A fairly quiet year for the KIA brand has erupted into one of the company’s biggest launches. The 2017 KIA Sportage has a a dauntingly large pair of shoes to fill because as new vehicle sales dip, models like the Sportage need to perform an anchoring role.
Approaching the new Sportage, you can’t help but marvel at the work KIA have put into redefining this SUV. It’s slick and uber stylish from all angles, creating the sense of sportiness and powerful flowing energy.
It’s crisp lines and separated headlamps, gives a more modern approach and adds to the volume of the front of the car.
The imposing appearance continues through to the rear, with the familiar layout emphasizing the Sportage’s wide stance and high standing profile.
Slipping behind the wheel, the sophistication of the Sportage is immediately apparent. This car has certainly come along way and into its fourth generation, there is a high level of class and luxury. With a top class finish and abundant space, I instantly found comfort behind the wheel and in the driving seat.
The KIA Sportage layout in clean and ergonomic, although it does feel a bit ‘buttony’ in the centre dash. Certainly a personal gripe, in an era where minimalist is king. That said, the infotainment system is easy to use with all the vehicle’s vitals available at a glance and the 7-inch screen is user friendly.
Taking to the streets, what impressed me is despite the KIA boasting an SUV physic, the car feels nimble and easy to handle. With Park Assist, a rear camera and upright driving position, I didn’t struggle to park the KIA in those notoriously tight modern parking bays. And with an electronic tailgate, opening the KIA’s huge boot after a dramatic shopping spree makes loading it easy.
I’ll openly admit, KIA have embraced the future, with Wireless charging available on the top-spec GT Line, the future is here and it’s wonderfully convenient
Cruising down the bustling city streets, I take a moment to enjoy the quality stereo housed in the KIA. The car just feels so complete, and is easy to navigate around in. One of my concerns though is the fuel consumption figures. KIA have tried to give the KIA Sportage a nippy and sporty personality and while the extra bite and firepower adds a new dimension to the SUV, averaging close to 11 litres per 100km does feel like a bit of a letdown, particularly knowing there is an oilburner housed beneath the brute.
Powered by the new 2.0-litre ‘R’ engine, the 130kW diesel, the KIA Sportage enjoys long quiet drives with the family on the open road. The automatic transmission has come of age and is exceptionally smooth. The improved ride quality and point and shoot steering provides comfort and confidence.
As an AWD derivative, theKIA Sportage has some off-road credentials and will be more than willing to accompany you on those dirty and dusty roads.
Overall, KIA has the power to surprise, as the Korean team continues to raise the bar in every aspect of their vehicles. Aggressively priced, well specced and capable… what more could you need from an SUV.
| Base Price | R369 995 |
| Engine Capacity | 1 995 cm³ |
| No. Of Cylinders | 4-cylinders |
| Aspiration | Turbo |
| Power | 130kW at 4 000 r/min |
| Torque | 400Nm at 1 790 r/min |
| Transmission | 6-speed Auto |
| Drive type | All-wheel drive |
| Acceleration | 0-100 km/h in 9.5 seconds (claimed) |
| Top Speed | 201 km/h |
| Service Plan | 5-yr/90 000km |
| Warranty: | 5-yr/Unlimited km |
