The Kia Sportage, which now offers advanced driver-assistance systems throughout its range, also has an updated line-up of derivatives. We drove the Korean brand’s (now somewhat repositioned) family SUV in Cape Town.
What’s new on the Kia Sportage?
Instead of waiting 3 years for a facelifted version of the Sportage to arrive, Kia SA has opted to roll out updates to the model as soon as they’ve become available. The rapid pace of tech advancement means that waiting 3 years to introduce an update/facelift could leave a model technologically disadvantaged –or outmatched by newer rivals. I expect updates to be implemented continuously in most cars in future, because many vehicle upgrades comprise software installations rather than physical enhancements.
This update to the Kia Sportage sees ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) become standard throughout the range. Previously, it was only available on GT Line derivatives and above, but now LX and EX versions are equipped with lane-following assist, lane-keeping assist and forward-collision avoidance.
The Sportage diesel secret weapon
Globally, there has been a major shift away from turbodiesel engines in passenger cars in favour of fully- or hybrid petrol-electric power units. In Europe, diesel is regarded as a “dirty fuel” for its cities and hybrid and electric cars are subsidised to the point that they are more affordable than their diesel equivalents!
In South Africa, however, there are no incentives to go electric or hybrid. Because our Government taxes imported electrified vehicles heavily, a turbodiesel car is a more affordable option than a hybrid or EV.
Consider the frugal 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel in the Kia Sportage. A fuel consumption figure of just 4.9 L/100 km (claimed) is excellent for a family car; its running costs would be lower than a turbopetrol- and probably on par with a petrol-hybrid derivative. We averaged 6.0 L/100 km on our round trip of 100 km, so the average driver should have no problem achieving figures “in the mid-5s” in the long run.
With 100 kW and 320 Nm of torque on tap, it’s not a punchy engine, but its performance is adequate. Even when a Sportage 1.6 CRDi is loaded to near its capacity, the powerplant’s decent reserve of torque will enable Kia’s family car to accelerate up to legal speeds quite easily. It’s a great drivetrain (the motor is mated with a well-calibrated and slick-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission) for those looking to reduce running costs without having to give much away in driveability or performance.
That premium feel from Kia
The Kia Sportage is a quality piece of kit; after all, it’s a finalist in the Family Car category of the 2023/24 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards. The Sportage – now in its 5th generation – is the culmination of constant improvements on the part of the Korean marque; its evolution into a luxury car is particularly noticeable.
In terms of build quality and refinement, the Sportage compares favourably with any German brand’s product of the same size and application. Interior ergonomics are excellent and there are nifty touches too, such as the ability to control the audio volume and aircon system via the same knob on the fascia.
The Kia’s levels of ride quality and cabin refinement (especially noise suppression) are some of the best you’ll experience in a new car that costs less than R1 million… My only gripe with the Sportage is that its suspension setup feels a little too firm over bumpy surfaces, such as gravel- or potholed asphalt roads.
How much is a Kia Sportage?
Kia has one of the best warranties in the segment (valid for 5 years, irrespective of mileage), which is complemented by a 6-year/90 000 km service plan. The Sportage range’s prices (November 2023) are:
| 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 |
For full specs and pricing click here
Summary
Kia understands that Chinese brands’ models such as the Haval H6 and Chery Tiggo 7 and -8 offer incredible value for money. Kia’s response is that it sells a more premium and much more refined medium SUV and, if you drive those models and a new Sportage back to back, you do notice the difference.
In a way, Kia South Africa is targeting the luxury end of the market, such as buyers who want to replace their BMW X3 or Mercedes-Benz GLC executive SUVs – but not for the R1-million-plus prices they now demand. At R650k, you wouldn’t notice much of a downgrade in quality if you bought a new Sportage.
