In many ways, the evolution of the
Sportage SUV, from a plucky yet rugged compact offering complete with a spare wheel strapped to its tailgate to the sleek and impressively comfortable fifth-generation model currently on offer, has mimicked the growth and success of
Kia in
South Africa.
Through each successful generation of
Sportage – that was introduced in 1993 – this vehicle has gained both increased stance and presence on the road but has also grown in popularity among a
South African audience.
“We have long maintained that
Sportage is a flagbearer of the
Kia brand’s pioneering DNA and that it has always been a car of ‘firsts’ for the brand,” comments Gary Scott, CEO of
Kia South Africa. “We are very proud of the current
Sportage and take great joy in that fact that it has consistently garnered favour amongst press and customers alike in a segment where customers are spoilt for choice. The variety of accolades it has gathered in just more than a year reinforces our belief that
Sportage truly is the ultimate urban SUV.”
Available since 2022, the current fifth-generation
Sportage range boasts head-turning exterior styling, but also impressive substance by way of a roomy interior, assured on-road dynamics and the latest technologies, including infotainment and touchscreen displays.
Having earlier this year added a 1.6 CRDi turbodiesel powertrain option to the local range,
Kia South Africa has used the opportunity of the 30th anniversary of
Sportage to expand this offering to now include this impressively refined and frugal engine option in the entry-level LX and EX models. The 1.6 T-GDi turbopetrol motor continues to be available in three GT-Line derivatives.
Furthermore, two of the
Sportage’s most noteworthy advanced safety features, namely lane-keeping assistance that also notifies the driver of a vehicle positioned within a blind spot, as well as forward collision avoidance have now been included as standard fitment throughout the local
Sportage range.
Recipients of many global awards for build quality and customer satisfaction, in
South Africa Kia sells the
Sportage with a 5-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and a 6-year/90 000 km service plan, including roadside assistance.
The modern
Sportage range starts at R637 995, with the flagship 1.6 T-GDi GT-Line S retailing for R798 995.
