Kia Motors this week launched their radical new Sportage SUV crossover to local media, taking their striking and bold new design language a step further. With the freshest looks in its segment and pricing that will make you look twice, the new model is perfectly positioned to ruffle the local motoring industry’s feathers. Christo Valentyn attended the launch in Maputo, Mozambique.
Kia has been revitalizing their model line-up over the past year or so, replacing several of the cars we know quite well with the latest versions, all coming from the pen of their new designer, Peter Schreyer. The new Soul, Cerato, Cerato Koup and Sorento SUV (look out for our full test) set the bar in terms of Kia’s new design language while the Rio received a facelift to bring especially it’s front end in line with the group’s styling direction. Being an official sponsor of the World Cup certainly helped to make the public see the company in a new light and has helped the company to create a presence in South Africa that they never quite had.
But the Sportage had to go, an opinion of mine that was confirmed this week when I laid eyes on the latest version. It’s is extremely difficult to believe that these cars are related, with the previous generation – which was immensely popular despite its strange and incoherent design – now looking like something from a cheap ’80s film: that is how dramatic the new Sportage is styled. Immediately identifiable by its ‘tiger’ face (what Kia’s new front-end design is often referred to), it’s fresh, bold, and dynamic while still being stylish and practical; athletic and muscular yet funky and urban. Front styling is undoubtedly the most eye-catching, with the chrome grille flanked by large headlamps that incorporate LED daytime running lights. The clamshell bonnet’s lines enhance the powerful and sporty visage and helps to make the Sportage look higher than it really is.
Longer, wider and lower than its predecessor, the rakish windscreen, small glasshouse and lower roofline extends back to the rear that reminds of the KUE concept car from 2007, which set the standard for the en model’s looks. Interestingly styled taillamps are detailed without being tacky, while the C-pillar is trimmed with chrome to add some more subtle detailing to the design. A raft of details – the ribbed roof, the chunky door handles, the roof-rails, the raised ride height and the large exterior mirrors – serve to further reinforce the Sportage’s go-anywhere ambitions.
Its furthermore available in nine exterior colours that range from the subdued (white, silver, black, darker metallics) to the daring (red, Electronic Yellow and Techno Orange). Sportage is available with three trim options called simply “Ignite”, “2WD” and “AWD”. Standard equipment on all models are extensive, increasing proportionally from Ignite specification to 2WD and AWD, which is the top-of-the-range models.
Inside the styling, layout and space echoes the dynamic aesthetics created by the exterior styling. The reverse C-pillar is positioned behind the rear passengers, allowing them a clear view out of the cabin, while entry and exit is made easier thanks to the seats being lowered by 29mm and the top of the door sills by 31mm. For the driver there’s smoother control of the throttle thanks to the accelerator being floor-hinged, while the driver’s seat can move forward and backwards an additional 24mm.
The thick four-spoke steering wheel, which is great to look at and to hold, is height adjustable but not reach adjustable, something some of my fellow journalists complained about. The instrument cluster is also from Kia’s latest designs and consists of three cylinders. Initial impressions are very good, though: fit and finish is top quality, design and layout is neat, modern and ergonomically sound and the ambiance is generally premium.
Manual air-conditioning is standard on the Ignite model, while the 2WD and AWD packages feature dual climate control as standard. Sportage also comes standard with a CDP audi system that features a CD player with MP3, USB and iPod connectivity and six speakers. The AWD models come with a six-CD changer with sub-woofer and external amplifier. Other comfort features on the 2WD and AWD models include “welcome home” escort lights and LED daytime running lights. The AWD models further features a reverse camera incorporated into the rearview mirror as well as a Smart Card for keyless entry. Luggage space benefits from a 70mm increase in the vehicle’s rear overhang, giving you 740-litres with the seats in use and 1547-litres when folded down.
The new Sportage will be available with a choice of three engines covering both petrol and diesel propulsion. The petrol engines are of 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre capacity, while the diesel is also a 2.0-litre from Kia’s all-new “R”-family. This engine benefits from a state-of-the-art third generation common-rail fuel system with piezoelectric injectors that deliver diesel at high pressure with an unprecedented degree of accuracy and control.
Outstanding features of the R2.0-engine include all-aluminium construction, and electronic VGT (Variable Geometry Turbocharger), and advanced ECU (Engine Control Unit) with a 32-bit microprocessor, a new high-efficiency EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation System) with cooler and bypass valve, a chain-drive DOHC 16-vlave intake/exhaust system with needle-roller bearings and hydraulic lash adjusters and a balancer shaft. There’s also numerous weight-saving plastic components, like the intake manifold with swirl control valves, cylinder head cover and oil filter housing.
The engine generates a competitive 130kW of power at 4 000r/min and 392Nm of torque, available from as low as 1 800r/min. This also gives the Sportage very low fuel consumption and much lower emissions figures. Fuel consumption is a claimed 6.4-litres/100km for the two-wheel drive diesel model, increasing to 6.5-litres/100km and 7.5-litres/100km respectively for the all-wheel drive models with manual or automatic transmissions. Carbon emissions are at 170g/km, 174g/km and 198g/km for these same models.
Acceleration to 100km/h takes 9.4 seconds with the manual gearbox or 9.6 seconds with the autobox. Speaking of the gearboxes, the 6-speed manual is upgraded with improved synchronization, reduced power loss, enhanced efficiency and durability. The all-new 6-speed auto is ultra compact and the driver can choose from two operating modes: fully automatic or “Sport” mode. There’s also a standard Electronic Stability Control system with HAC (Hill-start Assist Control) and DBC (Downhill Brake Control).
The AWD drivetrain is a single ratio (High) system, which delivers 100% of engine torque to the front wheels when driving in normal conditions, enhancing fuel efficiency. With the AWD lock mode on, the central differential lock system will distribute equal power between the front and rear wheels up to 40km/h, whereafter the AWD mode will deactivate. Following this, the system will engage the necessary wheel to assist in traction where needed. If the lock remains depressed, the system will return to active AWD mode when traveling less than 40km/h.
The new Sportage was engineered to offer improved ride and handling balance while achieving more precise and rewarding responses to driver inputs and increased riding refinement. As such it comes with several new features, like a hydraulic power steering system to deliver precise vehicle control: the new rack and pinion system is speed sensitive and requires just 2.99 turns from lock to lock. Both the front and rear suspension systems are mounted on a lightweight hydro-formed subframe, with carefully fine-tuned rubber bushes to help isolate the occupants from irregularities in the road surface.
At the front, the compact MacPherson Strut suspension receives a little fine-tuning to smooth its operation and is largely carried over from the previous model. Small changes to the suspension geometry improve feel and stability, while new side-load coil springs reduce friction. The new Sportage benefits from an all-new, multi-link, fully-independent rear suspension system. For the new model, the dampers and coil springs are mounted separately to minimize intrusion into the cabin and trunk space. At the front and rear, new amplitude selective dampers (ASD) are standard on the 2WD and AWD models. These dampers combine the ability to deliver firm control over bumpy roads and when travelling at higher speeds (stiffer, high amplitude dampening), with a smoother city ride (softer, low amplitude dampening) at lower speeds.
All new Sportage models are equipped with an all-disc braking system – for maximum stopping power, ventilated front discs and solid rear discs are fitted. Off-road credentials include a 172mm ground clearance, an approach angle of 28.1 degrees, a 28.2 degrees departure angle and a 17.7 degrees ramp-over angle. For drivers interested in tackling more demanding terrain, the maximum climb angle is 44 degrees and the potential roll over limit angle is 45 degrees.
To ensure that owning and driving Kia’s latest compact SUV will be a safe and rewarding experience for all occupants, the new Sportage offers buyers a range of state-of-the-art safety systems and equipment as standard. Active safety technologies include ESC (Electronic Stability Control), which is boosted by three systems – ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), plus EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) to adjust the front/rear brake pressure and BAS (Brake Assist System) which recognises an emergency stop and delivers maximum braking power.
The TCS (Traction Control System) together with CBC (Cornering Brake Control) is another safety feature that detects slippage on the wheels and then redistributes power to guarantee maximum traction. Sportage is also fitted with a Rear Park Assist System and an improved rear-view camera mounted on the tailgate, is standard on the AWD package. A new rollover sensor is part of the upgraded ESC system. It monitors possible overturn situations and triggers the deployment of the side airbags, curtain airbags and seatbelt pretensioners if appropriate.
Structural improvements include stronger and straighter longitudinal side members in the engine bay floor, an enhanced B-Pillar design that links to upper and lower cross-members to form an internal rollover hoop, reinforced floor members in the trunk floor and a rerouted and better protected fuel filler pipe. The new Sportage comes standard with six airbags – dual front airbags, dual front side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags (linked to the new rollover sensors in the ESC system as well as the impact sensors) offer head protection for all occupants. Active headrestraints for the front seats protect occupants against whiplash injuries.
Pricing starts at R249 995 for the 2.0-litre Petrol Ignite model, going up to R329 995 for the top-of-the-range 2.0 CRDI AWD Automatic. The diesel models retail at R289 995 and R299 995 for the 2WD 2.0 CRDI manual and automatic, and R319 995 and R329 995 respectively for the 2.0 CRDI AWD manual and automatic. All models come standard with a 5-year/100 000km warranty, a 5-year/100 000km service plan and 5-years, unlimited kilometers roadside assistance.
Interestingly, these prices are pre-carbon tax prices, but in an interesting move, Kia confirmed at the launch that these are the prices at which they will be selling the first allotment of cars. Kia is hoping to move about 500 units a month for the first three months, which means there’s a 1 500 units to be had at ridiculous prices (Kia will revise the prices in a few months time to make allowance for the carbon tax).
Launching the Sportage in Mozambique was an interesting experience, but a clever one. Roads are generally in a worse state than in South Africa, allowing us to experience the Sportage’s rigid construction, its advanced suspension setup as well as its ride and handling characteristics under circumstances that are more extreme than on our own roads. Maputo is also a chaotic city with traffic congestion and driver behavior that requires a driver to be at his or her full wits at all times: double lanes are often used for three lanes of vehicles, while vehicles are parked wherever the driver decides he wants to stop. This allowed us to experience the Sportage in extreme urban traffic situations and to fully appreciate its well-appointed cabin.
Based on this, the Sportage is a winner in my books. It’s one of the best designs on our roads today and behaves extremely well under pressure. Add to that Kia’s incredible pricing strategy and I have no doubt whatsoever that we will see hundreds of these cars on our roads in just about no time. In terms of the diesel model, also keep in mind that it’s the same size as its ix35 cousin and sports an identical diesel engine at approximately R40 000 less than the similar ix35 model (see our road test here). The new Sportage most accurately encompasses Kia’s claim that it has the power to surprise, and it would seem that the ix35′s time at the top has rather abruptly come to an end…
- Christo Valentyn
