Kia has made good on its promise to add turbodiesel-powered derivatives to its Sportage line-up. We spent a couple of weeks behind the ‘wheel of the 1.6CRDi GT Line Plus to find out how good it really is. Should you choose it over its petrol siblings?
We like: Punchy yet frugal engine, comprehensive specification, superb fit and finish, bold design
We don’t like: Better value in the middle of the range, not the fastest off the line, but once it’s moving…
FAST FACTS
- Model: Kia Sportage 1.6CRDi GT Line Plus
- Price: R747 995 (July 2023)
- Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel
- Power/Torque: 100 kW/320 Nm
- Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch transmission
- Fuel consumption: 4.9 L/100 km (claimed)
- 0-100 kph: 11.4 seconds (claimed)
- Boot space (seats up/folded): 571-1 760 litres
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Where does the 2023 Kia Sportage diesel fit in?
When the current (NQ5-gen) Sportage was launched in the local market in September 2022, it had an all-petrol-powered line-up, but Kia South Africa did not rule out the possibility that turbodiesel versions would be added later. Sure enough, a trio of 1.6CRDi Sportages arrived in May (when we drove one at the media launch), but we were keen to give a turbodiesel example a more thorough assessment…
As a reminder, the Sportage 1.6CRDi is powered by an older-gen 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel motor, but we’re quite comfortable with the Korean brand reverting to technology that is proven in South African conditions. Remember the Kia Soul diesel? Its engine has made its way into the vehicle you see here.
Sadly, turbodiesel powerplants are no longer ubiquitous in passenger-car models; although they still feature in large SUVs (and commercial-vehicle-based models), most automotive brands are phasing them out of their product line-ups. In the medium SUV segment, the Hyundai offers a pair of 2.0D Tucsons, while Volkswagen and Mazda have all-wheel-drive turbodiesel Tiguan and CX-5 derivatives.
Compare the Kia Sportage to the Hyundai Tucson and the Volkswagen Tiguan here
All in all, the Sportage range now comprises 8 derivatives (five 1.6-litre turbopetrols and three 1.6-litre turbodiesels) that are available in 3 trim levels – that is one of the most diverse line-ups in the class.
How the Kia Sportage Diesel fares in terms of…
Engine, performance and economy
With peak outputs of 100 kW and 320 Nm from the 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel Smartstream engine, the Sportage 1.6CRDi GT Line Plus cannot match its turbopetrol siblings’ sprinting ability, but the oil-burner offers a higher torque output plus, in our experience (and, as expected) superior fuel economy.
Let’s let the numbers do the talking. When we had our test gear hooked up to the test unit, it sprinted from 0 to 100 kph in 10.37 seconds (quicker than the 11.4-sec claim) and consumed 6.6 L/100 km. While the indicated average consumption figure was some way off the claimed 4.9 L/100 km, we did often drive the Kia enthusiastically (when we weren’t spending a fair amount of time in bumper-to-bumper traffic).
Therefore, if you spend the majority of your commute in free-flowing freeway traffic – and employ a measured driving style as often as possible, a return of under 6 L/100 km is achievable. Given the Sportage’s 54-litre tank capacity, you could theoretically travel about 1 000 km between fill-ups.
How do the test unit’s figures compare with those of the 1.6T-GDi GT Line S, which we reviewed late last year? Kia claims an 8.8-second 0-100 kph time and a 6.5 L/100 km average consumption figure for the turbopetrol derivative. Admittedly, we didn’t conduct a timed performance test of 1.6T-GDi GT Line S when we tested it, but it consumed 9.2 L/100 km during our fuel test. So, if you value eager off-the-line acceleration, favour the petrol option, but if long-term frugality is more important, diesel’s the way to go.
The powerplant under the bonnet is of an older vintage, so does it emit that characteristic diesel-engine clatter? Yes, when you stand outside the SUV while it’s idling, you can hear the clatter (especially after a cold start), but to the Kia’s credit, you can barely hear that noise in the cabin. That underscores just how refined the Sportage is; its interior is admirably insulated from road-, wind- and mechanical noise.
The 1.6CRDi GT Line Plus’ middling outputs and 0-100-kph time don’t detract from its general driving experience either. During its tenure in our fleet, the Sportage never seemed to lack oomph; peak torque is only available between 2 000 and 2 250 rpm, but at least it is delivered smoothly (and low in the rev range), which endows the turbodiesel medium SUV with effortless overtaking performance – there is no need to fully depress the accelerator pedal. It’s impressive for a model that weighs just under 1.5 tonnes.
The 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which works harmoniously with the motor to deliver quick and slick gearshifts, is the powertrain’s secret weapon. There are shift paddles on the steering wheel (with which to actuate gear changes manually), but the auto’s shift mapping was so good – which speaks to excellent calibration – we felt no need to use them. There are 3 drive modes to choose from and, for the majority of the test, we utilised Smart, which combines the best elements of Eco and Sport.
Ride, handling and safety
Seeing as the 1.6CRDi GT Line Plus has the highest trim level of the 3 turbodiesel Sportage derivatives, it rides on fetching 19-inch alloy wheels, whereas lesser versions have 17-inch (LX) and 18-inch rims (EX). The 19s look suitably sporty and, because they are wrapped in generously sidewalled 235/50 tyres, they don’t seem to diminish the test unit’s ride quality, which, although firm, is reasonably forgiving.
Meanwhile, this NQ5-generation Sportage’s road manners continue to impress. Medium SUVs tend to offer anodyne driving experiences, but the new Kia complements admirable ride comfort with a healthy dose of driver engagement, courtesy of a sweet steering setup that is quick, sharp and well-weighted.
In other words, when you traverse roads that inspire you to explore your vehicle’s handling dynamics, the Sportage is likely to be a joy to pilot; its suspension is pliant enough to soak up minor road imperfections, but that’s allied with reassuring handling and excellent body control. What’s more, we’d argue this is one of the most refined models in the segment in terms of in-car noise, vibration and harshness suppression.
As far as safety is concerned, all Sportage derivatives are fitted with 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, blind-spot warning, hill-start assist and downhill brake control and trailer-stability assist. High-grade versions also feature various advanced driver-assistance systems (semi-autonomous tech).
The 1.6CRDi GT Line Plus, for example, is additionally equipped with lane-keeping and -follow assist (they work in conjunction with blind-spot warning), as well as forward collision-avoidance assist (FCA). FCA will sound an alarm if the vehicle thinks a collision with a pedestrian, cyclist or a stopped vehicle is imminent, and if the driver doesn’t react quickly enough, the car will apply braking effort automatically.
Interior tech, features and space
When buyers are required to fork out R750k to purchase a medium SUV, they expect a comprehensive specification and the 1.6CRDi GT Line Plus fulfils that requirement. Whereas all new Sportage derivatives are equipped with smart entry with push-button start and a curved instrument cluster and infotainment screen combo, the test unit’s cabin stood out for its smart-looking GT steering wheel (equipped with metallic ‘shift paddles), LED interior lighting, alloy pedals and artificial leather suede combination trim.
The touchscreen infotainment system is Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatible and the smartphone generation will love the provision of USB-A and -C ports, plus the wireless charging pad, at the front.
A heating function is available not only for the front seats and steering wheel, but rear passengers too. Plus, aft occupants are availed charging USB ports, which are cleverly placed in the seats ahead of them.
The rear seatback can be folded in a 40:20:40 split to create utility space. With the seats up, the load bay is said to hold 571 litres, which is more than what the Hyundai Tucson and Volkswagen Tiguan offer.
To minimise cabin clutter (prevent “button overload”), Kia has cleverly integrated the audio system- and climate controls into one bar. If you press the fan button, the knobs control temperature and the climate functions are displayed, but if you press the arrow, the knobs control the volume and toggle channels.
Other noteworthy luxury features on this derivative include a panoramic sunroof and powered tailgate.
Price and after-sales support
The Kia Sportage 1.6 CRDi GT Line Plus costs R747 995 (July 2023), which includes a 5-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, with roadside assistance. A 6-year/90 000 km service plan is included.
| Kia Sportage 1.6 CRDi GT Line Plus | R747 995 |
Verdict
The Kia Sportage continues to impress with its great driving experience, a plethora of luxury features and excellent interior build quality (fit-and-finish). It’s a genuinely good product – some of our testers have even gone as far as to say that, right now, the Sportage is the best model in the medium SUV segment.
With inexorable rises in new-car prices moving the German premium trio’s compact crossovers out of reach of many, it’s understandable that buyers are “buying down”, which is why there is strong demand for Mazda, Haval, Hyundai, Volkswagen and Toyota’s medium SUVs (some have been in short supply).
However, the conclusion of this review goes sideways with the question of which type of Sportage is the better buy: petrol or diesel? “Hand on heart, you cannot go wrong with either”, but be sure to buy the derivative that suits your needs best. If you intend to travel longer distances regularly, such as a daily commute from Pretoria to Sandton, then a turbodiesel Sportage will be the more appropriate choice.
We’d also like to point out that while the 1.6 CRDi GT Line Plus is a fantastic offering, you can find better value lower in the range. The 1.6CRDi EX, which foregoes the additional safety tech, 19-inch wheels, ‘shift paddles and panoramic sunroof (to name a few features), costs R84 000 less. Keep that in mind.
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