New 2016 Kia Sportage goes on sale from £17,995
Kia's fourth-gen Sportage will be available to order from February 5th, at £495 more than the current model
Kia has announced full pricing and spec details of its new Sportage. On sale from Friday, the Hyundai Tucson rival starts from £17,995 in 1.6 GDI manual '1' spec.
That gets you a 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine producing 130bhp and 161Nm of torque, while hitting 42.2mpg combined and emitting 156g/km. Entry-level 1 spec gets 16-inch alloys, LED running lights, aircon, Bluetooth, a DAB radio and cruise control.
Step up to to '2' trim for an extra £2,500 to get the seven-inch touchscreen navigation system, which also brings a rear-view camera and smartphone connectivity functions. You get further kit such as an electric lumbar function, classier seat trim, LED indicators, auto lights and wipers and climate control.
3 spec (from £24,750 with the 114bhp 1.7-litre diesel engine) brings leather heated seats front and rear, 19-inch alloys, gloss black trim, a central instrument display and an uprated sound system, while flagship KX-4 gets kit such as autonomous braking, xenon headlamps, keyless entry and a panoramic sunroof.
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A limited-run fully-loaded 'First Edition' is available from £31,645, which adds to KX-4 spec with Smart Parking Assist, an electric tailgate, wireless phone charging, optional decals and two-tone leather trim. A GT-Line spec with sportier styling details is also available from £24,350.
Other engines available include a 2.0-litre diesel engine with either 134bhp or 182bhp, mated to a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox, while a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine can be ordered with 174bhp in manual or seven-speed dual clutch auto form.
The latest model made its public debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, with a design inspired by the KX-3 concept first shown in China last year. It's described as "bold and progressive" and features all the latest Kia design cues, such as the distinctive front grille, sharp lines and LED lights.
From a distance, it's not too different from the current Sportage, but a redesigned Tiger Nose front end, a more steeply raked windscreen and a sloping window line ensure the newest model looks fresh.
The broader shoulderline gives the car a more muscular look, while at the back, a new chrome strip links the redesigned light clusters. A metallic rear skidplate also appears, and there's liberal use of chrome for the exhausts, lower door trim and roof bars.
