The launch of the all-new Kia Sportage seemed almost destined for failure, although this had nothing to do with the quality of the vehicle being introduced or the competency of Kia itself.
Rather, it was SAA’s ludicrous policy of overbooking flights (which saw two journalists and a number of Kia staff stranded at OR Tambo International Airport) and social instability in Maputo - our destination for this particular launch which nearly saw 40 motoring hacks marooned on one side, or the other, of the Mozambican border.
However, despite high levels of incompetence and insecurity, the launch itself went off without a hitch and the new Sportage, which Kia calls an urban-friendly compact SUV, has to be one of the finest models ever to come from the Korean motor manufacturer. It’s also one of the most comprehensive ranges with 10 models on offer. Available engines include 2.0- and 2.4-litre petrol powerplants as well as a 2.0-litre diesel mill, which covers a power spread of 122kW to 130kW. These engines drive either just the front or all wheels through a choice of either a 5- or 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, depending on the model.
New safety features on the Sportage include ESC (Electronic Stability Control) with a new Roll-over Sensor that deploys the side airbags, curtain airbags and seatbelt pretensioners when required, Hill-start Assist Control and Downhill Brake Control.
A new rear-view safety camera, which transmits an image to an LCD colour display integrated into the interior rear-view mirror, is standard on all AWD models.
Other standard high-tech features on the 2WD models include LED daytime running lights, automatic light control, keyless entry, a powered driver seat and a rear parking assist system. The AWD further features an engine start/stop button and the option of a full-length panoramic glass sunroof.
The new Sportage’s interior comes trimmed in black leather as standard, as well as high quality black cloth seats on the entry-level Ignite model. Manual air conditioning is also standard on the Ignite model, while all other 2WD and AWD models come standard with dual climate control.
All in all, if you’re in the market for a small SUV, the new Sportage is certainly worth a look. Especially considering its starting price of just R249 995 inclusive of a 5-year/100 000km service plan.
Price: 2WD 2.0 Petrol Man Ignite R249 995 2WD 2.0 Petrol Man R264 995 2WD 2.0 Petrol Auto R274 995 2WD 2.0 CRDi Man R289 995 AWD 2.0 Petrol Man R294 995 2WD 2.0 CRDi Auto R299 995 AWD 2.0 Petrol Auto R304 995 AWD 2.4 Petrol Auto R319 995 AWD 2.0 CRDi Man R319 995 AWD 2.0 CRDi Auto R329 995
