The all-new Kia Sportage is a knock-out and seems certain to attract significant interest in the ultra-competitive compact SUV segment.
Kia has transformed the Sportage into a genuine world-class vehicle and – importantly for Australian customers – local models feature a unique suspension calibration tuned and tested specifically for local conditions.
All-new Kia Sportage jumps into the tough ‘C-Segment SUV’ market and goes head-to-head with vehicles like Nissan’s Dualis, the just-launched Mitsubishi ASX and the ix35 from sister company Hyundai. Dualis is priced from $24,990 ASX starts at $25,990 while the iX35 carries a $26,990 entry price – typically, Kia has competitively priced the impressive all-new Sportage
Kia Sportage Overview
Priced from $25,990 and offering front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive variants, powered by a choice of two petrol and one turbo-diesel engine, the all-new Kia Sportage marks a significant departure from all previous Sportages.
For starters the new Kia Sportage delivers a brilliant new appearance, there is nice leather trim for range-topping Kia Sportage Platinum models and Sportage all-wheel-drive variants (SLi priced from $31,990 and Platinum priced from $35,990) debut a new high-tech interactive drive system called Dynamax which is sourced from Magna Powertrain Systems.
Kia Sportage Engine
All-new Kia Sportage features two petrol engines and one turbo-diesel – from Kia’s ‘Theta’ (petrol) and ‘R’ (diesel) families.
Entry-level Kia Sportage Si models are exclusively powered by Kia’s 2.0-litre, four-cylinder Theta II engine driving the front wheels via either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic. Maximum power is 122kW at 6200 rpm and peak torque of 197Nm is delivered at 4600 rpm.
The 2.4-litre, four-cylinder Theta II engine (fitted to Kia Sportage SLi and Platinum specification grades, only with all-wheel-drive and the six-speed auto) has been revised with upgraded electronics, low-friction components and a lighter weight. It uses lightweight aluminium for the block, cylinder head and sump.
Kia Sportage 2.4-litre provides maximum power of 130kW, delivered 200 rpm higher at 6000 rpm, while peak torque remains 227Nm at 4000 rpm.
For those choosing diesel, all-new Kia Sportage provides the ‘R’ family 2.0-litre DOHC with common rail high pressure direct injection and a single variable geometry turbocharger driving all four wheels via the six-speed automatic transmission. Maximum power is 135kW at 4000 rpm and the impressive peak torque of 393Nm is available from as low as 1800 rpm.
With all that torque, it’s no surprise the Kia Sportage turbo-diesel delivers the best performance – zero to 100km/h in 9.9 seconds. The Kia Sportage 2.4-litre petrol covers the standing 100km/h in 10.0 seconds while the 2.0-litre manual requires 10.7 seconds.
All-new Kia Sportage’s combined cycle fuel economy ranges from 7.5l/100kms (2.0-litre diesel) through 8.7l/100kms (2.0-litre petrol) to 9.2l/100kms (2.4-litre petrol). Exhaust emissions for the Kia Sportage start at 198g/km for the diesel, the 2.0-litre petrol scores 207 g/km (five-speed manual) and the 2.4-litre petrol is rated at 219g/km.
Kia is particularly proud of the new Dynamax intelligent electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system which is exclusive to the all-new Kia Sportage (SLi and Platinum models). First developed in North America by Magna, the Dynamax system is the next generation for all-wheel-drive technology and its lightweight electromechanical clutch boasts a reaction time of 150 milliseconds.
The Dynamax system is different because it has a massive 150Hz of data and after receiving input from the ECU, ESP and ABS systems, actively involves the ECU again by sending output back. They system has side-to-side torque vectoring but normally delivers 100 per cent of its power to the Kia Sportage’s front wheels, but can deliver up to 40 per cent to the rears.
Kia Sportage Interior
All-new Kia Sportage delivers one of the standout interiors in the compact SUV segment. The Sportage’s contemporary dashboard design is multi-layered which brings a new look to the normal centre console audio and air-conditioning controls.
Kia Sportage’s three round gauges provide speedometer, rev counter and engine temperature displays with nice, modern graphics. In between (for Kia Sportage SLi and Platinum models) is a clear red LED display for the six-function trip computer information - including fuel tank distance-to-empty, several versions of fuel consumption calculations and outside temperature.
The driving position in the Kia Sportage is reasonable even though the three-spoke, modern-looking steering wheel (leather-wrapped in Sportage SLi and Platinum models) only adjusts for rake – it has remote controls for the audio and cruise control systems.
On the audio front, range-topping Kia Sportage Platinum gains a six-CD system while the other two Sportage models have a single CD system. There’s MP3 and iPod compatibility plus AUX/USB input.
There are three trim levels with range-topping Kia Sportage Platinum versions scoring leather trim, electronic adjustment for the front seats and heating/cooling ventilation for the drivers’ seat (a first in this segment). Kia Sportage SLi includes Tricot seat cloth and electronic lumbar support for the driver.
Pleasingly, both mid-spec Kia Sportage SLi and model-leading Kia Sportage Platinum versions come standard with a reversing camera (image displayed in the interior rear-view mirror.
Second row passengers have a good view from the high-mounted 60-40 split fold seat – and 963mm legroom for this segment (which is excellent).
Cargo capacity in the Kia Sportage is 740-litres with the rear seat in place or 1547–litres with the rear seat folded – an operation which can be achieved from the luggage compartment thanks to a simple strap.
Kia Sportage Exterior and Styling
All-new Kia Sportage intrigued us with leaked photos and it didn’t disappoint in the flesh – again, Kia’s Peter Schreyer-led styling team has done a brilliant job. Bolder, athletic and a but more muscular than most segment rivals, the Kia Sportage delivers an aggressive on-road look that is totally different to its predecessor.
At the front, Kia Sportage demands attention with its ‘tiger nose’ and sweeping air intakes in the front bumper which blend into the fog light housings. Kia Sportage’s profile line at the top of the grille mirrors the top of the steeply-raked windscreen which flows into the low roofline.
From the side, Kia Sportage’s athletic look is accentuated by the high waistline, minimal glasshouse and exuberant sculptures. Add to that the steeply angled, forward-sloping C-Pillar (as first seen in the Kue concept car) and the overall look of the new Kia Sportage delivers significant on-road presence.
Large taillights, broad rear shoulders and the tailgate spoiler reinforce the powerful stance when the Kia Sportage isviewed from the rear.
Kia Sportage Si models run 17-inch alloy wheels and body-colour door handles/ exterior mirrors. Mid-spec Kia Sportage SLi gains the rear spoiler, roof rails, and a chrome front grille, while range-topping Kia Sportage Platinum models are identified by stylish 18-inch alloy wheels, a Panoramic sunroof, LED daytime running lights and rear privacy glass.
Kia Sportage On The Road
Kia Sportage has some off-road ability as highlighted by its 28.1-degree approach angle and an impressive maximum climb angle of 44.2 degrees. Our first drive of the new Kia Sportage was in Queenstown, New Zealand and while we did encounter some snow along the way, we didn’t challenge the Sportage’s ultimate off-road going.
Both Kia Sportage diesel and petrol models impressed with their driving dynamics. Local testing secured the British suspension set-up with unique Australian calibration for the dampers and power steering.
Kia Sportage’s 2.0-litre turbo-diesel is a beauty, with abundant torque and refined operation. We drove a diesel Sportage up the twisty dirt road to the Southern Hemisphere Proving Ground – a snow and ice facility used by car companies from around the world – and the combination of that strong diesel performance and clever Dynamax all-wheel-drive system was confidence-inspiring.
On-road the Kia Sportage again showed its prowess with excellent damping over some tough secondary roads in the hills around Queenstown.
Kia Sportage Challenges
It’s early days – we’ve only driven the all-new Kia Sportage on those course bitumen roads around Queenstown – but we did notice some growling tyre noise at speed.
Kia Sportage Verdict
Once again Kia has delivered the goods – the all-new Kia Sportage seems certain to be a major thorn in the sides of the segment’s best-sellers. We love the new looks, the excellent interior, extensive standard equipment and the high-tech goodies like the Dynamax all-wheel-drive system.
Kia Sportage Competition
The ix35 from sister company Hyundai, Mitsubishi’s brand-new ASX and the Nissan Dualis shape as the most direct rivals for the new Kia Sportage. It’s pluses-and-minuses, but there’s now doubt the all-new Sportage has them covered in just about every department…and did we mention it looks great?
Likes:
Standout looks; brilliant interior; strong petrol and diesel engines; value
Dislikes:
Some may find the styling a little too ‘butch’; tyre noise at speed
