all prices include a five-year/150,000km warranty and a five-year/90,000km service plan.
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About Henrie Geyser: motoring editor
Henrie Geyser joined the online publishing industry through iafrica.com, where he worked for five years as news editor and editor. He now freelances for a variety of print and online publications, on the subjects of cars, food, and travel, among others; and is a member of the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists. moc.acirfai@geirneh