Kia saying goodbye to Sportage with loaded GT-Line

With the all-new Sportage set to arrive next year and not towards the end of 2021 as previously reported, Kia South Africa has given the outgoing model a final revision with the introduction of the limited run GT-Line.

Positioned above the EX Plus that headed the local line-up until now, the GT-Line, cosmetically, differs from its sibling in that it sports model specific 19-inch alloy wheels, all around LED light clusters, chrome dual exhaust outlets and satin silver front as well as rear skidplates.

Inside, a diamond pattern adorns the faux leather seats with the other unique additions being gloss black inlays, a 4.2-inch TFT instrument cluster display and a GT-Line branded leather wrapped flat-bottom multi-function steering wheel.

ALSO READ: South Africa bound new Kia Sportage detailed more

Like the standard Sportage, boot space in the GT-Line unchanged with 466-litres available with the rear seats up, and 1 455-litres with them folded flat.

On the specification front, the GT-Line comes as standard with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system incorporating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as the following:

• heated front seats with the driver’s chair being electric;
• dual-zone climate control;
• cruise control;
• a wireless smartphone charger;
• electric tailgate;
• panoramic sunroof;
• folding electric mirrors;
• reverse camera with rear parking sensors;
• push-button start;
• keyless entry;
• Hill Start Assist

Up front, and serving as a preview of the forthcoming model, the GT-Line sees the return of the familiar turbocharged 1.6 T-GDI petrol engine that has been tuned to produce 130kW/265Nm.

Claimed to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 9.1 seconds, drive is routed to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Going on sale from the 15 October, the Sportage GT-Line carries a sticker price of R649 995, which includes a five year/unlimited km warranty as well as a five year/90 000 km service plan.

Pricing

• Sportage 1.6 GDI Ignite AT – R465 995
• Sportage 2.0 Ignite Plus – R475 995
• Sportage 2.0 Ignite Plus AT – R489 995
• Sportage 2.0 CRDI Ignite Plus AT – R540 995
• Sportage 2.0 EX AT – R544 995
• Sportage 2.0 CRDI EX AT – R595 995
• Sportage 2.0 CRDI EX AWD AT – R623 995
• Sportage 2.0 EX Plus AT – R600 995
• Sportage 2.0 CRDI EX Plus AT – R651 995
• Sportage 1.6 T-GDI GT-Line AWD DCT – R649 995