- Local debut for 1.7 CRDI engine in the range
- High-value PLUS models add additional features, and even more value
(JOHANNESBURG) May 31, 2017 – Following the successful introduction of the all-new KIA Sportage to the South African market late in 2016, KIA Motors South Africa is now expanding the local Sportage model range with seven new and or enhanced derivatives.
“Starting at a very competitive R369,995, we launched the all-new Sportage last year with a compact, five-model range spanning four specification grades. But, being a brand known for its ‘power to surprise’, our product planning did not stop there,” says David Sieff, Marketing Director, KIA Motors South Africa. “We now expand the model range with seven additional derivatives, not only giving our customers more choice but, more importantly, also creating more value.”
PLUS sizing your Sportage
The first addition to the Sportage line-up sees the entry-level Sportage 2.0 Ignite model – thus far only available with a manual transmission – gain a 6-speed automatic transmission sibling at a marginal premium over the manual derivative.
While an entry-point into the Sportage range, the Ignite model sets the tone for the remainder of the range with its comprehensive list of standard features that include LED daytime running lights, automatic headlight control, rear park distance control, Bluetooth connectivity, and steering wheel-mounted remote controls, to name but a few.
“Many customers value the size, space, practicality and versatility of an SUV, but have no real need or desire for too many bells and whistles,” says Gary Scott, CEO Designate, KIA Motors South Africa. “The Sportage Ignite ticks those boxes, and now also the ‘convenience’ box thanks to the addition of the automatic derivative,” he adds.
However, customers who value style above utility will be happy about the introduction of the new Sportage Ignite PLUS derivatives. The new Ignite PLUS specification sees the standard Ignite model gain several exterior enhancements, including the addition of front fog lights, as well as a wheel upgrade from 16-inch to 17-inch, while the interior gains an electrochromatic rearview mirror. The Sportage Ignite PLUS is available with KIA’s familiar 114 kW, 192 Nm 2.0-litre petrol engine, as well as with a choice between 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.
The Ignite PLUS derivative also marks the debut of a 1.7-litre CRDI engine in the Sportage range as an alternative engine option. The new 1.7-litre turbodiesel engine develops 85 kW of power at 4,000 r/min, and 280 Nm of torque between 1,250 and 2,750 r/min. The Ignite PLUS CRDI will be available with a 6-speed manual transmission.
“Turbodiesel power in a compact SUV remains a popular choice for many customers and we are very excited about the addition of a new turbodiesel engine to the Sportage line-up,” says David Sieff, “especially at such as fantastic price.”
Adding even more EXceptional value
At launch, the Sportage 2.0 CRDI EX was the only mid-spec offering in the range, paired to KIA’s much-loved 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. KIA is now expanding the EX model grade with the addition of a 2.0-litre petrol option. The EX specification grade offers all of the features included in the Ignite grade, but adds significant additions such as an electric parking brake, front park distance control, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control, a Smart Key with Start/Stop button, leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, and electric folding side mirrors with integrated indicators.
KIA is also bolstering the EX models with the addition of two new EX PLUS derivatives, also with a choice between 2.0-litre petrol and 2.0-litre turbodiesel power, that slot in between the existing EX and SX all-wheel drive models. Taking all of the standard features of the EX models, the new EX PLUS specification adds 19-inch alloy wheels to the exterior, while the interior gains electric front seats, a rear-view camera as well as a 7-inch touchscreen with integrated satellite navigation.
The remainder of the Sportage line-up remains unchanged, with the 2.4 GDI and 2.0 CRDI SX AWD models and 1.6 T-GDI GT Line model rounding off the range.
Range and pricing
“Market analysis shows that the bulk of the action in the highly competitive C-SUV segment takes place in the space where customers are spending between R400,000 and R500,000,” says Gary Scott, CEO Designate, KIA Motors South Africa. “Three of the new derivatives in the Sportage line-up fall in the bottom half of this price band, with three more under the R400,000 mark. We are confident that even more customers will now have access to the Sportage model line-up, and the KIA brand, with the exceptional value that these models bring to the range.”
The revised Sportage range (with new derivatives in bold):
Sportage 2.0 Ignite Manual R 369,995
Sportage 2.0 Ignite PLUS Manual R 376,995
Sportage 2.0 Ignite Automatic R 382,995
Sportage 2.0 Ignite PLUS Automatic R 389,995
Sportage 1.7 Ignite PLUS Manual R 406,995 (Available from 30 June 2017)
Sportage 2.0 EX Automatic R 429,995 (Available from 30 June 2017)
Sportage 2.0 EX PLUS Automatic R 459,995 (Available from 30 June 2017)
Sportage 2.0 CRDI EX Automatic R 487,995
Sportage 2.0 CRDI EX PLUS Automatic R 517,995
Sportage 2.4 GDI SX AWD Automatic R 557,995
Sportage 2.0 CRDI SX AWD Automatic R 567,995
Sportage 1.6 T-GDI GT Line AWD DCT R 599,995
Adding even further value to the KIA Sportage package is KIA’s industry-leading 5-year / Unlimited Kilometre Warranty, inclusive of 5-years / Unlimited Kilometres Roadside Assistance, as standard, as well as a 5-year / 90,000km Service Plan.
