The Sportage continues to star in the Kia cast on the Australian automotive stage with an enhanced range keeping this compact sport utility vehicle in the market spotlight.
The South Korean manufacturer recently introduced upgrades across the European-sourced range, including engine and gearbox improvements and a value-for-money new Si Premium model.
Available in two-wheel and all-wheel drive versions, the Si Premium stands at the head of the 2WD range sporting a standard six-speed automatic transmission, 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlamps, roof rails, reversing camera, leather and cloth trim seats, exterior mirror mounted indicators, LED daytime running lights and driver lumbar support.
On the market at $29,990, plus on-road costs, the Kia Sportage Si Premium 2.0 GDi 2WD automatic was given a workout in a range of on-road situations in south-east Queensland.
STYLING
The designer’s pen has been at work on reshaping the already up-to-date looks of the existing Sportage. Among the changes are a new front grille, new LED rear lamp clusters, a revised range of alloy wheels with a choice of 16, 17 or 18-inch diameter, and a shark-fin roof antenna.
The passenger cabin has been enhanced with greater use of soft-touch materials across the dashboard and the upper door panels, a new instrument cluster with a 4.2-inch LCD display screen and powered driver’s seat.
ENGINE / TRANSMISSION
Across the petrol range the new Sportage benefits from an upgrade to the smooth and efficient 2.0-litre direct-injection petrol powerplant, the Si Premium making use of a six-speed automatic transmission driving through the front wheels.
INFOTAINMENT
Travellers can stay connected with standard Bluetooth with phone and media streaming and a trip computer.
Further convenience is offered by keyless entry, rain-sensing wipers and cruise control.
SAFETY
Safety is front and centre across the range, with six airbags, stability control with traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution and brake assist on hand to keep things on an even keel.
Hill-start assist and downhill brake control are also standard, along with disc brakes all round and active front head restraints. Projector headlamps have a cornering function.
DRIVING
Much attention has been paid to reduction in noise, vibration and harshness with a new soundproof windscreen, incorporating a film between the glass laminations, while improvements to the front subframe, drivetrain and transmission mountings minimise vibration.
It was a dark and stormy night, the Sportage was punting along a winding Gold Coast Hinterland road when a big black dog loomed in the headlights. Responsive steering and efficient anti-skid braking had the vehicle rounding the bewildered hound with room to spare.
The reverse could have been the result if the car had been going, well, in reverse. The reversing camera lacked any sort of useful definition behind the SUV in the dark on the tiny mirror-mounted screen.
When taking off on a wet slope there was a spot of wheelspin between the hill-start assist letting go and traction control cutting in – minor bleats in generally competent behaviour.
SUMMING UP
The Kia Sportage Si Premium 2.0 GDi 2WD automatic gives the owner the comfort and convenience of a small SUV without the worry of clocking up the considerable costs of all-wheel drive fuel consumption.
Customers also share in the Kia five-year unlimited kilometre warrant with capped price servicing over the same period.
AT A GLANCE
Sportage Si 2.0 GDi 2WD: $25,990 (manual), $28,190 (automatic)
Sportage Si Premium 2.0 GDi 2WD: $29,990 (automatic)
Sportage SLi 2.0 GDi AWD: $34,790 (automatic)
Sportage SLi 2.0 CRDi AWD; $37,790 (automatic)
Sportage Platinum 2.0 GDi AWD: $38,390 (automatic)
Sportage Platinum 2.0 CRDi AWD; $41,390 (automatic)
Note: These prices do not include dealer or government charges. Contact your local Kia dealer for drive-away prices.
FEATURES (Kia Sportage Si Premium 2.0 GDi 2WD automatic)
Six-speed automatic gearbox
17-inch alloys
Automatic headlamps
Roof rails
Reversing camera
Leather and cloth trim seats
Outside mirror mounted indicators
LED running lights
Driver lumbar support.
SPECIFICATIONS (Kia Sportage Si Premium 2.0 GDi 2WD automatic $29,990
Capacity: 1999 cc
Configuration: In-line 4 cyl. DOHC D-CVVT1 GDI8 16 valve
Bore x Stroke: 81.0 mm x 87.0 mm
Compression Ratio: 10.3:1
Maximum Power: 122 kW @ 6200 rpm
Maximum Torque: 205 Nm @ 4000 rpm
DRIVELINE:
Six-speed automatic (Sportsmatic), 2WD
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4440 mm
Width: 1855 mm
Height: 1640 mm (with roof rails)
Wheelbase: 2640 mm
Ground clearance: 167 mm
Tare weight: 1489 kg
Kerb weight: 1508 kg
Gross weight limit: 1980 kg
Cargo capacity: 564 litres; 1353 litres (second row seats folded)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 58 litres
Towing capacity: 750 kg (unbraked); 1600 kg (braked)
Turning circle: 10.6 m
SUSPENSION AND BRAKES:
Suspension: McPherson strut (front); Multi-link (rear)
Brakes: 300 mm ventilated disc (front); 262 mm solid disc (rear). Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS), emergency brake distribution, brake assist, Electronic Stability Control, traction control, hill descent control, hill-start assist.
Steering: Electric power rack and pinion
Wheels: 17-inch alloy. Full-size alloy spare
Tyres: 225/60 R17
PERFORMANCE
Acceleration 0 to 100 km/h: N/A
Top speed: N/A
FUEL CONSUMPTION:
Fuel type: regular unleaded
Combined Cycle (ADR 81/01): 8.4 litres per 100 km. CO2 emissions 200 g / km (4×2 with automatic transmission)
GREEN VEHICLE GUIDE RATINGS:
Greenhouse Rating: 6.5 / 10
Air Pollution Rating: 6.5 / 10
WARRANTY
Five years / unlimited kilometres
