Kia Sportage 25th anniversary Model
Kia has given a small facelift to one of their most popular family favourites, the Kia Sportage SUV to celebrate 25 years in production.
The Sportage is one of Ireland's most popular cars and this model has also been a key component in the success that the Korean car manufacturer has had over the past 25 years.
In the last quarter century, five million have been sold worldwide making it one of the most popular SUV’s on the road.
The latest fourth generation special Edition 25 model Kia Sportage has been updated inside and out with new additions such as safety features and also and infotainment technologies.
To start with, the front bumper has been redesigned with new fog lamps with a revised ‘tiger-nose’ grille. The headlamps have also received an overhaul with full-LED headlights with four-point LED daytime running lights. The rear lights have also been tweaked.
It is also noticeable on the new edition the silver skid plates on the front and rear on most of the new models with the option of new 16, 17 and 19in alloy wheels and five new colours.
The turbo diesel comes in 114 and 134bhp 1.6-litre versions, with the 134bhp car supplied with no less than a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. This model replaces the 1.7-litre and eight-speed auto AWD 182bhp 2.0-litre 48v mild hybrid GT-Line.
The petrol model comes in a 1.6-litre six-speed manual, front-wheel drive 130bhp with the automatic version having a 1.6-litre turbo engine size with 174bhp. Both these models can come in AWD (All Wheel Drive) also. The non-turbo 130bhp petrol can do 35 to 40 mpg overall, depending on the driving conditions.
The suspension hasn’t changed and continues to have a good balance between the ride and its general overall handling. There is a noticeable difference though in the handling in the GT-Line models with the ride sharper and more agile. The less sporty models favour ride comfort over agility, so you get what you choose.
Inside the new version, the cabin is again practical and comfortable with adequate space and seating for three large adults in the back with adjustable rear seat backrests and a good amount of legroom. It’s also quiet with little wind and road noise.
Taking a look inside the boot, you will notice that its a decent size with 503-litre boot space. It has a twin-level floor and when the back seats are folded down they sit flush and it can also be configured so that they can be lowered down further for a deeper boot and a maximum capacity of 1,492 litres.
Other new features inside the cabin include a new steering wheel and revised instrument cluster and climate controls. With a very simple white-on black-instruments display accented by red needles in a central information display configuration.
There is also a high-level touchscreen, on all versions except the entry model. The heating controls are all push and twist with metallic-effect ventilation controls on gloss black. There are a few other nice features an even the entry models.
Entry ‘1’ grade includes:
Front fog lights, electric mirrors and windows, air-con, DAB, Bluetooth with voice recognition, steering wheel controls and music streaming, remote locking, reversing camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity and cruise control.
The ‘2’ grade includes:
Test car gained 17in alloys, seven-inch touchscreen sat-nav, rear privacy glass, upgraded cloth upholstery, electric folding mirrors, reversing sensors, auto wipers, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and extra safety systems with lane-keep assist, auto high beam, speed limit information and cruise control with speed limiter.
The Sportage is a very popular choice for buyers who want a roomy, well-equipped family SUV without the premium price tag.
SPEC:
Price: Kia Sportage ‘2’ 1.6 GDi €22,653 range (€22,653 to €38,539)
Engine: 1,591cc, 130bhp, four-cylinder petrol with six-speed manual gearbox
Performance: 0-60mph 11.1 seconds; top speed 113mph
MPG: Urban 34.4; extra urban 44.1; combined 39.8
CO2 emissions: 162g/km
Warranty: Seven years or 100,000 miles
Dimensions: L 4,485mm; W 1,855mm; H 1,645mm
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