Kia South Africa today introduces three new turbodiesel derivatives to its highly acclaimed Sportage line-up to complement the popular 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol range that was launched in September last year. The introduction of the turbodiesel models is set to bolster popularity while simultaneously addressing the needs of diesel fans in the competitive compact and medium SUV segment.

“As a flagbearer of the Kia brand’s pioneering DNA, the new Sportage has garnered favour amongst press and customers alike,” comments Gary Scott, CEO of Kia South Africa. “Demand has been strong across the range launched in September last year, and we’re delighted that, as a finalist in the 2023 South African Car of the Year competition, it has already been recognised as a distinctive and progressive package. Such accolades reinforce our belief that Sportage truly is the ultimate urban SUV.”

Kia’s new design language – Opposites United – is at the core of the all-new Sportage, influencing every aspect of its appearance and character, with overall design executed collaboratively between Kia’s global centres in Korea, Germany, and the U.S.A. The striking design gives Sportage a dynamic and assertive road presence from all angles, complemented by a range of 12 different exterior colours that allow customers to truly express their personality.

The interior of the all-new Sportage plays with boldness in character, softness in qualities and innovation in technology, creating a driver-oriented space that is truly state-of-the-art. The cabin has been carefully crafted to fuse breakthrough technology with luxury features, premium materials and modern style, with its beautifully sculpted, integrated curved display, slim touchscreen pad and finely detailed air vents taking pride of place.

Throughout the cabin, the highest quality materials that are pleasing to touch have been used, with driver and front passenger seats crafted to combine innovation and comfort in a sporting slim design. An ergonomic centre console has been optimally positioned for the driver and front passenger, providing storage, operating system configuration, cup-holders and soft-touch switches. Depending on the model, a smartphone charging bay offers high-speed wireless charging.

Opposites united.

No compromises on frugality or performance with the new Sportage.

The new additions to the Sportage range are powered by a 1,6-litre turbodiesel engine, also available exclusively with an advanced version of Kia’s 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). The 1,582cc Common Rail Direct Injection diesel engine delivers 100 kW of power at 4,000 r/min, with 320 Nm of torque available between 2,000 and 2,250 r/min. The 1.6 CRDi engine and 7-speed DCT pairing endows Sportage with an optimal balance between power, performance and frugality. It completes the 0- to 100 km/h sprint in 11,4 seconds, with a top speed of 180 km/h. CO2 emissions are rated at 129 g/km in the combined cycle.

The new CRDi engine option complements the 1,6-litre T-GDi petrol engine already available in the range. The 1,598cc turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection engine delivers 132 kW of power at 5,500 r/min, with 265 Nm of torque available between 1,500 and 4,500 r/min. It allows the Sportage to reach the 100 km/h mark in 8,8 seconds, with a top speed of 201 km/h. CO2 emissions are rated at 149 g/km in the combined cycle.

The fifth generation Sportage – built on the company’s new N3 architecture – is equipped with a MacPherson strut type suspension at the front and a four-link type set-up at the rear. The combination results in an SUV with a refined, stable and comfortable ride with agile and dynamic handling, supported by an advanced steering system that has been meticulously tuned to help bring these qualities together. Stopping power is provided by ventilated discs at the front (325 mm) and solid discs at the rear (300 mm).

Compact range. Maximum choice.

More options for customers with discerning needs.

The new Sportage has been widely recognised for its daring combination of luxury and value for money, underpinned by award-winning design and engineering that sets it apart in its segment. The Sportage’s intelligent interior space combines practicality, functionality and versatility, and is underpinned by a compact wheelbase of 2,680mm, a width of 1,865mm, length of 4,515mm and height of 1,650mm. This has resulted in a package that is class-leading for legroom, headroom and luggage capacity (591 litres VDA).

This safety-forward design is complemented by a raft of active and passive safety features. All models are equipped with an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), as well as Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), Downhill Brake Control (DBC) and Trailer Stability Assist (TSA). All models feature Smart Entry with Push Button Start, as well as an electric parking brake with auto-hold functionality.

A variety of Kia’s acclaimed in-house developed Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) technology is also on offer, depending on the model. All Sportage models feature a total of six airbags: a driver’s airbag, front passenger airbag, side airbags, and side curtain airbags. ISOFIX child seat anchors are also a standard inclusion across the range.

The new turbodiesel models mimic the existing Sportage range and are available in three grades.

The Sportage LX.

The not-so-entry-level Sportage LX features a comprehensive list of standard features that includes, but is not limited to, LED headlamps with auto light control, LED daytime running lights and LED fog lamps. At the rear, a combination of LED and bulb lamps are employed for the taillights and rear fog lamps. Outside mirrors are electrically adjustable and foldable, with integrated side repeater lamps. 17-inch alloy wheels complete the exterior design.

Inside, the Sportage LX features cloth upholstery, with height adjustment and two-way adjustable electric lumbar support for the driver’s seat. Both front seats feature an innovative clothing hanger integrated into the front seat headrests. Both the steering wheel and gear-shifter is covered in soft-touch artificial leather. Steering can be adjusted for rake and reach, with the second-row seatbacks split 40:20:40 to create more or less cargo space as required.

Both driver and passenger sun visors are illuminated and fitted with a vanity mirror, with an electro-chromatic rear-view mirror as standard. Driver and front passenger windows feature auto electric functionality, with a safety function that stops the window from closing fully if it detects something in the way. Dual automatic temperature control is included as standard.

The curved 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system takes pride of place on the dashboard, incorporating a reverse camera that is activated when the vehicle is in Reverse (including standard rear parking assist sensors). The Sportage infotainment system includes Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with steering wheel-mounted controls for telephony, audio and cruise control. Six speakers are standard, as is a USB port in the front, with two USB-C type charging ports for rear passengers, cleverly integrated into the front seatbacks.

Included in the Sportage LX package is Drive Mode Select, allowing the driver to select from Comfort, Eco, Sport or Smart sub-settings, as well as a Blind Spot Collision Warning system, to monitor your blind spots and warn you of oncoming cars with a symbol in the side mirrors.

The Sportage EX.

The mid-tier Sportage EX builds on this solid foundation. From the outside, the Sportage EX gains a gloss black front grille as well as front parking assist sensors. Wheels are upgraded to 18-inch alloys.

Inside, upholstery is upgraded to a combination of cloth and artificial leather (including the armrest and centre trim), with the front seats gaining an electric adjustability (including a memory function for the driver’s seat) and heating function. Drivers will also appreciate the heating function for the steering wheel in colder months.

In the rear, the 40:20:40-split second-row seatbacks gain a remote control for folding to maximise convenience and, with the simple press of a button, create a flat cargo space quickly and seamlessly. Rear passengers will enjoy the addition of privacy glass and rear heated seats.

Upon launch in September 2022, Kia introduced the all-new Sportage with three distinct GT-Line options. These models were designed to harness the Sportage’s sporty spirit and were created specifically for those who like to stand apart from the crowd.

“Customer demand for the Sportage GT-Line since launch has been exceptional, proving that there is a large number of discerning car lovers who want their car to be more expressive, dynamic and luxurious,” Stephen Crosse, Sales and Marketing Director, Kia South Africa. “While the flagship GT-Line S model has been the most popular model in the range since its launch in September, we believe that new turbodiesel engine perfectly complements the GT-Line Plus grade and offers a truly exceptional package.”

The Sportage GT-Line Plus.

The Sportage GT-Line Plus package ticks all the boxes with aplomb. In comparison to the mid-tier EX models, the exterior is distinguished by deluxe scuff plates that add a sportier touch, as well as a panoramic glass sunroof, and strikingly sporty 19-inch alloy wheels. Its black exterior trims are also upgraded to a gloss black for a sportier, more luxurious look.

Additional cosmetic and convenience features include the addition of LED interior lights, alloy pedals and an electric tailgate, as well as paddle gear-shifters for those who want more control over the Sportage’s performance. Interior upholstery is upgraded to a combination of artificial leather and suede.

Drivers benefit from a variety of driver assistance systems, including Lane Follow Assist and Lane Keeping Assist. These systems work alongside the standard Blind Spot Warning system, with the former using cameras and radar to ensure the vehicle is electronically aided to stay in its lane. Should the vehicle veer over into the adjacent lane without indicating, the system automatically assists steering to prevent the vehicle from entering the adjacent lane. If the lane markings are of poor quality, the Lane Follow Assist system automatically reverts to following the vehicle ahead of the Sportage to aid steering for a certain period of time.

A further addition is Kia’s industry-leading Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), which helps avoid collisions with objects in front of the vehicle while driving. If the preceding vehicle suddenly slows down, or if a forward collision risk is detected, such as a stopped vehicle, a pedestrian, or a cyclist in front of the Sportage, FCA provides a warning. After the warning, if the risk of collision increases, FCA automatically assists with emergency braking of the vehicle.

Premium Value.

An exemplary value proposition.

The latest Kia Sportage is not just striking in design and leading by example when it comes to quality and technology but is also an SUV that is altogether more desirable than ever before. With the addition of the CRDi models to the range, it represents the perfect balance between premium quality features and value for money.

All Sportage models ship as standard with Kia’s industry-leading Unlimited Kilometre/5-year warranty, inclusive of Roadside Assistance. In addition, a pre-paid 6-year / 90,000 km service plan is included to give customers peace of mind and predictability when it comes to vehicle maintenance.

The new Kia Sportage CRDi derivatives are on sale as of today, 3 May 2023.