The new Sportage offers a perfect blend of style, comfort, and performance for South African adventurers.
Specifications
Engine: 2,2L 4-cylinder Turbo Diesel
POWER: 221 KW
TORQUE: 650 NM
0–100 KM/H: 8.0 seconds
PRICE From: R573 995
South Africa’s automotive market is known for its fierce competition among SUVs, and one model that has been capturing attention is the 2022 Kia Sportage. This SUV stands out with its sleek design, comfortable cabin, and impressive performance, making it a top contender in the entry-level segment. If you’re in the market for a versatile and capable SUV, the 2022 Kia Sportage is worth considering for your next adventure on South African roads.
Design and exterior styling: a standout presence
The 2022 Kia Sportage boasts a striking design that sets it apart from the crowd. Its modern and distinctive exterior styling is head-turning, with Kia’s signature ‘Tiger Nose’ grille taking centre stage at the front. Flanked by sharp LED headlights and accentuated by a sculpted hood and muscular fender flares, the Sportage exudes a sporty and aggressive look. The sloping roofline adds to its dynamic and athletic appearance, making it a standout presence on the road. The entry-level model comes with 17-inch alloy wheels as standard, adding a touch of sophistication to its overall aesthetic.
Interior comfort and features: luxury and convenience combined
Step inside the 2022 Kia Sportage, and you’ll be greeted by a cabin that exudes luxury and convenience. Despite being an entry-level model, the Sportage doesn’t compromise on interior features. The cabin is spacious, providing ample room for five passengers with generous headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats.
The well-designed dashboard features user-friendly controls and a clean layout. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing for seamless connectivity with your smartphone. Standard features include a rear-view camera, Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and a six-speaker audio system for your entertainment needs.
Comfort is a priority in the Sportage, with cloth upholstery as standard, and the option to upgrade to leather upholstery for added luxury. The driver’s seat is height-adjustable, and both the driver and front passenger seats offer excellent support for long drives. The rear seats feature a 60/40 split-folding function, providing versatility for cargo configurations to suit your lifestyle.
Performance and driving dynamics: power and agility
The 2022 Kia Sportage comes with a capable 2,0-litre four-cylinder engine that delivers 115 kW of power and 192 Nm of torque. Paired with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission, the Sportage offers a responsive and agile performance on the road. The well-tuned suspension provides a comfortable and composed ride, absorbing bumps and road imperfections with ease.
The Sportage also features Kia’s Drive Mode Select system, allowing you to choose between Normal, Eco, and Sport modes to tailor your driving experience. With a fuel economy of around 7,9 litres per 100 kilometres, the Sportage is an economical choice for your daily drives, offering both power and efficiency.
Safety and reliability: peace of mind on the road
Kia places a strong emphasis on safety, and the 2022 Sportage comes loaded with advanced safety features. The entry-level model includes six airbags, electronic stability control, anti-lock braking system (ABS), hill-start assist control, and rear parking sensors as standard. The Sportage has also received a five-star safety rating from the Global New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), providing peace of mind for you and your passengers.
When it comes to reliability, Kia has a stellar reputation for building durable and dependable vehicles. The Sportage comes with a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, showcasing Kia’s commitment to standing behind their product.
Author
Torque Talk is a member of SAGMJ