Crossover one-upmanship continues with the all-new 4th Generation KIA Sportage. It’s better looking, higher specced, boasts a 5 year unlimited warranty and even holds a world record for the longest test drive (#KIAworldrecord) We take a scenic drive around of the Capes most beautiful roads and find out if the new 2017 KIA Sportage still has the power to surprise.
Interior and Styling
The redesigned interior is a comfortable place to be sat. The extra 30mm added to the wheelbase, thinner C-Pillars and taller rear glass ads to the cabins airy feel. The driving position is comfortable and once going, Sportage’s heated and vented seats allowed me to relax into the journey and enjoy the scenic drive. Wireless phone charging (available on GT Line) and the addition of a fairly basic 7” Touch Screen in the centre console means the car attempts to go head to head with its rivals.
Boot space has improved to 491 (seats up) and up to a gargantuan 1480 liters (seats down) KIA has focused so much on creating more interior space that the luggage area is now also 35mm wider with access being provided by another new feature, Smart Power Tailgate, available on the SX and GT Line.
Although the radical exterior styling might not be to everyone’s taste, most agree that the all-new award winning Sportage is rather striking – a necessary trait in the busy and competitive compact SUV segment. The front of the car has been completely redesigned and the lights now sit much higher atop the massive intake grill. With the 19” wheels snuggly fitted under those arches on the SX and GT Line, the car looks handsome and purposeful.
Model Range
Starting at R369 995 the range comprises the following models: Ignite 2.0 Petrol, EX 2.0 Diesel, SX 2.4 Petrol, SX 2.0 Diesel and GT Line 1.6 Petrol
The Entry level 2WD 2.0 Ignite model comes with 114kW and a 6 Speed manual. To get the electric park brake, that incidentally gives even more interior space, you’d have to opt for the EX 2WD.
The EX and SX come with 6 Speed automatic and the range topping GT line comes with the smooth 7 Speed DCT, all-wheel drive and 130kW from its 1.6 Turbo charged petrol engines.
On the road KIA Sportage feels planted and confident with enough torque available as we meandered through the Cedarburg hills. The car doesn’t inspire one to go faster but instead allows one to enjoy the route and hold conversations with the passengers in the new quieter cabin. For a slightly more spirited driving experience the GT Line offers sportier suspension without much compromise on ride quality.
From the bland yet functional Generation One, to this; the suave and street smart Generation Four, KIA has tried to take the fight directly to the bigger manufacturers. With a 5 year unlimited warranty and great interior spec, Sportage is a viable option to the Japanese and French alternatives.
The Crossover segment has never been livelier. With the top five players all having competent offerings, each with great styling, incredible interior space and reasonable performance. If your family is one of the many in the market to get one of these compact crossover SUVs, It would be worth the time to test drive the all new KIA Sportage. It might just surprise you.
Pricing 2016 KIA Sportage
Sportage 2.0 Ignite R369 995
Sportage 2.0 CRDi EX R487 995
Sportage 2.4 GDI SX AWD R557 995
Sportage 2.0 CRDi SX AWD R567 995
Sportage 1.6 T-GDI GT-LINE AWD R599 995
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