The Efficient Kia Sportage Diesel is a Top All-Round Choice
Prashirwin Naidu
Kia South Africa has expanded its Sportage line-up by introducing three models: Sportage LX, Sportage EX, and Sportage GT-Line. Levels of trim and engine specifications set them apart.
Since this is the fifth-generation Sportage, it has an entirely new and improved design. Upon looking at the front, it has a gloss black front grille, with a revised look and a few nips and tucks along the way; it offers a modern and futuristic style. Towards the rear end, its appearance is tapered and sharper. Also, the taillights offer dynamic and precise lines; it looks marvellous.
The Sportage's interior space is designed with practicality, functionality, and versatility, with dimensions that include a wheelbase of 2,680mm, a width of 1,865mm, a length of 4,515mm, and a height of 1,650mm. These dimensions result in ample legroom, headroom, and luggage capacity of 591 litres.
It also blends bold design with comfort and innovative technology. The cabin features premium materials with a modern flair. It also has a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, compatible with Apple Carplay and Android Auto.
Our EX model offers 18-inch alloy wheels, front parking assist sensors, a reverse camera, blind-spot warning, dual temperature control, leatherette upholstery, and electrically adjustable seats for front occupants with a memory function for the driver's seat; it also has heated front and rear seats and a multifunction heated steering wheel.
Other details include privacy glass, a remote control for folding the second row of seats, and USB Type-C ports for rear passengers. Also, it has Keyless Entry with Push Button Start and an electric parking brake with auto-hold functionality. These features come standard on all models.
The 1.6l diesel motor combined with a 7-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) balances power, performance, and fuel efficiency. It can also do a 0-100km/h sprint in 11.4 seconds. Power output: the Sportage pushes out 100kW and 320Nm of torque. While it's slower than the petrol version in acceleration, its torque makes up for it.
The Sportage provides excellent handling, perfect cabin insulation, and a refined driving experience. It offers excellent fuel economy and is well-suited for urban driving. Claimed consumption is 4.9l/100km; however, one can achieve 5.5l/100km on simple highway cruising.
The Sportage's suspension consists of a MacPherson strut-type at the front and a four-link setup at the rear. This combination provides a refined, stable, comfortable ride with precise control, and an advanced steering system, meticulously tuned to enhance these qualities, also supports it.
The 1.6 T-GDi motor with 132kW and 265Nm on hand will be available in the trio of GT-Line models. Still, more enhancements introduced to the range include the standard availability of the full Advanced Driver Assistance System technology.
Safety features that come standard across all models are Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), Downhill Brake Control (DBC), and Trailer Stability Assist (TSA). The Sportage also offers a range of Kia's Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) technology, depending on the model.
All Sportage models are equipped with six airbags, including driver's airbags, front passenger airbags, side airbags, and side curtain airbags. ISOFIX child seat anchors are standard across the range.
Some of its opponents in the medium-sized SUV segment include the Hyundai Tucson 2.0 D Elite, the Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TDI, and the BMW X1 sDrive 18d M Sport.
Overall, the Kia Sportage 1.6l CRDi is perfect for those who like diesel and its added benefits; many will find it a compelling choice given its efficiency and its offerings.
All Sportage models come with Kia's Unlimited Kilometre/5-year warranty, which includes Roadside Assistance. Customers also benefit from a pre-paid 6-year/90,000 km service plan.
Prices:
Kia Sportage 1.6 CRDi LX: R637,995
Kia Sportage 1.6 CRDi EX: R691,995
Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi GT-Line: R713,995
Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi GT-Line Plus: R741,995
Kia Sportage 1.6 CRDi GT-Line Plus: R765,995
Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi GT-Line S: R798,995
Also worth a look: the Kia Seltos and the Kia Sportage.
FAQ
Q: What does the Kia Sportage diesel cost in South Africa?
The Kia Sportage diesel EX starts from around R599,995 in South Africa, making it a competitive option in the mid-size SUV segment with excellent fuel efficiency and a comprehensive warranty package.
Q: Is the Kia Sportage diesel worth buying?
Absolutely, the Sportage diesel offers exceptional value with its 1.6-litre diesel engine delivering impressive fuel economy, a spacious 591-litre boot, and Kia's industry-leading 5-year/150,000km warranty that beats most competitors.
Q: How fuel efficient is the Kia Sportage diesel?
The Sportage diesel achieves around 5.8 litres per 100km in combined driving conditions, making it one of the most economical SUVs in its class and perfect for long-distance touring or daily commuting.
Q: What safety features does the Kia Sportage EX have?
The Sportage EX comes loaded with blind-spot warning, front parking sensors, reverse camera, and electronic stability control as standard, plus six airbags for comprehensive protection of all occupants.
Q: How does the Kia Sportage compare to the Toyota RAV4?
The Sportage offers better value than the RAV4 with a longer warranty, more standard features like heated seats and dual-zone climate control, plus the diesel engine option delivers superior fuel economy for long-distance drivers.
Should You Buy It?
The best diesel SUV under R600,000 in SA is definitely the Kia Sportage EX. At R599,995, you're getting a properly sorted family hauler that won't bankrupt you at the petrol station. The 1.6-litre diesel sips fuel like a politician sips taxpayer money, and that 7-speed DCT is smooth enough to make your braai guests think you've upgraded to premium everything. Yes, the 11.4-second 0-100kph time won't win any drag races, but who cares when you're getting 591 litres of boot space and heated seats for those chilly Joburg mornings? The 5-year warranty seals the deal, making this Sportage a no-brainer purchase for families who want efficiency without sacrificing comfort or reliability.
