Photo: Kia
Call it a Porsche Macan on a budget, call it whatever you want, but the Kia Sportage is one of the most convincing compact crossovers in the segment. For 2017 it got even better, thanks to the addition of two trim levels, updates to the paint options and infotainment system, as well as extended availability of the dual-clutch transmission on the fuel-efficient 1.7 CRDi engine.
First things first, the transmission. For the UK-spec Kia Sportage, the DCT-7 can now be paired with the frugal 1.7-liter turbo diesel on the 2 and 3 trim levels. Not only is the 7-speed dual-clutch cog swapper an idea smoother than a conventional automatic, but it also improves mpg and lowers CO2 emissions. From the 2 trim level and beyond, the South Korean manufacturer also updated the infotainment system with improvements that include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SD map updates, and 3D Mapping functionality.
Also for 2017, the exterior color palette gains a couple of new finishes that can only be described as “dreary.” Moving on, the First Edition is no longer on sale. A grade called KX-5 replaces it, a highly specified version of the Kia Sportage that features all the techy stuff available (including wireless phone charging), two-tone leather upholstery, plus an electronic parking brake. The range-topping model can be fitted with the torquey 2.0 CRDi engine.
Building on the highly popular GT-Line, the 2017 Kia Sportage range welcomes the GT-Line S specification. It may look similarly sporty to the GT-Line, but the S at the end signals the addition of goodies that include smart park assist, bi-xenon headlamps with washers, plus a heated steering wheel. Two engine-transmission combinations are available for the GT-Line S: 1.6 T-GDI turbo gasoline with the DCT or 2.0 CRDi with the conventional auto box.
These being said, the cheapest Sportage available in Great Britain is the 1 with the 1.7 CRDi, front-wheel-drive, and a stick shift (£18,250). The most fuel-efficient, meanwhile, is the 3 with the 1.7 CRDi, FWD, and a manual (£24,750 and 61 mpg). The cream of the crop comes in the guise of the First Edition-replacing KX-5 (£31,995) mentioned a little while back.
Also for 2017, the exterior color palette gains a couple of new finishes that can only be described as “dreary.” Moving on, the First Edition is no longer on sale. A grade called KX-5 replaces it, a highly specified version of the Kia Sportage that features all the techy stuff available (including wireless phone charging), two-tone leather upholstery, plus an electronic parking brake. The range-topping model can be fitted with the torquey 2.0 CRDi engine.
Building on the highly popular GT-Line, the 2017 Kia Sportage range welcomes the GT-Line S specification. It may look similarly sporty to the GT-Line, but the S at the end signals the addition of goodies that include smart park assist, bi-xenon headlamps with washers, plus a heated steering wheel. Two engine-transmission combinations are available for the GT-Line S: 1.6 T-GDI turbo gasoline with the DCT or 2.0 CRDi with the conventional auto box.
These being said, the cheapest Sportage available in Great Britain is the 1 with the 1.7 CRDi, front-wheel-drive, and a stick shift (£18,250). The most fuel-efficient, meanwhile, is the 3 with the 1.7 CRDi, FWD, and a manual (£24,750 and 61 mpg). The cream of the crop comes in the guise of the First Edition-replacing KX-5 (£31,995) mentioned a little while back.
Google News