KIA Sportage TEC offers features, value, power

The new Sportage TEC models give new definition to the concept of “value for money”. KIA first introduced the Sportage in 1993 and sold the model worldwide until 2004. The second-generation Sportage, introduced in 2005, went on to become a bestseller for KIA, with more than 860 000 units finding homes during its six-year lifespan.

It was the third generation Sportage, one of Peter Schreyer’s first designs for KIA Motors, which cemented its reputation as one of the world’s most-loved compact crossovers. Taking its cue from the 2007 KIA KUE concept car, the third-generation Sportage made its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show in 2010 and arrived on South African shores at the end of August 2010.

The KIA Sportage TEC oofers hot performance and heated seats. Picture: Supplied

It was an immediate success and has, to date, received numerous awards, including an IF design award, a Red Dot design award, an award in the Automotive Brand Contest, as well as multiple car of the year awards.

It’s not surprising the Sportage was at the top of JD Power’s annual ownership satisfaction survey in 2012 – the only car in the survey to score five stars in all categories. More recently, in February this year, the Sportage again ranked highest in the JD Power 2015 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), marking the first VDS award in the brand’s history.

Based on the Sportage 2.0 CRDi automatic, the new Sportage TEC – available in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive – builds on a substantially equipped and award-winning package by including even more hi-tech features. This adds more style to an already superior compact SUV offering and takes the Sportage’s value proposition to unseen heights.

The KIA Sportage TEC oofers hot performance and heated seats. Picture: Supplied

Setting the two TEC models apart are unique and exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels and full LED taillight clusters, complemented by privacy glass. A one-touch panoramic sunroof that, until now, has only been available as an option on the diesel AWD model, is now standard on both the Sportage TEC 2WD and Sportage TEC AWD.

Interior comfort on both models is enhanced through the addition of ventilated and heated seats for the driver and front passenger. The Sportage 2WD TEC also gains xenon headlights, a Smart Key with Start Stop button and a Supervision TFT LCD display (which are already included in the Sportage TEC AWD model).

The two Sportage TEC models are both powered by KIA’s R2.0 turbo-diesel engine. Featuring all-aluminium construction and an electronic Variable Geometry Turbocharger, it generates 130kW of power at 4 000rpm and 392Nm of torque from just 1 800rpm.

The KIA Sportage TEC oofers hot performance and heated seats. Picture: Supplied

It delivers highly competitive fuel economy and low emissions due to its lightweight construction and being mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The KIA Sportage range now comprises 12 models ranging in price from R339 995 for the 2.0 Ignite to R488 995 for the pre-accessorised Sportage Explore.