18 variants based on 4 engines, 3 gearboxes and 6 trim lines
Kia’s Sportage is back, bigger and more efficient than ever writes Geraldine Herbert
What is it? Accounting for almost thirty percent of all Kia UK Sales the fourth generation Sportage is a welcome addition to the range.
First impressions of the new Kia Sportage? The exterior has been given a fresher look and while it doesn’t look significantly different from the current model the changes to the front, particularly the headlights have certainly given it a more sporty and aggressive look while the tiger nose grille makes it instantly recognisable as a Kia.
What about the interior? Overall the interior is a lot more classy and the increased space is immediately apparent and means passengers will have nothing to grumble about particularly those in the back where space is very generous. The boot is also huge with more than 500 litre capacity.
And on the road? We had an opportunity to test drive the 1.7 litre diesel; there is also the choice of a 1.6-litre T-GDi, 1.6-litre GDi petrol and a 2.0 litre diesel.
the Sportage comes with the company’s unique-in-the-UK seven-year or 100,000-mile warranty
Kia Sportage and the city: Ride comfort has improved over the previous model and while there is a little body roll the Sportage handles well and holds the road comfortably.
Kia Sportage and the open road: On the motorway it is reasonable quite but the engine noise is noticeable and it feels a tad under powered when overtaking.
How Much? It comes in six grade levels that are badged 1, 2, 3, 4, GT-Line and First Edition. Prices start from £17,995 on the road. For the first time a GT-Line is offered while the range topping First Edition model is priced at £31,645. The GT-Line models start at £24,350.
How Safe? Reassuringly the new Sportage scored a maximum five-star safety rating in the Euro NCAP crash performance tests and comes equipped with an even stronger bodyshell then before, a wide range of passive safety equipment and the latest active safety and autonomous hazard avoidance technologies.
What about my options? All versions are well equipped and feature an extensive package of comfort, convenience and safety items.
3 words to describe the Kia Sportage: Smart; Safe; Spacious
UK Sportage pricing
| Model | Price |
| 1.6 GDi six-speed manual 1 | £17,995 |
| 1.7 CRDi six-speed manual 1 | £19,745 |
| 2.0 CRDi (134bhp) six-speed manual KX-1 | £21,995 |
| 1.6 GDi six-speed manual 2 | £20,500 |
| 1.7 CRDi six-speed manual 2 | £22,050 |
| 2.0 CRDi (134bhp) six-speed manual KX-2 | £24,300 |
| 2.0 CRDi (134bhp) six-speed auto 2 | £25,610 |
| 1.7 CRDi six-speed manual 3 | £24,750 |
| 2.0 CRDi (134bhp) six-speed manual KX-3 | £27,000 |
| 2.0 CRDi (134bhp) six-speed auto KX-3 | £28,310 |
| 1.7 CRDi six-speed manual 4 | £26,550 |
| 2.0 CRDi (182bhp) six-speed manual KX-4 | £29,400 |
| 2.0 CRDi (182bhp) six-speed auto KX-4 | £30,710 |
| 2.0 CRDi (182bhp) six-speed auto First Edition | £31,645 |
| 1.6 T-GDi six-speed manual GT-Line | £24,350 |
| 1.6 T-GDi 7DCT GT-Line | £25,650 |
| 2.0 CRDi (134bhp) six-speed manual GT-Line | £25,850 |
| 2.0 CRDi (134bhp) six-speed auto GT-Line | £27,160 |
For more information on the new Kia Sportage, check out the Kia UK website, their facebook page or follow them on twitter here
Geraldine Herbert
3rd February, 2016
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