Kia Sportage priced from $28,990
South Korean compact SUV offers unique style and expanded model range
Kia is putting some sporting flavour into the family-focused compact SUV segment
The south Korean car maker's latest Sportage - the fourth-generation model to wear the nameplate - arrives in Australia showrooms with a choice of three model grades and three engine options across an expanded range that kicks off at $28,990 (plus on-road costs) and runs through to the $45,990 flagship.
Unlike it predecessors, but more befitting its moniker and trading on its unique design, Kia is aiming to position the new Sportage as a more adventurous alternative in the crowded small soft-roader segment, where it lines-up against the popular Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V and the Hyundai Tucson with which it shares its basic underpinnings.
Like the Tucson, the Sportage is longer than the car it replaces, riding on a wheelbase that has 30mm extra between the axles to create additional cabin space, yet takes on a more sporting appearance with its rakish silhouette and bold styling.
Accounting in part for the $3000 price rise over the previous entry-level model which was fitted with a manual transmission, all models in the latest Sportage line-up will feature a six-speed automatic as standard equipment along with features such as a reverse camera, rear parking sensors and a 7.0-inch colour touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity.
From a safety perspective, all Sportage variants come with six airbags, two ISOFIX child-seat anchors, a full-size spare tyre, anti-lock brakes and stability control with the latest active functions - such as automated emergency braking, forward collision, blind spot and lane departure warnings - reserved for the top-of-the-range Platinum variant.
The entry-level Si models run on 17-inch alloy wheels, have cloth interior trim and manual air conditioning with the mid-spec SLi bringing larger 18-inch wheels, faux leather and dual-zone climate as well as front parking sensors, LED daytime running lights and tail lamps, rain-sensing wipers, a colour information screen in the instrument cluster and satellite navigation.
The flagship Platinum not only brings the additional safety technology but adds to the SLi's equipment with 19-inch alloys, heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, power-operated tailgate, push-button start and a first-in-class wireless phone charger in the centre console.
Both the Si and SLi models are powered by either a 2.0-litre four cylinder that produces 114kW/192Nm, consumes a claimed average of 7.9L/100km and drives the front wheels only or a 136kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo diesel four cylinder that has a claimed fuel consumption of 6.8L/100km and is mated to an all-wheel drive transmission.
The Platinum specification is exclusively offered in all-wheel drive and can also be had with the 2.0-litre turbo diesel but there's the option of a larger 2.4-litre petrol four cylinder that generates 135kW/237Nm and drinks an average of 8.5L/100km.
It will also be fitted with a unique GT Line upgrade that includes visual enhancements over the SLi.
Like all Kia models, the Sportage is covered by the brand's benchmark seven-year warranty and capped-price servicing scheme.
2016 Kia Sportage Pricing (plus on-road costs)
Sportage Si petrol: $28,990
Sportage Si diesel: $33,990
Sportage SLi petrol: $33,990
Sportage SLi diesel: $38,990
Sportage Platinum petrol: $43,490
Sportage Platinum diesel: $45,990
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