Kia’s top-selling, SUV, the Sportage has recently been given a mid-life refresh. The model has sold a cumulative five million units across the world. The Enhanced Kia Sportage makes its debut in South Africa this week.

New looks

Billed as a 2019 model, the enhanced Kia Sportage has undergone the surgeon’s knife and features a refreshed appearance. There is a more prominent version of the brand’s signature ‘tiger nose’ grille. A new bumper hosts new fog lamp housings. That re-sculpted front bumper is complemented by a revised rear bumper. A new lighting signature emphasises the vehicle’s width. Other notable exterior enhancements include a new selection of alloy wheel designs in 16-, 17- or 19-inch diameter, as well as a new colour options.

Click here to read our review of the recently launched Hyundai Kona crossover.

Revised range

KIA Motors South Africa has also revised the local Sportage range. The SX AWD and GT Line derivatives have been discontinued. Standard specification has been increased in the remaining line-up.

Standard specification from the entry-level Ignite model includes, among others, air-conditioning, automatic headlamp control, electric side mirrors with integrated indicator lamps, a centre console armrest with integrated storage box, Bluetooth connectivity, a radio with six speakers, electric windows and rear park sensors. A step up the revised Ignite Plus range includes auto-folding side mirrors and an electrochromatic rear-view mirror, front fog lamps and new 17-inch wheels shod with 225/60 R17 tyres.

The Sportage EX has new 17-inch wheels shod with 225/60 R17 tyres, front parking sensors, auto rain-sensing wipers and an electric parking brake. The air-conditioning system is upgraded from manual to automatic. Seats coverings are leather, and the front chairs gain electric adjustment functionality.

The new Sportage range-topper, the Sportage EX Plus, features 19-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, a USB port in the rear of the cabin, an 8-inch colour touchscreen that incorporates satellite navigation and the reverse camera display, full Apple CarPlay functionality, as well as a wireless smartphone charger.

Powertrain options

KIA has retained the 2,0-litre petrol and 2,0-litre turbodiesel engines for use in the Sportage. New to the range, however, is a 1,6-litre GDI  engine, utilised exclusively in the Sportage Ignite. The 2,0 CRDI is now mated exclusively to KIA’s new eight-speed automatic transmission in both the Ignite Plus, EX and EX Plus specification grades.

Click here to find pricing on the company’s official local website.