The fourth-generation Kia Sportage has been launched in South Africa, with five Slovakia-built derivatives making up the local range.
The base Ignite model – which churns out 114 kW and 192 N.m from the 2,0-litre petrol engine carried over from its predecessor – is priced at R369 995, which exactly the same as the entry-level derivative of the outgoing range. It is also the only model in the new line-up equipped with a six-speed manual transmission.
Next up is the 2,0 CRDi EX, which boasts 130 kW and 400 N.m from its turbo-diesel heart. This variant employs a six-speed automatic transmission, and is priced at R487 995. The 2,0 CRDi SX AWD adds more kit and all-wheel drive, coming in at R567 995.
The 2,4 GDi XS AWD model, meanwhile, sits in the middle of the range, priced at R557 995. Its naturally aspirated petrol engine is good for 135 kW and 237 N.m, which is sent to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox.
The range-topper 1,6 GT Line AWD 7DCT features a turbo-petrol mill worth 130 kW and 265 N.m, sending its oomph to all four corners through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The new Sportage has a 30 mm longer wheelbase (at 2 670 mm) and is 40 mm longer overall than its predecessor (at 4 480 mm), resulting in claims of greater space in both the cabin and the luggage compartment.
All models feature a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty as standard, along with a five-year/90 000 km service plan. A panoramic sunroof is available as a R12 500 option on SX AWD models, but is standard on the GT Line derivative.
Pricing:
Kia Sportage Ignite 6MT: R369 995
Kia Sportage 2,0 CRDi EX 6AT: R487 995
Kia Sportage 2,4 GDi XS AWD 6AT: R557 995
Kia Sportage 2,0 CRDi SX AWD 6AT: R567 995
Kia Sportage 1,6 GT Line AWD 7DCT: R599 995