Auto CEOs more confident about industry prospects
The confidence of chief executives of automotive companies about the outlook for the new-vehicle market over the next six months has improved significantly.
- Industry News
- 11 September 2024
Kia South Africa has launched three new turbodiesel models in its Sportage line-up to cater to diesel enthusiasts in the compact and medium SUV market. This is to complement the success of the 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol range.
What’s new?
Just the engines as up to now the line-up has consisted of only petrol models. As the Sportage is still new, nothing else has changed.
Design:
Kia's new Sportage boasts a collaborative design effort from their global centres in Korea, Germany and the USA, which has influenced its entire appearance and character. Its eye-catching design stays the same with the new models. The new diesel derivatives will also be available in the 12 different exterior colours.
When it comes to the interior, the cabin has been carefully crafted to fuse technology with luxury features, premium materials and a modern style. It has an integrated curved display and a slim touchscreen pad. Model depending, nothing changes as the Sportage is still a new kid on the block and just specs differ between the models.
Engine and Performance:
The Sportage range is powered by a 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine, also available exclusively with an advanced version of Kia’s 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). It delivers an output of 132 kW and 265 Nm.
Equipped with a MacPherson strut-type suspension at the front and a four-link set-up at the rear, customers can expect a rather comfortable ride with dynamic handling, like the rest of the range.
Range:
Kia South Africa has launched three new turbodiesel models in its Sportage line-up. The Sportage LX, the Sportage EX and the Sportage GT-Line Plus.
The Sportage LX comes with a number of features such as a curved 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and sits on 17-inch alloy wheels.
The Sportage EX is the mid-tier version, from the exterior it has a gloss black front grille as well as front parking assist sensors, and the wheels are upgraded to 18-inch alloys.
The Sportage GT-Line Plus is the top-of-the-range as it has a large number of features and adds a sportier touch, with a panoramic glass sunroof and strikingly sporty 19-inch alloy wheels, and black exterior trims are also upgraded to a gloss black for a sportier, more luxurious look.
Pricing:
1.6 T-GDi LX (R567 995), 1.6 CRDi LX (R597 995), 1.6 T-GDi EX (R621 995), 1.6 CRDi EX (R651 995), 1.6 T-GDi GT-Line (R677 995), 1.6 T-GDi GT-Line Plus (R705 995), 1.6 CRDi GT-Line Plus (R735 995) and the 1.6 T-GDi GT-Line S (R762 995).
The new Kia Sportage CRDi derivatives are on sale now.
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