Lead by example The all-new Kia Sportage

Optimal drive in all environments. Frugality, power, and performance lies at the heart of all-new Sportage.

Based on the company’s new N3 architecture, every element of the all-new Sportage has been designed and developed to enhance the SUV’s premium stature. The new platform has also heavily informed all-new Sportage’s driving characteristics, combining a refined, stable and comfortable ride with agile and dynamic handling. An advanced steering and suspension system that has been meticulously tuned helps bring these qualities together.

At the front, all-new Sportage benefits from a MacPherson strut type suspension while the rear gets a four-link type set-up. Stopping power is provided by ventilated discs at the front (325 mm) and solid discs at the rear (300 mm).

Aligned with the evolution of the Sportage nameplate as one of Kia’s flagship products, the all-new Sportage is offered, for the first time, only with a 1,6-litre T-GDi petrol engine, and exclusively with an advanced version of Kia’s 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). The turbocharged engine endows the all-new Sportage with a hearty balance of power and performance, while the DCT aids in delivering exceptional fuel consumption.

The 1,598cc turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection engine features continuously various valve timing (CVVT), which – with its advanced intake valve and longer delayed exhaust – allows for more air to enter the engine at higher revolutions. The 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.

Compact range. Maximum choice. No compromises. Feature-rich Sportage line-up offers multiple options for every customer.

With consideration of its striking exterior design and plush yet high-tech interior, the all-new Sportage offers a daring combination of luxury and value for money that sets it apart in its segment.

Safety has always been a top priority when developing Kia vehicles, and the all-new Sportage is no exception. Underneath its sleek exterior is a reinforced and lightweight body structure with high torsional rigidity, comprising high quantities of Advanced High Strength Steel and hot-stamping technology to reinforce safety-critical parts of the passenger compartment, complemented by a raft of active and passive safety features and advanced driver assistance systems.

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.

All models are furthermore 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.

With the all-new model, Kia has deleted the Ignite and Ignite Plus grades from the range, consolidating the best of both previous grades into a new LX grade, while enhancing the mid-tier EX grade models.

The Sportage LX.

There is very little that is “entry-level” about the new Sportage LX: the list of standard features is extensive. LX models come standard with 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.

Also included as standard is 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, its 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.

GT-Line by design. GT-Line by impression. Harnessing Sportage’s sporty spirit for those who like to stand apart from the crowd.

Inspired by Kia’s Opposites United design philosophy and the all-new Sportage’s cutting edge design, the new Sportage is also available – for the first time – with three different GT-Line models: the Sportage GT-Line, GT-Line Plus, and GT-Line S.

“Kia first introduced the high-spec GT-Line derivative in Sportage when the fourth-generation model was launched in November 2016 and re-introduced it late in 2021,” says Stephen Crosse, Sales and Marketing Director, Kia South Africa. “The success of the reintroduction proved that there is definitely an appetite for a version of Sportage that is more expressive, dynamic and luxurious. With its cutting-edge design and high levels of standard specification across the board, we’re excited to offer a variety of GT-Line models as part of the all-new Sportage’s line-up.”

The Sportage GT-Line.

The Sportage GT-Line features the same 18-inch alloy wheels as the Sportage EX, but its exterior is distinguished by deluxe scuff plates that add a sportier touch. Additional cosmetic and convenience features include the addition of alloy pedals and an electric tailgate, as well as paddle gear-shifters for those who want more control over the Sportage’s performance and acceleration. Its interior upholstery is upgraded to a combination of artificial leather and suede.

The Sportage GT-Line gains significant additions in terms 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.

The Sportage GT-Line Plus.

Bar the addition of all interior lamps being upgraded to the LED variety, the Sportage GT-Line Plus is distinguished from the GT-Line model by the addition of 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.

The Sportage GT-Line S.

While its exterior is identical to that of the GT-Line Plus, the range-topping Sportage GT-Line S gains even further from a comfort, convenience andtechnology perspective. Its front seats gain a ventilation function, while interior ambience is heightened by the addition of mood lighting.

The centre console gains a rotary gear-shift dial, located centrally and within easy reach. This dial operates using shift-by-wire technology, enabling effortless gear shifting. Just as importantly from a safety perspective, it will automatically shift to the parking gear P if the driver forgets to do so.

The GT-Line S gets an upgraded Intelligent Front Lighting System: if the system detects another vehicle driving either in the same direction as you or the opposite direction to you when using the LED headlamps on high beam, it will automatically switch the LEDs to low beam to prevent dazzling the other driver. When the road is clear, it will automatically switch back to high beam again.

Also included is Smart Cruise Control, which helps maintain a set distance and speed from the vehicle ahead when driving on a highway, while also helping centre the all-new Sportage in its lane. At the same time, it controls acceleration and deceleration while you are in-lane.

In addition, the GT-Line S model’s Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) system also gains a Junction Turning functionality: if the system detects a potential collision when making a turn at an intersection, a warning signal appears on your instrument cluster and maximum braking power is applied to avoid a collision.

Premium Value.  Award-winning quality and premium features combine to deliver exemplary value proposition.

That the Kia Sportage has evolved and transformed beyond imagination over the past three decades is undeniable.

“The all-new model not only speaks to the evolution of the model itself, but also to that of the Kia brand as a whole. We believe the new Sportage is not just striking in design and leading by example when it comes to quality and technology, but also represents as an SUV that is altogether more desirable. It represents the perfect balance between premium quality features and value for money,” says Crosse.

The all-new Kia Sportage goes on sale on Wednesday, 21 September 2022. Recommended retail pricing for the range is as follows:

Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi LX: R 539,995

Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi EX: R 593,995

Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi GT-Line: R 649,995

Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi GT-Line Plus: R 677,995

Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi GT-Line S: R 734,995

All Sportage models ship as standard with Kia’s industry-leading Unlimited Kilometre/5-year warranty, inclusive of Kia 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.