KIA TO KRUGER
Korean carmaker Kia’s recently revamped Sportage line-up marks the debut of a 1.7-litre turbodiesel-powered model in the range. Bernard Helberg Sr used this new Ignite Plus derivative to visit the spectacular Kruger National Park – first established 120 years ago …
The Sportage was the first Kia vehicle made available locally when in 1995 about twenty first-generation Sportages were imported into the country by an independent distributor.
Launched in South Korea in 1993 and spanning four generations since, this bestseller model has subsequently achieved five million cumulative sales globally; achieving this milestone earlier this month, in its 25th anniversary year, and establishing itself as a benchmark vehicle in the compact SUV segment during this time.
The fourth and current generation Sportage features a bold, progressive design, and offers great practicality and many comfort, convenience, and safety technologies. It was recently bolstered by a more affordable Ignite Plus derivative with a smaller 1.7-litre CRDI engine.this latest model is a far cry from the first Kia I encountered. It was a Rio, and I still distinctly remember my firstever trip in this car.a narrow-bodied, smallwheeled little hatch with the looks and personality of a Dachshund (sausage dog), it nevertheless got us to Underberg and back to Pretoria without a hiccup, displaying the traits of a brand that would become extremely popular in South Africa.
With car parks in South Africa awash with SUVS of all shapes and sizes, ranging from tiny Suzuki Jimny’s to rather grotesque seven seaters propelled by huge, thirsty V8s, the compact Sportage was just the right size vehicle for an extended trip to Hoedspruit in Limpopo and the Kruger National Park.
THE LOWVELD CALLING …
Needing no excuse to rush Eastwards and with the Lowveld beckoning, the dramatically styled Sportage was all set up and packed (a Specialized MTB was slapped onto the rear end) to make room for the generous supplies of litchis, papayas, and other goodies grown in the fertile Hoedspruit valleys …
With 85 kw of power and 280 Nm of torque at low revs under foot,we swiftly dealt with the boring N4 blacktop – interrupted only by the obligatory cappuccino stop at Total Alzu. Cruising at an indicated 120 km/h (the Garmin said 115) the Sportage averaged 7.8 litres/100 km – quite decent, given the heavy load and two adults.
Thoughtfully, a robust rubber mat in the boot stopped luggage from sliding around when cornering, while the hardwearing cloth-covered seats offered good side support and prevented long-distance fatigue in the gluteus maximus region.
Road conditions on the N4 were fair and did not challenge the suspension or build quality of the car. However, between Belfast and Dullstroom it was an entirely different matter, with typical Mpumalanga neglect forcing us to play the uniquely South African game called “dodging the potholes.”
MRS. SIMPSON’S DELIGHT
Dullstroom again was a mixture of surprise and delight, and our lunch stop at Mrs. Simpson’s – a delightful restaurant featured in the American Express South African Top 100 awards, as well as boasting a special Tripadvisor Award – was a worthy