The new Kia Sportage has gained three impact players in the form of diesel models added to the turbopetrol dynamics that recently bagged it the coveted 2023 Car of the Year category award for midsize vehicles.
This must surely have been one of the toughest of eight categories contested, where in typical local style the overall winner announced in June was the diesel-powered Ford Ranger Double Cab 4×4.
My experience during a West Coast excursion of 500 km in the new diesel model – during which about 80% was on the open road in Eco easy mode – was that the seventh gear meant a leisurely 2 200 revs at 120 km/h and a stingy average fuel consumption readout of 6,3 F/100 km. The manufacturers claim even less at 5,0F/100 km in the combined cycle, which would probably be achieved with a modest driving style.
For this vehicle size, the quiet 1 582cc Common Rail Direct Injection, 16-valve, diesel engine’s delivery of 100 kW at 4 000 r/min, with 320 Nm of torque available between 2 000 and 2 250 r/min, is really all you need.
It represents a pleasurable balance between power, performance and frugality, with the standard acceleration being 11,4 seconds and top speed of 180 km/h.
A front wheel drive only vehicle, the turbodiesels are all available in three grades: LX, EX and GT-Line Plus. All Sportage models offer Drive Mode Select, allowing the driver to select from Comfort, Eco, Sport or Smart sub-settings, as well as a Blind Spot Collision Warning system to monitor side threats or oncoming cars via a symbol in the side mirrors.
The new additions are available exclusively with an advanced and smooth version of Kia’s seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission.
The Sportage is equipped with a MacPherson strut-type suspension at the front and a four-link type set-up at the rear, which yields a stable and comfortable ride with agile handling. It has disk brakes.
The feel interior space combines functionality and versatility in a package claimed as class-leading five-seater for legroom, headroom and luggage capacity of 591 F.
At the centre of the sporty cockpit is a beautiful, curved display, integrating a 12.3” instrument cluster and high-tech multimedia touchscreen with split display. Embossed leather, suede and subtle ambient lighting create luxurious touchpoints, with a six-speaker sound system, with an automatic dual-zone climate control system.
This active and passive safety features comprise an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and electronic stability control (ESC) as well as hill-start assist control (HAC), downhill brake control (DBC) and trailer stability assist (TSA).
All models feature smart entry with push button start, as well as an electric parking brake with auto-hold functionality. All models have six airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchors and a full spare wheel.
The Sportage EX, as driven, runs on 18-inch alloys and the upholstery is a combination of cloth and artificial leather with front seat electric adjustability and heating function.
There’s even heating for the steering wheel, as well as the rear seats with 40:20:40-split seatbacks that feature remote control to create a flat cargo space in a jiffy.
The Sportage comes with an unlimited kilometre or five-year warranty, including Roadside Assistance. In addition, a pre-paid six-year or 90 000km service plan is included but can be unbundled.
Diesel model pricing as at launch
Kia Sportage 1.6 CRDi LX – R597 995
Kia Sportage 1.6 CRDi EX – R651 995
Kia Sportage 1.6 CRDi – R735 995
Ideal for a Cape West Coast excursion, here at Yzerfontein on the Cape West Coast. (Cassie du Plessis)
