Korean automaker Kia started 2024 on a high note in South Africa when one of its offerings, the Kia
Sportage, won the Family Car category at Cars.co.za Consumer Awards held in Sandton on 29 February.
The category is essentially for midsize SUV vehicles and the win gives the Sportage bragging rights of
being SA’s best midsize SUV.
The latest Kia Sportage marks the fifth generation of the hugely popular SUV and its modern design,
eye-catching styling, updated technology and spacious interior makes it an ouright winner in a hugely
competitive sector.
With a clear intention for efficiency, Kia has reintroduced the of turbodiesel technology for the latest
Sportage. The entry-level Sportage range cars are now driven by the 100 kW/320 N.m 1,6-litre CRDi
turbodiesel motor, which is mated with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The mid to top range GT-L derivatives use 1,6 T-GDi turbopetrol drivetrain that offers 132 kW and 265
N.m of torque.
Style, safety and comfort
Apart from the drivetrain options, the modern Sportage has added advanced technology to improve on
its safety specification. For example, Kia’s ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) is now included
throughout the range after it had previously been available in the flagship derivatives only. Through
ADAS, all the derivatives of the new Sportage have features such as lane-keeping assistance with blind-
spot monitoring. Even more crucial, the system helps the Sportage driver to avoid a head-on collision by
activating emergency breaking.
The difference in price between the entry level LX and range-topping GT Line derivatives is more than
R100 000 however the updated Sportage LX enjoys many of the top-notch features as standard specs.
These include climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels, auto LED headlamps, a leather-covered
multifunction steering wheel and rear parking sensors with a reverse camera. The Sportage LX also
boasts a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display just like its siblings.
Fuel effiency
An additional plus for being comfort about owning the entry-level CRDi LX is that the 1,6-litre and 4-
cylinder turbodiesel engine gives the LX fuel consumption of 4.9L/ 100km – one of the most frugal fuel
consumptionfigures on the market.
Pricing
1.6 CRDi LX R637 995
1.6 CRDi EX R691 995
1.6 T-GDi GT-Line R713 995
1.6 T-GDi GT-Line Plus R741 995
1.6 CRDi GT-Line Plus R765 995
1.6 T-GDi GT-Line S R798 995
This includes a standard 5-year/unlimited km warranty, with roadside assistance, as well as a 6-year/90
000 km service plan.
