Again highlighting the global nature of the automotive industry, Kia Australia has just launched the Series II version of the excellent Sportage mid-size SUV.
It’s made in Slovakia.
Major change comes under the bonnet with the current model’s 2.4-litre petrol engine replaced by Kia’s handy 2.0-litre Theta II unit.
Kia Sportage Series II is available in three model grades – Si, SLi and Platinum (the last two 4WD automatic only, the 2WD Si available in both manual and automatic). All three grades can be powered by the petrol engine while SLi and Platinum are available with the Euro 5-compliant 2.0-litre R diesel.
Otherwise you’ll be hard-pressed to notice the differences but as part of the updates, the handsome Kia Sportage adds HID headlights, static cornering lamps, aero blade front wipers (with a de-icer – perfect for the ski season!), rear seat warmer (again great for snow bunnies) and part leather seat trims. At the rear, Sportage ‘tragics’ will notice a slightly different lower bumper and the light reflector cluster now includes fog lights.
Inside, (apart from the leather) the Euro-sourced Kia Sportage adds new-design headrests, central locking button for both driver and passenger, a new seven-vent mode air-conditioning system, more soft-touch materials, a digital clock in the audio display and a lockable glove-box.
Prices start at $25,490 for the Kia Sportage Si 2WD (five-speed manual). The 4WD petrol SLi automatic is stickered at $31,990 ($33,490 with satellite navigation) and the petrol Platinum automatic will set you back $36,490.
On the diesel front, Kia Sportage SLi kicks-off at $35,490 ($36,990 with satellite navigation) and maxes-out at $39,990 for the Platinum model.
Regardless of the engine or the place of manufacture, the Kia Sportage remains one of Car Showroom’s favourite mid-size SUVs. If you don’t like the looks of the Sportage, head straight to OPSM or Specsavers ‘cause you obviously need help.
