Refreshed Kia Sportage starts at £20,305 24 | 07 | 2018
KIA’S UPDATED SPORTAGE — which is the Korean carmaker’s first model to receive 48v mild hybrid assistance, as well as subtle styling tweaks — will cost from £20,305 when it enters Scottish dealerships in August. (Related: Roadtest — Kia Stonic 1.0 T-GDi)
The new range will include 21 variants, with six trim options and five engine variants. Buyers can also choose from a selection of new 16, 17 and 19-inch alloys, and five new colours. (Related: Kia Promise package launched)
External changes are subtle. The 'tiger nose' grille is slightly different, and there’s new bumpers and fog light housings, plus extra black or chrome trim leading to the lower air intakes. Nip round to the rear and you’ll see new C-shaped LED lights and further splashes of chrome.
The entry-level '1' spec gets 16in alloys, air-con, DAB radio, USB connectivity, all-round electric windows and aircon. Also fitted as standard is a reversing camera, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. As for safety, the latest ‘1’ Sportage comes with cruise control, Downhill Brake Control, Hill-Start Assist Control and Trailer Stability Assist. The 1.6 GDi petrol costs £20,305, with the diesel priced from £21,595.
The ‘2’ spec, which starts at £22,405, brings 17in alloys, a seven-inch touchscreen sat-nav, privacy glass, electrically-folding door mirrors and body-coloured trim. In addition there’s a Speed Limit Information Function, Lane-Keep Assist, High-Beam Assist, automatic wipers, dual-zone climate control and heated front seats.
For reasons known only to Kia, there’s no ‘3’ spec. But there is a ‘4’ spec. Priced from £27,260, this brings electric leather seats, keyless go, panoramic roof and a larger eight-inch screen. The ‘4’ also gets a 360-degree around view monitor and a JBL sound system, and stands out from the rest of the range with its 19in alloys and black wheel arch and body mouldings. In addition there’s silver skid plates and LED lights.
The refreshed Sportage range will continue the sportier GT-Line — which starts from £25,510 — and GT-Line S cars. These both benefit from a flat-bottom steering wheel, LED front fog lights, front parking sensors and exclusive alloys. Starting at £31,645, the GT-Line S adds a heated steering wheel, ventilated seats and wireless phone charging.
Finally, to mark 25 years of the Sportage, Kia is launching a special 'Edition 25' trim line. Available solely with the entry-level 1.6-litre GDi petrol engine, and priced from £25,655, the special edition gets 17in alloys, premium paint, black cloth and leather upholstery, an eight-inch touchscreen satnav plus the JBL stereo.
The engine range is comprehensive, with a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre GDi petrol, two 1.6-litre CRDi diesels, plus a punchier turbo 1.6 T-GDi petrol.
And as mentioned previously, for the first time Kia will introduce 48v mild-hybrid tech into the Sportage range. This flagship model starts at £32,545 in '4' trim or £34,545 for the GT Line S.
As you would expect, every Kia Sportage will come with a seven-year/100,000-mile warranty, plus there’s a range of 'Kia Care' service solutions, which aim to cover the cost maintenance for up to five services.
Related: Roadtest — Kia Sportage
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Jim McGill