Designed from the ground up to be the ultimate urban SUV, the all-new, fifth-generation Kia Sportage enters the South African market today. As Kia’s most loved and best-selling model globally, the newcomer is a flagbearer of the Kia brand’s pioneering DNA and leads by example in every respect.
With its bold, sporty design, Sportage once again brings innovation and excitement to the popular compact SUV segment with its hearty blend of driver-centric design, advanced driver-assistance systems and state-of-the-art interior finishes.
“The Sportage has always been a car of ‘firsts’ for the Kia brand,” says Gary Scott, CEO of Kia South Africa. “When it first debuted in the late 1990s, it set the tone for multiple automakers to pursue the design and development of what we know as an SUV today. It went on to become one of the first Kia models to receive multiple global design awards, a feat that was thought impossible for a Korean brand up until the launch of the third-generation model in 2010.”
Three decades of leadership.
Fifth-generation model set to cement Sportage heritage even further.
The first-generation Kia Sportage made its debut in 1993, and during its 10-year lifespan, was offered in a variety of body styles, including a short- and long-wheelbase five-door model and a three-door convertible. While it was innovative in several ways – such as being the world’s first production model to be equipped with a knee airbag, back in 1997 – it was not perfect either, scoring poorly in crash tests in several territories.
However, it served as a springboard for Kia’s efforts to become a world leader in quality and engineering, a focus that resulted in a significantly improved and refined second-generation model, which debuted in 2004. From 2006, the second-generation model was also produced at Kia’s Žilina plant in Slovakia, and by 2009, was not only named as one of the most reliable vehicles by the U.S.A’s Consumer Reports, but also earned a top rating of five stars in crash tests conducted by the U.S.A’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
It was the third generation Sportage, unveiled globally in 2010, that revolutionised perceptions of the compact Kia crossover for customers and critics alike. Sporting a design that is still regarded as one of Peter Schreyer’s finest works, Sportage had finally taken its seat at the table, with an array of awards following in the years after its release.
Critically, it was at the top of the J.D. Power Survey for 2012, the only car in that year’s survey to score five stars across all categories from mechanical reliability to ownership costs. From a safety perspective, it received a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in the United States, and a top rating of five stars in the Euro NCAP crash tests. More than 1,6 million units of the third-generation model was sold between 2010 and 2015.
The fourth generation Sportage debuted at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in September 2015 and was introduced in South Africa in November 2016. With a bold new design language, a completely redesign interior and a range of updated engines and transmissions, the fourth-generation model took the baton from its predecessor, winning a Red Dot design award in 2016 as well as a raft of quality and safety awards across multiple territories.
“The all-new Sportage certainly does not break with tradition and continues to be a leader on all the important aspects, some of which other manufacturers would not even think to pay attention to,” adds Scott. “This all-new, fifth generation Sportage carries that award-winning legacy forward with significant improvements in tactile quality, overall refinement, and driver enjoyment. Leading is in the Sportage’s DNA – just as it’s in the DNA of Sportage drivers.”
Instant visual impact.
A new design identity based on a bold and daring philosophy.
Kia is globally renowned for its leadership in design, and with the all-new Sportage, the brand once again establishes new design boundaries and dramatically sets the tone for the next generation family. Kia’s new design language – Opposites United – is at the core of the all-new Sportage, influencing every aspect of its appearance and character.
The thought-provoking and daring philosophy is formed of five pillars: Joy for Reason, Power to Progress, Technology for Life, Tension for Serenity and Bold for Nature. The last pillar has profoundly influenced the design creation of new Sportage, embodying the natural world and creating a design identity that takes a daring, emotional, modern but organic form.
A result of a collaborative effort between Kia’s main global design network in Korea, Germany, the US and China, led by Kia’s Senior Vice President and Head of Global Design Centre, Karim Habib, Sportage doesn’t simply take one step forward in design language, but moves on to a completely different level in the SUV class.
Harnessing every part of Kia’s design philosophy, tense and crisp lines ripple along the body to amplify the dramatic styling tensions. At the same time, clean but muscular surfaces join forces with intricate graphics to give Sportage a dynamic and assertive road presence.
From the front, the all-new Sportage showcases a precise and intricate design form with its detailed-orientated black grille graphic stretching across the width of the face. The technical graphic pulls together the main frontal features of the all-new Sportage, linking Kia’s modern signature Tiger Nose grille to the distinctive futuristic-styled boomerang-shaped LED DRLs (daytime running lamps), which in turn create solid boundary lines for the striking Matrix LED head lamps.
Paying homage to its sports utility heritage, the side profile of the all-new Sportage creates a stirring road presence with taut lines cutting across clean but refined body surfaces that seamlessly blend the contrasting volumes together. The addition of a chrome beltline kicks up onto the rear of the all-new Sportage and into the D-pillar, creating harmonious lines with the rear spoiler which further add to the sporting pedigree of the car.
The all-new Sportage maintains its strong road presence at the rear with a muscular, swooping fastback design that flows into the rear lamps, which have been crafted to give the impression that they cut into the body with fine precision. The razor rear lamps are connected by a slim horizontal design, giving the all-new Sportage a stunningly wide impression from the back.
Depending on the model, the all-new Sportage rides on 17-inch, 18-inch or range-topping 19-inch wheels, with a choice of 12 different exterior colours. Considering the importance of Kia’s Bold for Nature design pillar in the Sportage design, these colours new additions such as Experience Green, Orange Fusion and Splash Lemon to complement well-loved colours such as Casa White, Black Pearl, Blue Frame and Infra Red Metallic.
State-of-the-art interior space.
Carefully crafted cabin combines advanced tech with contemporary style.
The interior of the all-new Sportage plays with boldness in character, softness in qualities and innovation in technology, creating a driver-oriented space that is truly state-of-the-art. The cabin has been carefully crafted to fuse breakthrough technology with luxury features, premium materials and modern style.
At the centre of the all-new Sportage’s modern cabin sits a beautifully sculpted integrated curved display with a slim touchscreen pad and finely detailed air vents. The curved display sweeps across the front of the interior, giving the cockpit dramatic width and depth. The high-tech 12.3-inch touchscreen acts as the nerve centre for driver and passenger connectivity, functionality and usability needs, designed for highly intuitive and soft-to-touch ease-of-use and equipped with the latest-generation full thin-film-transistor liquid-crystal display for incredibly precise and clear graphics.
Throughout the cabin, the highest quality materials that are sumptuous to touch have been used, with driver and front passenger seats crafted to combine innovation and comfort in a sporting slim design. An ergonomic centre console has been optimally positioned for the driver and front passenger, providing storage, operating system configuration, cup-holders and soft-touch switches. Depending on the model, a smartphone charging bay offers high-speed wireless charging.
The all-new Sportage’s intelligent interior space, which combines practicality, functionality and versatility, is underpinned by a compact wheelbase of 2,680mm, a width of 1,855mm, length of 4,515mm and height of 1,650mm. This has resulted in a package that is class-leading for legroom, headroom and luggage capacity. The all-new Sportage offers 996 mm legroom for second-row passengers and 1,000mm headroom, while luggage capacity is 591 litres (VDA).
Optimal drive in all environments.
Frugality, power, and performance lies at the heart of all-new Sportage.
Based on the company’s new N3 architecture, every element of the all-new Sportage has been designed and developed to enhance the SUV’s premium stature. The new platform has also heavily informed all-new Sportage’s driving characteristics, combining a refined, stable and comfortable ride with agile and dynamic handling. An advanced steering and suspension system that has been meticulously tuned helps bring these qualities together.
At the front, all-new Sportage benefits from a MacPherson strut type suspension while the rear gets a four-link type set-up. Stopping power is provided by ventilated discs at the front (325 mm) and solid discs at the rear (300 mm).
Aligned with the evolution of the Sportage nameplate as one of Kia’s flagship products, the all-new Sportage is offered, for the first time, only with a 1,6-litre T-GDi petrol engine, and exclusively with an advanced version of Kia’s 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). The turbocharged engine endows the all-new Sportage with a hearty balance of power and performance, while the DCT aids in delivering exceptional fuel consumption.
The 1,598cc turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection engine features continuously various valve timing (CVVT), which – with its advanced intake valve and longer delayed exhaust – allows for more air to enter the engine at higher revolutions. The engine delivers 132 kW of power at 5,500 r/min, with 265 Nm of torque available between 1,500 and 4,500 r/min. It allows the Sportage to reach the 100 km/h mark in 8,8 seconds, with a top speed of 201 km/h. CO2 emissions are rated at 149 g/km in the combined cycle.
Compact range. Maximum choice. No compromises.
Feature-rich Sportage line-up offers multiple options for every customer.
With consideration of its striking exterior design and plush yet high-tech interior, the all-new Sportage offers a daring combination of luxury and value for money that sets it apart in its segment.
Safety has always been a top priority when developing Kia vehicles, and the all-new Sportage is no exception. Underneath its sleek exterior is a reinforced and lightweight body structure with high torsional rigidity, comprising high quantities of Advanced High Strength Steel and hot-stamping technology to reinforce safety-critical parts of the passenger compartment, complemented by a raft of active and passive safety features and advanced driver assistance systems.
All Sportage models feature a total of six airbags: a driver’s airbag, front passenger airbag, side airbags, and side curtain airbags. ISOFIX child seat anchors are also a standard inclusion across the range.
All models are furthermore equipped with 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. A variety of Kia’s acclaimed in-house developed Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) technology is also on offer, depending on the model.
With the all-new model, Kia has deleted the Ignite and Ignite Plus grades from the range, consolidating the best of both previous grades into a new LX grade, while enhancing the mid-tier EX grade models.
The Sportage LX.
There is very little that is “entry-level” about the new Sportage LX: the list of standard features is extensive. LX models come standard with LED headlamps with auto light control, LED daytime running lights and LED fog lamps. At the rear, a combination of LED and bulb lamps are employed for the taillights and rear fog lamps. Outside mirrors are electrically adjustable and foldable, with integrated side repeater lamps. 17-inch alloy wheels complete the exterior design.
Inside, the Sportage LX features cloth upholstery, with height adjustment and two-way adjustable electric lumbar support for the driver’s seat. Both front seats feature an innovative clothing hanger integrated into the front seat headrests. Both the steering wheel and gear-shifter is covered in soft-touch artificial leather. Steering can be adjusted for rake and reach, with the second-row seatbacks split 40:20:40 to create more or less cargo space as required.
Both driver and passenger sun visors are illuminated and fitted with a vanity mirror, with an electro-chromatic rear-view mirror as standard. Driver and front passenger windows feature auto electric functionality, with a safety function that stops the window from closing fully if it detects something in the way. Dual automatic temperature control is included as standard.
The curved 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system takes pride of place on the dashboard, incorporating a reverse camera that is activated when the vehicle is in Reverse (including standard rear parking assist sensors). The Sportage infotainment system includes Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with steering wheel-mounted controls for telephony, audio and cruise control. Six speakers are standard, as is a USB port in the front, with two USB-C type charging ports for rear passengers, cleverly integrated into the front seatbacks.
Included in the Sportage LX package is Drive Mode Select, allowing the driver to select from Comfort, Eco, Sport or Smart sub-settings.
Also included as standard is a Blind Spot Collision Warning system, to monitor your blind spots and warn you of oncoming cars with a symbol in the side mirrors.
The Sportage EX.
The mid-tier Sportage EX builds on this solid foundation. From the outside, the Sportage EX gains a gloss black front grille as well as front parking assist sensors. Wheels are upgraded to 18-inch alloys.
Inside, its upholstery is upgraded to a combination of cloth and artificial leather (including the armrest and centre trim), with the front seats gaining an electric adjustability (including a memory function for the driver’s seat) and heating function. Drivers will also appreciate the heating function for the steering wheel in colder months.
In the rear, the 40:20:40-split second-row seatbacks gain a remote control for folding to maximise convenience and, with the simple press of a button, create a flat cargo space quickly and seamlessly. Rear passengers will enjoy the addition of privacy glass and rear heated seats.
GT-Line by design. GT-Line by impression.
Harnessing Sportage’s sporty spirit for those who like to stand apart from the crowd.
Inspired by Kia’s Opposites United design philosophy and the all-new Sportage’s cutting edge design, the new Sportage is also available – for the first time – with three different GT-Line models: the Sportage GT-Line, GT-Line Plus, and GT-Line S.
“Kia first introduced the high-spec GT-Line derivative in Sportage when the fourth-generation model was launched in November 2016 and re-introduced it late in 2021,” says Stephen Crosse, Sales and Marketing Director, Kia South Africa. “The success of the reintroduction proved that there is definitely an appetite for a version of Sportage that is more expressive, dynamic and luxurious. With its cutting-edge design and high levels of standard specification across the board, we’re excited to offer a variety of GT-Line models as part of the all-new Sportage’s line-up.”
The Sportage GT-Line.
The Sportage GT-Line features the same 18-inch alloy wheels as the Sportage EX, but its exterior is distinguished by deluxe scuff plates that add a sportier touch. Additional cosmetic and convenience features include the addition of alloy pedals and an electric tailgate, as well as paddle gear-shifters for those who want more control over the Sportage’s performance and acceleration. Its interior upholstery is upgraded to a combination of artificial leather and suede.
The Sportage GT-Line gains significant additions in terms of driver assistance systems, including Lane Follow Assist and Lane Keeping Assist. These systems work alongside the standard Blind Spot Warning system, with the former using cameras and radar to ensure the vehicle is electronically aided to stay in its lane. Should the vehicle veer over into the adjacent lane without indicating, the system automatically assists steering to prevent the vehicle from entering the adjacent lane. If the lane markings are of poor quality, the Lane Follow Assist system automatically reverts to following the vehicle ahead of the Sportage to aid steering for a certain period of time.
A further addition is Kia’s industry-leading Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), which helps avoid collisions with objects in front of the vehicle while driving. If the preceding vehicle suddenly slows down, or if a forward collision risk is detected, such as a stopped vehicle, a pedestrian, or a cyclist in front of the Sportage, FCA provides a warning. After the warning, if the risk of collision increases, FCA automatically assists with emergency braking of the vehicle.
The Sportage GT-Line Plus.
Bar the addition of all interior lamps being upgraded to the LED variety, the Sportage GT-Line Plus is distinguished from the GT-Line model by the addition of a panoramic glass sunroof, and strikingly sporty 19-inch alloy wheels. Its black exterior trims are also upgraded to a gloss black for a sportier, more luxurious look.
The Sportage GT-Line S.
While its exterior is identical to that of the GT-Line Plus, the range-topping Sportage GT-Line S gains even further from a comfort, convenience and technology perspective. Its front seats gain a ventilation function, while interior ambience is heightened by the addition of mood lighting.
The centre console gains a rotary gear-shift dial, located centrally and within easy reach. This dial operates using shift-by-wire technology, enabling effortless gear shifting. Just as importantly from a safety perspective, it will automatically shift to the parking gear P if the driver forgets to do so.
The GT-Line S gets an upgraded Intelligent Front Lighting System: if the system detects another vehicle driving either in the same direction as you or the opposite direction to you when using the LED headlamps on high beam, it will automatically switch the LEDs to low beam to prevent dazzling the other driver. When the road is clear, it will automatically switch back to high beam again.
Also included is Smart Cruise Control, which helps maintain a set distance and speed from the vehicle ahead when driving on a highway, while also helping centre the all-new Sportage in its lane. At the same time, it controls acceleration and deceleration while you are in-lane.
In addition, the GT-Line S model’s Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) system also gains a Junction Turning functionality: if the system detects a potential collision when making a turn at an intersection, a warning signal appears on your instrument cluster and maximum braking power is applied to avoid a collision.
Premium Value.
Award-winning quality and premium features combine to deliver exemplary value proposition.
That the Kia Sportage has evolved and transformed beyond imagination over the past three decades is undeniable.
“The all-new model not only speaks to the evolution of the model itself, but also to that of the Kia brand as a whole. We believe the new Sportage is not just striking in design and leading by example when it comes to quality and technology, but also represents as an SUV that is altogether more desirable. It represents the perfect balance between premium quality features and value for money,” says Crosse.
The all-new Kia Sportage goes on sale on Wednesday, 21 September 2022. Recommended retail pricing for the range is as follows:
Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi LX: R 539,995
Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi EX: R 593,995
Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi GT-Line: R 649,995
Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi GT-Line Plus: R 677,995
Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi GT-Line S: R 734,995
All Sportage models ship as standard with Kia’s industry-leading Unlimited Kilometre/5-year warranty, inclusive of Roadside Assistance. In addition, a pre-paid 6-year / 90,000 km service plan is included to give customers peace of mind and predictability when it comes to vehicle maintenance.
