The fourth generation Kia Sportage, the Korean car maker’s game-changing urban SUV, was unveiled at an exclusive media preview in Colombo, heralding its head-turning arrival on Sri Lankan roads.
Among the most instantly recognised SUVs in the market as a result of its distinctive lines, the Kia Sportage delivers even greater automotive aesthetics and an enhanced driving experience in the all-new 2016 edition which features a revamped design and a host of technological upgrades that boost the model’s safety, comfort and performance.
This extensively developed SUV, along with the Optima, Kia’s prized midsize sedan, has already won the iF design award, receiving praise for overall design quality, innovation, environmental impact and safety, Kia’s sole local distributor, Kia Motors (Lanka) Limited said.
Addressing media at the new model’s unveiling, the company’s Managing Director Mahen Thambiah said: “With its handsome improvements in design and functionality, the fourth generation Kia Sportage is expected to accelerate Kia’s market progress and open a new chapter in the company’s history of pioneering the compact urban SUV segment.”
Available in three trim lines, LX, EX and SX, the 2016 Kia Sportage comes with a 2.0 Gasoline engine developing 157ps @ 6000rpm and torque 20kg.m @ 4000rpm. It is also available with a 2.0 Diesel turbo charged engine developing 178ps @ 4000rpm and torque 41kg.m @ 2750rpm. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option.
The LX and EX have 18-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, fabric upholstery, a height-adjustable driver seat, 60/40-split folding and reclining rear seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, full power accessories, cruise control, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, radio, an auxiliary audio input jack and a USB port, chrome exterior trim, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, a six-way power driver seat with adjustable lumbar support and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Also available as an option in the EX is leather upholstery.
The sportier SX model includes 19-inch Alloy wheels, a unique front grille, LED daytime running lights and taillights, dual exhaust outlets, an expanded panoramic sunroof that offers a better view of the sky than ever before, and aluminium scuff plates.
An exciting optional GT Line trim adds on a host of extras that enhance the exterior style of the all-new Sportage as well as exquisite interior finishes that take its already splendidly comfortable cabin to a new level of performance-inspired sporty elegance. These include real crash pad stitching, a black high-gloss centre fascia, satin chrome inside handles, paddle shifters for fingertip control and lightning-quick gear changes and black coloured headlining.
Standard safety features on all 2016 Kia Sportage models include antilock disc brakes, traction control and stability control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. The 2016 All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Sportage is equipped with Kia’s cutting edge DYNAMAX technology for maximum driving stability. The automatically engaging AWD system senses road conditions, wheel speed and acceleration, then applies the right amount of torque to the front and rear wheels for optimum road grip.
Improved aerodynamics with a smart rear-spoiler minimises the drag coefficient for improved fuel efficiency while a state-of-the-art wheel air curtain improves the flow of air around the front wheels to offer a more comfortable driving experience.
Among the endearing features of the new model is a smart welcome system: when the vehicle is approached with the smart key fob, the all-new Sportage springs into life as the driver is comes within range. Welcome lights turn on and the outside mirrors unfold into position.
Besides the Kia Sportage, Kia Motors (Lanka) markets the Kia Sorento SUV, the Kia Optima luxury sedan, the Kia Cerato mid-sized sedan, the Kia Rio subcompact sedan, the Kia Picanto compact car and the Kia Grand Carnival Multi-purpose Vehicle (MPV) in Sri Lanka.
A maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart, Kia Motors Corporation (www.kia.com) was founded in 1944 and is Korea’s oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. Over 3 million Kia vehicles a year are produced in 10 manufacturing and assembly operations in five countries which are then sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering around 150 countries. Kia Motors Corporation’s brand slogan – “The Power to Surprise” – represents the company’s global commitment to surprise the world by providing exciting and inspiring experiences that go beyond expectations.
