Kia South Africa has exciting news for compact and medium SUV enthusiasts with the introduction of three new turbodiesel derivatives to the impressive Sportage line-up.
The new models are set to complement the popular 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol range that was launched in September last year and the move is expected to further boost the car’s already impressive popularity.
Gary Scott, the CEO of Kia South Africa, comments that the new Sportage has garnered favour among press and customers alike, and the addition of the diesel engine models will address the needs of diesel fans in the competitive SUV segment. The Sportage has already been recognised as a distinctive and progressive package, with its inclusion as a finalist in the 2023 South African Car of the Year competition.
The new diesel engine models come in three different flavours – base, mid-spec, and high-spec, all priced exactly R30 000 more than their equivalent 1.6T petrol models. The 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine produces 100kW of power and 320N.m. Performance is respectable with Kia claiming the 1.6 CRDi model variants are capable of going from 0-100km/h in 11.4 seconds. The Sportage powers the front wheels through a seven-speed DCT dual-clutch transmission and the top speed is capped at 180km/h.
The Sportage LX, which is not-so-entry-level, features a comprehensive list of standard features, including LED headlamps with auto light control, LED daytime running lights and LED fog lamps. At the rear, a combination of LED and bulb lamps are employed for the taillights and rear fog lamps. The outside mirrors are electrically adjustable and foldable, with integrated side repeater lamps. The car boasts 17-inch alloy wheels, which complete the exterior look.
The Sportage LX’s interior features cloth upholstery, with height adjustment and two-way adjustable electric lumbar support for the driver’s seat. The curved 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system takes pride of place on the dashboard, incorporating a reverse camera assisted by standard rear parking sensors. The Sportage infotainment system includes Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with steering wheel-mounted controls.
Related: Hitting the open road in the Kia Sportage 1,6 T-GDI GT-Line S
The mid-tier Sportage EX builds on the LX model’s solid foundation. The car gains a gloss black front grille and front parking assist sensors. The wheels are upgraded to 18-inch alloys. Inside, the upholstery is upgraded to a combination of cloth and artificial leather, including the armrest and centre trim. The front seats gain electric adjustability, including a memory function for the driver’s seat, and a heating function.
The new Kia Sportage CRDi models are a welcome addition to the brand’s already impressive line-up. The car’s exterior and interior features offer a combination of style, comfort, and convenience, while the diesel engine has become less popular at this end of the market it should offer a good blend of performance and efficiency.
Kia Sportage Pricing
- 1.6 T-GDi LX – R567 995
- 1.6 CRDi LX – R597 995
- 1.6 T-GDi EX – R621 995
- 1.6 CRDi EX – R651 995
- 1.6 T-GDi GT-Line – R677 995
- 1.6 T-GDi GT-Line Plus – R705 995
- 1.6 CRDi GT-Line Plus – R735 995
- 1.6 T-GDi GT-Line S – R762 995
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