Launch Review: 2018 Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage is arguably the Korean manufacturers claim to fame. The Sportage is quoted by Kia executives to almost exist as a brand on its own, speaking to how many units have found homes around the world.
Kia Sportage is four generations old, and with this, the new facelifted model comes a variety of subtle yet meaningful changes to this Korean people carrier.
So what exactly does this facelift mean for consumers?
The front and back of the car have been fettled with ever so slightly, but this has transformed the look entirely. The front grill has been changed to a more aggressive “tiger” grille and the foglight inserts have been updated.
The rear end of this Kia Sportage has gained a different bumper and a connecting strip between the unchanged taillights.
On launch day, we were offered the opportunity to drive different Sportage derivatives, opening the door for a back-to-back comparison.
What’s it like to drive?
Given the fact that Kia is trying to simplify their line-up and lower their top-spec price point (while maintaining a similar value offering), we opted to drive entry-level models in both diesel and petrol.
The 2.0 CRDI Ignite Plus was our first choice, as it has Kia’s new 8-speed automatic gearbox also found on the Sorento and Sedona. This transmission is said to have been fine-tuned to match the 2-litre turbo-diesel engine, promising a refined driving experience. After 10 minutes behind the wheel, it was clear that this was a winning combination. The car shifted along smoothly and the 400Nm and 131kW meant that overtaking at highway speeds didn’t require too much planning. The Ignite Plus comes with the same interior as the entry level Ignite, with the addition of auto-folding mirrors and electrochromic rear-view mirror. Our test car was equipped with different drive modes, which when set to eco-mode very impressively beat the claimed consumption figure, returning 6.2l/100km with mixed open-road driving. The ride quality was impressive, even on the undulating rutted dirt roads which we inevitably were forced to traverse upon getting ourselves lost (Which could have been avoided had we chosen the EX Plus, standard with Satnav).
The 1.6 petrol ignite available in the entry-level Sportage, felt at home in stop-start conditions at low speeds, but was noisy and felt strained while overtaking on the open road. The interior is similar to the previous generation, with minor changes including a new steering wheel, redesigned aircon outlet vents and a tweaked fascia. Higher end models receive a touchscreen infotainment system that has Apple Car Play and is Android Auto ready. The entry-level models, however, come with a basic radio with Bluetooth connectivity. We pegged this model to be the basic city-run-around SUV for families that need a spacious, practical vehicle at a modest price
Verdict
Despite being revised and having its line-up overhauled, this is still the same Sportage the market has grown to love. It packs a punch when it comes to value for money, and doesn’t pretend to be anything it isn’t.
The Sportage as quoted by Kia’s marketing director, David Sieff: “It is practical vehicle and has always done what it says on the tin” – Only we think the tin has grown up and has become significantly more attractive in each iteration both visually and in its value offering.
Model Line up
Sportage 1.6L GDI IGNITE 2WD Auto – R379 995
Sportage 2.0L IGNITE PLUS 2WD – R389 995
Sportage 2.0L IGNITE PLUS 2WD Auto – R403 995
Sportage 2.0L Diesel IGNITE PLUS 2WD Auto – R453 995
Sportage 2.0L EX 2WD Auto – R459 995
Sportage 2.0L EX PLUS 2WD Auto – R499 995
Sportage 2.0L Diesel EX 2WD Auto – R509 995
Sportage 2.0L Diesel EX AWD Auto – R536 995
Sportage 2.0L Diesel EX PLUS 2WD Auto – R549 995
Sportage is sold with unlimited kilometre, five-year warranty, as well as a standard 5-year/90,000km service plan and 5 years of roadside assistance.
