The facelift KIA Sportage has arrived in Mzansi, spotting revised engines and transmissions, a revised model line-up as well as subtle enhancements to the look and feel of the 2019 model year SUV.
The revised exterior design grants the front end with LED Daytime Running Lights, a slightly revised ‘tiger nose’ grille and a new bumper design with more prominent fog lamps. The rear gains a revised bumper and a new lighting signature. Other enhancements include a new selection of alloy wheel designs in 16, 17 or 19inch (model dependent), as well as a range of new colour options.
The facelift Sportage has also gained a revised model line-up, which discontinues the SX AWD and GT-Line models, narrowing the line-up to just 5 models; Ignite (entry-level), ignite Plus, EX, EX Plus and EX AWD being the top of the range model.
KIA has also discontinued the 2.4 GDI and 1.6 T-GDI engines powering the previous SX AWD and GT Line models, replacing them with a new to the range 97kW/161Nm 1.6litre GDI unit powering entry-level Ignite model. The retained 115kW/196Nm 2.0litre MPI engine available with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed auto transmission remains untouched, whilst the range topping 131kW/400Nm 2.0litre CRDI powertrain is now mated to a new 8-speed auto transmission (available in the Ignite Plus, EX and EX Plus models).
Safety features across the range include ABS, EBD, 6-airbags and ISOFIX child seat anchors as standard. Also adding to the standard specification list is central locking, as well as an alarm, immobiliser and Data Dot. Driver convenience features include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill-start Assist (HAC), and Downhill Brake Control (DBC). All models feature Park Distance Control at the rear, while higher specification EX and EX Plus models also gain front parking sensors and a reverse camera, displayed on the 7- or 8-inch colour touchscreen.
Price:
KIA Sportage 1.6 GDI Ignite (6-Speed Auto) R379,995
KIA Sportage 2.0 Ignite Plus (6-Speed Manual) R389,995
KIA Sportage 2.0 Ignite Plus (6-Speed Auto) R403,995
KIA Sportage 2.0 CRDI Ignite Plus (8-Speed Auto) R453,995
KIA Sportage 2.0 EX (6-Speed Auto) R459,995
KIA Sportage 2.0 CRDI EX (8-Speed Auto) R509,995
KIA Sportage 2.0 CRDI EX AWD (8-Speed Auto) R536,995
KIA Sportage 2.0 EX Plus (6-Speed Auto) R499,995
KIA Sportage 2.0 CRDI EX Plus (8-Speed Auto) R549,995
All Sportage models come standard with unlimited kilometre, 5-year warranty, as well as a standard 5yr/900,000km service plan and 5 years of roadside assistance.