By Otsile Kadiege

The Korean automaker’s fifth-generation SUV is brimming with a raft of new technologies, a comprehensive list of standard equipment, a new powerplant and transmission, as well as a bold, futuristic new design to match some other models in its line up. We recently spent some time with Kia’s new range-topping Sportage GT Line S, including a lengthy drive from the buzzing city of Johannesburg down to the scenic yet pothole riddled Bizana in the Eastern Cape.

Daring new looks

The newcomer sports a bold and futuristic new look which will get you noticed wherever you go. Design and styling highlights include a prominent mesh grille with GT Line badging. It’s flanked by boomerang shaped LED daytime running lights with LED headlights. More exterior highlights include sharp body lines, daring LED taillights and 19-inch bi-colour alloy wheels.

Contemporary cabin with Inspector Gadget tech

Inside, the five-seater Sportage GT Line S boasts a large, integrated, driver-focused curved display, a leather-wrapped flat-bottom style steering wheel with GT Line badging, heated and ventilated front leather seats, heated rear seats and a luggage capacity of 591 litres to list a few. Niceties include ambient lighting, wireless charging, an optional panoramic sunroof and integrated media and climate controls, which is not only convenient but has also proven to be quite a party trick.

The interior is a pleasant place to be in. It’s modern, premium, comfortable for all passengers, even on a lengthy 7-hour drive. It has ample on-board charging ports, an intuitive infotainment system and a decently sized boot space which accommodated travel bags for four adults during our stint.

Safety and driver assistance systems

All Sportage models feature a total of six airbags: a driver’s airbag, front passenger airbag, side airbags, and side curtain airbags, as well as ISOFIX child seat anchors.

All models are furthermore equipped with an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), as well as Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), Downhill Brake Control (DBC) and Trailer Stability Assist (TSA). All models feature Smart Entry with Push Button Start, as well as an electric parking brake with auto-hold functionality. A variety of Kia’s acclaimed in-house developed Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) technology is also on offer, depending on the model.

Performance and driving impressions

At the heart of the new Kia Sportage GT Line S is a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine making a rather impressive 132kW/265Nm and paired to a 7-speed DCT gearbox. Adding to the list of impressions is the Sportage’s fairly potent turbo-petrol engine and a buttery smooth 7-speed DCT gearbox which work perfectly together. During our stint we drive down to Bizana in the Eastern Cape and back to Gauteng. After our stint we averaged a decent 7.0l/100km against Kia’s claimed 6.4 l/100km.

Conclusion

Kia’s latest offerings have proven to be very good, and are becoming increasingly hard to fault and the new Sportage is one of them. Priced at R734,995 we think the range-topping Sportage GT Line S is worth its asking price.