New Sportage range-topper 03 | 07 | 2012

KIA HAS LAUNCHED a new range-topping version of its award-winning Sportage. The new £27,195 KX-4 is not only the most luxurious version of the Korean marque's crossover, but it's also the most powerful.

Power comes from the same 2.0-litre CRDi turbodiesel engine, which originally produced 134bhp: but in the KX-4 — which is only available with 4WD — the output has been increased significantly to 181bhp.

The result? Mated to a six-speed manual 'box, it will cover the 0-62mph sprint in 9.4secs and will carry on to a maximum of 120mph. It also returns 46.3mpg and emits 158g/km of C02.

Roadtest: Kia Optima

An auto version, costing £28,500, is also available, but though it's 1mph faster in terms of top speed, it only returns 39.2mpg and has a much higher CO2 level, at 189g/km.

Standard equipment is comprehensive. In addition to 18in alloys, privacy glass, satnav with a seven-inch touchscreen, xenon lights, and all-round parking sensors, there's also keyless entry, a panoramic sunroof, climate and cruise control, heated seats, full leather upholstery, a seven-speaker stereo and an engine start button.

The KX-4 is on sale now, and the Sportage range starts at £17,300 for the entry-level two-wheel drive 1.6 GDi 1.

Roadtest: Kia Sportage

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Jim McGill