Kia Sportage details

... that’s Kia’s third generation Sportage soft roader, which goes on sale this week.

Priced from $25,990 for the entry-level Si front-wheel-drive manual with a 2.0-litre petrol engine up to $38,990 for the range-topping Platinum AWD diesel, the Sportage is longer, wider, lower and an altogether slicker package than the model it replaces, one that was so mundane as to be considered a weapon of those who advocate public transport.

The new one is up against a formidable and growing array of “C-segment” SUVs including Volkswagen’s Tiguan, Nissan’s Dualis, Hyundai’s ix35, Holden’s Korean-made Captiva, Mitsubishi’s new ASX and the stalwart Toyota Rav4 and Honda CR-V.

Derived from the Kue concept, the visually striking Sportage is designed Massimo Frascella, it features the corporate grille and accents that have become increasingly familiar under the direction charted by chief designer Peter Schreyer. But as Kia Australia marketing boss Steve Watt said of the locally-released range, the “focus is on ride quality to match the design”.

Unprecedentedly, the Australian version of the Sportage receives a unique suspension and steering set-up adapted from the British version and refined over 1700km of testing by a team including former Toyota dynamics guru Graeme Gambold. The mid and top spec versions also receive a new AWD system from Magna Dynamax that uses electro-hydraulic sensors to activate a coupling, multi-clutch drive to feed power to the wheels with the most traction at any given time.

Watt said this dynamic package was the primary difference between the Sportage and Hyundai’s closely-related ix35. And Kia Motors Australia CEO MK Kim said forthcoming Kia’s would receive the same treatement: “Sportage is the first of our new generation cars to benefit from the determination to deliver Australian flavour. It will not be the last.”

The value equation is compelling. The front-wheel-drive Si manual with its 122kW/197Nm 2.0-litre starts at $25,990 for the five speed manual ($1000 under the Ix35). The six speed auto adds $2,000. It’s no stripper, with equipment including 17-inch alloys, front fog lamps, and the full safety package including six airbags.

The mid–spec SLi runs a 130kW/227Nm 2.4-litre petrol engine ($31,990) or a 2.0-litre turbo diesel ($34,990) through a six speed auto. Its gains on the Si include chrome accents, leather trim, rear view camera and roof rails. The Platinum uses the same drivetrains (petrol $35,990; diesel $38,990) and adds full leather, daytime running lights, smart key and ventilated driver’s seat.