The Efficient Kia Sportage Diesel is a Top All-Round Choice
Prashirwin Naidu
Kia South Africa has expanded its Sportage line-up by introducing three models: Sportage LX, Sportage EX, and Sportage GT-Line. Levels of trim and engine specifications set them apart.
Since this is the fifth-generation Sportage, it has an entirely new and improved design. Upon looking at the front, it has a gloss black front grille, with a revised look and a few nips and tucks along the way; it offers a modern and futuristic style. Towards the rear end, its appearance is tapered and sharper. Also, the taillights offer dynamic and precise lines; it looks marvellous.
The Sportage's interior space is designed with practicality, functionality, and versatility, with dimensions that include a wheelbase of 2,680mm, a width of 1,865mm, a length of 4,515mm, and a height of 1,650mm. These dimensions result in ample legroom, headroom, and luggage capacity of 591 litres.
It also blends bold design with comfort and innovative technology. The cabin features premium materials with a modern flair. It also has a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, compatible with Apple Carplay and Android Auto.
Our EX model offers 18-inch alloy wheels, front parking assist sensors, a reverse camera, blind-spot warning, dual temperature control, leatherette upholstery, and electrically adjustable seats for front occupants with a memory function for the driver's seat; it also has heated front and rear seats and a multifunction heated steering wheel.
Other details include privacy glass, a remote control for folding the second row of seats, and USB Type-C ports for rear passengers. Also, it has Keyless Entry with Push Button Start and an electric parking brake with auto-hold functionality. These features come standard on all models.
The 1.6l diesel motor combined with a 7-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) balances power, performance, and fuel efficiency. It can also do a 0-100km/h sprint in 11.4 seconds. Power output: the Sportage pushes out 100kW and 320Nm of torque. While it's slower than the petrol version in acceleration, its torque makes up for it.
The Sportage provides excellent handling, perfect cabin insulation, and a refined driving experience. It offers excellent fuel economy and is well-suited for urban driving. Claimed consumption is 4.9l/100km; however, one can achieve 5.5l/100km on simple highway cruising.
The Sportage's suspension consists of a MacPherson strut-type at the front and a four-link setup at the rear. This combination provides a refined, stable, comfortable ride with precise control, and an advanced steering system, meticulously tuned to enhance these qualities, also supports it.
The 1.6 T-GDi motor with 132kW and 265Nm on hand will be available in the trio of GT-Line models. Still, more enhancements introduced to the range include the standard availability of the full Advanced Driver Assistance System technology.
Safety features that come standard across all models are Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), Downhill Brake Control (DBC), and Trailer Stability Assist (TSA). The Sportage also offers a range of Kia's Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) technology, depending on the model.
All Sportage models are equipped with six airbags, including driver's airbags, front passenger airbags, side airbags, and side curtain airbags. ISOFIX child seat anchors are standard across the range.
Some of its opponents in the medium-sized SUV segment include the Hyundai Tucson 2.0 D Elite, the Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TDI, and the BMW X1 sDrive 18d M Sport.
Overall, the Kia Sportage 1.6l CRDi is perfect for those who like diesel and its added benefits; many will find it a compelling choice given its efficiency and its offerings.
All Sportage models come with Kia's Unlimited Kilometre/5-year warranty, which includes Roadside Assistance. Customers also benefit from a pre-paid 6-year/90,000 km service plan.
Prices:
Kia Sportage 1.6 CRDi LX: R637,995
Kia Sportage 1.6 CRDi EX: R691,995
Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi GT-Line: R713,995
Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi GT-Line Plus: R741,995
Kia Sportage 1.6 CRDi GT-Line Plus: R765,995
Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi GT-Line S: R798,995
