Kia Australia is introducing the 2019 Kia Sportage range, with updated powertrains and increased safety brought in to boost the mid-size SUV’s competitiveness.
Four main variants lines are being offered, spanning from the Si, Si Premium, the SLi, to the top GT-Line. These are then split up by three engines, including a 2.0-litre MPI petrol that produces 114kW and 192Nm, as well as a 2.4-litre petrol developing 135kW and 237Nm, and a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel generating 136kW and 400Nm.
New for the diesel is an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard, while the petrol models come with a six-speed automatic. All diesel models feature all-wheel drive, along with the 2.4L petrol, while the 2.0L petrol models retain front-wheel drive.
In terms of the design, the 2019 Sportage gets revised taillights with improved brake light visibility, while lower down the bumper bar has been redesigned with a skid plate section for an adventurous look. Around at the front the ‘Tiger Nose’ grille features a new angular surround, with an updated bumper design as well.
Inside, the interior comes in for some minor changes, with the split “display” and “control” zones for the dash updated. The top GT-Line also gets either black leather or a new two-tone grey leather no-cost option. Kia says noise, vibration and harshness levels have been improved for a more comfortable drive as well, with changes made to the rear suspension in particular to enhance ride quality and refinement.
To help boost safety, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) is now standard across the board, as well as lane keep assist. Speaking about the new model, Damien Meredith, Kia Australia COO, said:
“With the upgraded model it is about refining, not revising, what is already an excellent example of the breed. With the addition of AEB and Lane Keep Assist across the model range the enhanced Sportage is even safer than before, and the drive has been improved by the addition of the 8-speed gearbox to all diesel models. A revision of the ride and handling package adds a more luxurious ride.”
Some of the standard features range from Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, auto wipers, cruise control, while the Si Premium (and above) adds sat-nav, front parking sensors, 18-inch alloy wheels, digital radio, and an eight-speaker JBL sound system. The GT-Line comes with intelligent parking, a sporty bodykit, wireless phone charging, heated and ventilated front seats, and adaptive cruise control.
Kia says the new model is on sale now, with prices starting from the following (excluding on-road costs):
2019 Kia Sportage Si 2.0-litre petrol – $29,990
2019 Kia Sportage Si 2.0-litre diesel – $35,390
2019 Kia Sportage Si Premium Petrol – $32,290 ($31,990 drive-away)
2019 Kia Sportage Si Premium diesel – $37,690 ($37,390 drive-away)
2019 Kia Sportage SLi 2.0-litre petrol – $36,790
2019 Kia Sportage SLi 2.0-litre diesel – $42,190
2019 Kia Sportage GT-Line 2.4-litre petrol – $44,790
2019 Kia Sportage GT-Line 2.0-litre diesel – $47,690
