New Sportage starts at £17,995 02 | 02 | 2016
KIA HAS CONFIRMED its all-new Sportage — the Korean car maker's fourth-generation of its best-selling model in the UK — will start at £17,995 when it goes on-sale at Scottish dealers on Friday.
The latest model boasts a more muscular look, thanks to its broader shoulderline, while at the back, a new chrome strip links the redesigned light clusters. To add to its new bold image, there's also a new metallic rear skidplate, plus liberal use of chrome for the exhausts, lower door trim and roof bars.
At the front, a more steeply raked windscreen and a sloping window line guarantee the newcomer is instantly recognisable from the previous generation Sportage.
There are 18 variants on offer priced from just £17,995 on the road. For the first time GT-Line versions add an even more sporty flourish to the range, while the line-up is headed by the luxurious First Edition model, priced at £31,645. GT-Line models start at £24,350.
There are now four engines and three transmissions with the introduction of a 1.6-litre T-GDi (turbocharged petrol direct injection) unit and a 7DCT (seven-speed dual-clutch automatic) gearbox, both of which are reserved exclusively for GT-Line. They join extensively re-engineered 1.6-litre GDi petrol and 1.7- and 2.0-litre turbodiesel power units with improved fuel economy and CO2 reductions of up to 29g/km, which means significantly lower company car tax for the Sportage's loyal legions of business drivers.
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The six trim lines are badged 1, 2, 3, 4, GT-Line and First Edition. All versions powered by the 1.6-litre GDi and 1.7-litre CRDi engines are front-wheel drive, while those powered by the 1.6-litre T-GDi unit and the two 2.0-litre CRDi diesels have all-wheel drive.
The entry-level £17,995, in 1.6 GDI manual '1' spec, gets you a 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine producing 130bhp and 161Nm of torque, which returns 42.2mpg at the pumps and emits 156g/km. Entry-level 1 spec gets 16-inch alloys, LED running lights, aircon, Bluetooth, a DAB radio and cruise control.
For an extra £2500 '2' trim gives you the 7in touchscreen navigation system, which also brings a rear-view camera and smartphone connectivity functions. You get further kit such as an electric lumbar function, classier seat trim, LED indicators, auto lights and wipers and climate control.
3 spec (which starts at £24,750 for the 114bhp 1.7-litre diesel engine) brings leather heated seats front and rear, 19in alloys, gloss black trim, a central instrument display and an uprated sound system, while flagship KX-4 gets kit such as autonomous braking, xenon headlamps, keyless entry and a panoramic sunroof.
A limited-run fully-loaded 'First Edition' is available from £31,645, which adds to KX-4 spec with Smart Parking Assist, an electric tailgate, wireless phone charging, optional decals and two-tone leather trim. A GT-Line spec with sportier styling details is also available from £24,350.
Related: New Kia Optima starts at £21,495
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Jim McGill