Kia has updated the popular Sportage family SUV. The revised model provides styling tweaks and additional high-tech features.
For now, the refreshed Sportage is available with petrol or full hybrid power. Plug-in hybrid models will arrive by the end of the year too, for those who are looking for that type of SUV for towing.
The petrol models are front-wheel drive, while the hybrids are offered with a choice of front- or four-wheel drive.
Prices start from £30,885 for the petrol models. These are powered by a 147bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged engine and have a kerbweight of 1552kg for cars with a manual transmission. When it comes to the car/caravan matching, it has an 85% match figure of 1319kg, which is well within the car’s 1650kg towing capacity.
Hybrid cars cost considerably more, starting from £34,425, but offer much better performance with 235bhp. All hybrids have a six-speed automatic as standard.
Kia has not yet released kerbweights, although the hybrids should be considerably heavier than the petrol models. Despite the greater power output, the towing capacity drops to 1510kg.
Three specifications are available: Pure, GT-Line and GT-Line S. All versions come with rain-sensing front wipers, climate control, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as rear seats with a three-way split. Trailer Stability Assist is standard. We look forward to towing with the revised Sportage.
The spec of the Kia Sportage
- Price: From £30,885
- Kerbweight: From 1552kg
- 85% match: 1319kg
- Max towing weight: 1510-1650kg
Another Kia that I reviewed recently was the Sorento 2.2 CRDi ‘3’, which I gave a score of 5/5. I thought it made an excellent vehicle, which tows well and is fuel efficient.
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