The 5th generation Kia Sportage, which made its world debut in June 2021 has just been introduced in South Africa, a right-hand drive market like ours.
Related: New Kia Sportage Becomes Highest Selling Car in South Korea
The latest Sportage comes in two iterations, there is a long wheelbase version that’s sold in International markets including China, Oceania, South Korean domestic, and North American markets whereas the short wheelbase version is sold in European markets. The one launched in South Africa however is a short wheelbase version.
Commenting on the launch, Gary Scott, the CEO of Kia South Africa said:
“The Sportage has always been a car of ‘firsts’ for the Kia brand. When it first debuted in the late 1990s, it set the tone for multiple automakers to pursue the design and development of what we know as an SUV today. It went on to become one of the first Kia models to receive multiple global design awards, a feat that was thought impossible for a Korean brand up until the launch of the third-generation model in 2010.”
The South African-spec Kia Sportage gets powered by 1.6L T-GDi direct injection petrol engine good for 177hp and 265Nm that comes paired to 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). It reaches 0-100 km/h in 8.8 seconds and can achieve a top speed of 201 km/h.
There are 5 variants available, all include dual front airbag, side airbags, and side curtain airbags as well as ISOFIX child seat anchors as standard across the board. In addition, all variants have an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), as well as Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), Downhill Brake Control (DBC), and Trailer Stability Assist (TSA). Smart Entry with Push Button Start is also standard fitment on all models, as is an electric parking brake with auto-hold functionality. Depending on the variant, Kia’s Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) technology is also available.
The base variant is the LX trim which gets LED headlamps, LED daytime running lights, LED fog lamps, electrically adjustable & folding outside mirrors with integrated turn signals and 17-inch alloy wheels. Then comes the EX which gets a black grille and front parking sensors. Where on the inside, its upholstery is upgraded to a combination of cloth and artificial leather. The front seats are electrically adjustable (including a driver’s memory function) whereas heating function is available in front & rear seats as well as the steering wheel. The 40:20:40-split second-row seat backs can be folded remotely to create a flat cargo space quickly and seamlessly.
Then comes the Sportage GT-Line which gets 18-inch alloy wheels & deluxe scuff plates as an exterior add-on. Alloy pedals, an electric tailgate, and paddle gear-shifters add cosmetic and convenience features whereas the interior upholstery is faux leather and suede. The GT-Line adds FCA (Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist), Lane Follow Assist and Lane Keeping Assist.
Up next is the GT-Line Plus which gets panoramic sunroof and sporty 19-inch alloy wheels in addition to the standard LED lighting throughout the interior. The exterior trims of this variant are finished in glossy black that gives it a more sporty appearance. Finally the range-topping GT-Line S gets more comfort, convenience, and technology in the form of front seats ventilation & mood lighting. The center console gets a gear-shift dial which uses shift-by-wire technology for easy gear changes. For safety, it will automatically shift to P if the driver forgets.
The GT-Line S has an upgraded Intelligent Front Lighting System that automatically switches the LED headlamps to a low beam if it detects another vehicle driving in the same or opposite direction as you. When the road is clear, it returns to a high beam. The flagship Sportage variant also gets Smart Cruise Control, while its FCA system gains Junction Turning functionality: which detects a potential collision when turning at an intersection, a warning signal appears on the instrument cluster and maximum braking power is applied to avoid a collision.
Related: Sportage Becomes the First Kia Model to Exceed 6 Million Units
The all-new Kia Sportage in South Africa is priced as:
- Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi LX – R 539,995 (PKR 72.21 lac)
- Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi EX – R 593,995 (PKR 79.44 lac)
- Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi GT-Line – R 649,995 (PKR 86.93 lac)
- Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi GT-Line Plus – R 677,995 (PKR 90.67 lac)
- Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi GT-Line S – R 734,995 (PKR 98.29 lac)
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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