Forgo some creature comforts

KIA SPORTAGE LX: 1.6-LITRE COMMON-RAIL INJECTION TURBODIESEL MILL MAKES UP FOR IT

Twist goes to front wheels via sevenspeed dual-clutch.

Last year, an update to the Kia Sportage range saw the entry-level models receive a more expansive set of safety features. As is customary, updated models are put in the media test fleet for us to experience first-hand a car in its most current form, even if only the door handles were changed.

But to be honest, it wasn’t really the upgraded safety spec that got us excited when an Infra Red Kia Sportage in LX guise showed up at our office last week.

It was the superb turbodiesel drivetrain that had us chomping at the bit to drive this medium SUV again.

In addition, we were delighted to have an entry level model for a change. As manufacturers prefer motoring media to experience as many of a car’s standard and optional features, they usually only release top-end models into the fleet.

As bread-and-butter models make up the bulk of the sales, it is always a welcome change to sample a car in its most humble offering.

While the current fifth-generation Kia Sportage range was not available in oil-burners during its initial bow in 2022, the introduction of diesel derivatives was a bit of a masterstroke by the Korean carmaker last year.

While an oil-burner was added in GT-Line Plus trim, the other grades to benefit from the diesel engine were the entry-level LX and EX models.

What makes this move significant is that Kia Sportage rivals – the Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5 and VW Tiguan – only offer one diesel derivative each, and only in top-spec guise.

The Toyota RAV4 is not offered in diesel, while it is highly unlikely the incoming Ford Territory will feature an oil-burner in its line-up.

All the competition’s diesel models come in at around the R800 000 mark in pricing, with the Kia Sportage LX costing R637 995. Of course it has fewer specs than the fancy oil-burners in other stables, but that is exactly the point: to offer a diesel engine in the space others only offer petrol powertrains in.

But let’s take a closer look at the powertrain we have been enjoying so much.

The 1.6-litre common-rail injection turbodiesel mill in the Kia Sportage produces 100kW of power at 4 000rpm and 320Nm of torque, available between 2 000 and 2 250rpm.

It sends the twist to the front wheels via seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Offering four drive modes, the Sportage’s power delivery is smooth and complemented by an efficient gearbox. Handling is easy and the ride plush, courtesy of MacPherson struttype suspension in front and a four-link type set-up at the rear. The chunkier 215/65 R17 rubberware wrapped around 17-inch alloy wheel also played its part.

We did not achieve Kia’s fuel consumption claim of 4.9 litres per 100km, but felt that a number in the low sevens in heavy city traffic was very acceptable. Taken on the open road at the national limit did see the number dip below 6l/100km.

The only thing we didn’t like was the turbo lag when you pull away. It made acceleration a bit sluggish, and can by further compounded by the auto-stop/start function.

The updated LX benefits from

Kia’s in-house-developed advanced driver assistance system (Adas) technology. This was previously only offered standard on the GT-Line derivatives.

The Adas system on the LX includes lane-follow assist, lanekeep assist and forward collision-avoidance assist.

These features are over and above systems like six airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors and camera, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, downhill brake control and trailer stability assist.

Inside, the Kia Sportage comes standard with soft-touch artificial leather finishes, 12.3-inch infotainment screen, 12-inch digital instrument cluster and driver lumbar support.

While the absence of creature comforts like heated, ventilated and electric leather seats, sunroof, mood lamp, paddle gear shifters, wireless mobile charger and adaptive cruise control didn’t really bother us, we would have preferred an electric tailgate.

After driving the updated Kia Sportage LX during its launch last year, Road Test Editor Mark Jones said this car hits the spot because South Africans love torquey, light-on-fuel turbodiesel SUVs.

While it might be pricier and feature a shorter specification list than many Chinese offerings, the superb powertrain is hard to match – or rather, to find.

The Kia Sportage LX is sold standard with a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and six-services/90 000km service plan.