Kia Sportage [UK] (2016)

Six-speed manual gearboxes are fitted to every model, but the 2.0-litre diesels are available with a six-speed torque converter automatic (standard on First Edition). Intelligent all-wheel-drive is standard on 1.6-litre T-GDi and 2.0-litre CRDi versions. It normally delivers 100 per cent of engine torque to the front wheels, but this can be redistributed up to a maximum of 60:40 front-to-rear to enhance cornering stability or if road conditions deteriorate. For off-road driving, owners can manually select lock mode, which gives a 50:50 torque split at speeds of up to 25mph. The system is now linked to Advanced Traction Cornering Control, which monitors road speed, throttle input and steering angle and distributes torque between the left and right wheels to maximise cornering stability.

A number of other electronic features increase safety for on-road driving and the car's capability off-road or in areas where bad weather and poor driving conditions are facts of daily life.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) counteract any tendency of the car to understeer or oversteer in hard cornering or slippery conditions, or to pull to one side when accelerating on roads with different levels of grip from left to right.

They are linked to three additional systems - Downhill Brake Control (DBC), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and a Roll-over Sensor. DBC ensures the car maintains a steady speed of 5mph when descending steep slopes. HAC has the reverse effect, preventing slip-back when setting off uphill and eliminating the possibility of wheelspin. The Roll-over Sensor detects when the car might be in danger of tipping over and deploys the curtain airbags and seat-belt pre-tensioners so that occupants are fully protected should the worst happen. And every version has Trailer Stability Assist to prevent a caravan or trailer from snaking in crosswinds or if the Kia Sportage is driven at too high a speed.

A dynamic and sporty appearance

With the introduction of GT-Line versions of the Sportage, there are now two distinct body treatments for Kia's compact crossover. All have an almost a sports car-like ratio between sheet metal and glass, with narrow side windows, deeply sculpted sides and bold wheel arches encasing wheels of up to 19 inches in diameter.

Sleek and rakish, the Sportage successfully incorporates the key features of an SUV in an urban-friendly, athletic and muscular package. The new Kia Sportage is 40mm longer than its predecessor, with a 30mm greater wheelbase but unchanged width and height - dimensions which make it look even more lithe and sporty while lowering its co-efficient of drag (Cd) from 0.35 to 0.33. Every small reduction in drag helps to lower fuel consumption and emissions at speed.

The front is dominated by a wide interpretation of Kia's 'tiger nose' main grille with a chromed surround and either black diamond or high-gloss black diamond mesh. At the sides, the bonnet sweeps up to cover the elongated headlamps which extend along the sides. LED daytime running lamps are standard, and the headlamps are bi-xenon adaptive units on grades 4/KX-4 and First Edition. The steep windscreen angle sweeps seamlessly into the low roofline. The top edge of the windscreen is again castellated, which is becoming something of a Sportage hallmark.

The increased overall length, extended wheelbase and shorter rear overhang give the all-new Sportage an even more sporty profile than its award-winning predecessor. Straight, flowing character lines stretch across the body above the sills, beneath the glasshouse and over the side window line, giving the profile a sense of tension and precision. This is emphasised by the sharp styling of the 16-, 17- and 19-inch alloy wheels.

There is a more chiselled and voluminous look to the rear of the all-new Sportage, which features a mixture of concave and convex surfaces and horizontal lines which emphasise its wide and stable stance. A chrome strip links the rear combination lamps with their distinctive night-time signature. The rear lamp units are LED from grade 4/KX-4. Beneath the tailgate is an aerodynamic diffuser.

Internal affairs

The all-new Kia Sportage continues the leap forward Kia has been making with actual and perceived quality, with flush-fitting fixtures and trim, soft-to-the-touch materials and luxurious detailing.

The dash is horizontal in layout and split into an upper display area containing the Thin Film Transistor instrument graphics and 7- or 8-inch colour touch-screen where fitted. The lower section of the dash is the control area, with large, soft-painted buttons for the heater switches and the audio system. The touch-screen system which is standard from grade 2 upwards means the interior designers have been able to reduce the number of switches.

The front of the cabin is driver-centric, with a pronounced cockpit layout and simple switches grouped according to function. This is not only more ergonomic but also safer because it reduces the amount of time the driver's gaze needs to be averted from the road. The centre console is angled at 7.2 degrees towards the driver for easier visibility.

Visibility has been further improved by lowering the position of the door mirrors, narrowing their plastic mounts and reducing the thickness of the bottom of the A-pillars. The tailgate glass is also taller and the C-pillars are narrower to expand the rearwards field of vision. The floor has been lowered by 40mm, making entry and access easier and lowering the hip point of occupants. A new organ-type boxed accelerator pedal replaces the previous pendant type for greater comfort.

Seat comfort has also been improved by studious attention to detail with the padding and side support. The pad density of the cushions has been increased, their suspension at the front edge is now fixed, the foam is softer and the spring diameters have been reduced. There are also firmer side supports, which are replicated with the rear backrest bolsters. And a softer pad is fitted to the headrests. High- and low-tensile steel frames reduce the weight of each front seat by 2.5kg and are more effective at absorbing vibrations.

The five-seat cabin is more spacious thanks to the increase in wheelbase. Legroom and headroom front and rear is up to 16mm greater, while the boot capacity, with the spare tyre in place, has risen by 26 litres (all seats in use) at 491 litres, or 1,480 litres when they are folded down. The rear seats now fold almost flat, with a barely noticeable eight-degree tilt, while the lift-over height of the boot lip has been lowered by 47mm. The two-position cargo floor leaves space for the luggage cover to be stored beneath it when not in use.

GT-Line: the ultimate sporty touch

For the first time Kia now offers the Sportage with an appropriately sporty GT-Line trim level. This is easily recognised from its high-gloss black 'blade mesh' radiator grille with satin chrome surround, satin chrome belt-line mouldings and tailgate insert, unique 19-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured exterior door handles with satin chrome inserts, black side sill and wheel-arch body mouldings with satin chrome inserts, ice cube-style LED front foglights, dual exhaust tailpipes and silver-painted front and rear skid plates.

This sporty theme is maintained inside the cabin with black leather upholstery with grey leather inserts; silver stitching on the steering wheel, front centre armrest and centre dashboard; black headlining; stainless steel pedals; a chromed boot sill guard; and a D-shaped sports leather steering wheel with perforated inserts and a 'GT-Line' logo.

Improved driving dynamics, comfort and safety

The fun-to-drive qualities which were a major attraction for buyers of the fourth-generation Sportage have been honed to an even sharper degree in the new model through a combination of a much stiffer body shell, extensive suspension revisions and a new steering system. As a result, the Sportage is now even more precise and stable on the UK's twisty country roads and more comfortable and refined on highways and motorways.

The suspension features MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear. The front and rear suspension systems are mounted on lightweight hydro-formed subframes that help to isolate occupants from irregularities in the road and surface-generated noise.

In the UK, all versions have Kia's latest rack-mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (R-MDPS). Previously, the electric motor which controls the steering was mounted half way up the steering column. With R-MDPS it is mounted directly to the steering rack. This brings sharper responses and greater precision. Kia likens it to trying to steer a blindfolded person from behind: if you direct them from the waist they are able to follow a more precise path than if directed at shoulder level.

R-MDPS requires just 2.7 turns of the steering wheel between the extremes of lock for a turning circle between kerbs of 10.6 metres. It delivers good feel and precise control, with low turning effort for parking and low-speed manoeuvres and firmer feedback at higher speeds. Compared with a hydraulically activated steering system it contributes to fuel economy savings of around three per cent.

The Kia Sportage has an all-disc, anti-lock braking system (ventilated at the front and solid at the rear), backed up by Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BAS). EBD apportions the stopping power to the wheels with most grip while BAS ensures maximum braking power in an emergency regardless of the force exerted on the pedal by the driver.

A number of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are now offered on the Sportage for the first time, all designed to minimise the possibility of an accident.

Top-of-the-range grade 4/KX-4 and First Edition versions are fitted with Autonomous Emergency Braking, which employs both short- and long-range radar systems so that it can detect vehicles and pedestrians at greater distances and higher speeds. The short-range radar operates at typical city speeds of up to 43mph. Between 19mph and 50mph the longer-range radar also comes into play to detect obstacles in the car's path and responds by automatically slowing the car, to a complete stop if necessary. The pedestrian detection function operates at up to 37mph.

There is also Blind Spot Detection to act as an extra pair of eyes for the driver when changing lanes, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert to warn a driver who is about to reverse out of a perpendicular parking bay that there is a vehicle approaching at right angles. All models from grade 2/KX-2 have Lane Keeping Assist to alert a tired driver who may be about to stray into the path of a vehicle approaching from behind; High Beam Assist to switch between full and dipped beam automatically when there are other vehicles in the vicinity; and a Speed Limit Information function within the instrument cluster.

From grade 2/KX-2 a reversing camera is integrated with the 7.0- or 8.0-inch navigation touch-screen and reversing sensors are standard, helping to minimise the chance of annoying little parking dents, and the First Edition model has a Smart Park Assist system which can identify suitable parallel and perpendicular spaces automatically steer the car into and out of them.

As a result of the measures taken first to prevent accidents and then to mitigate against the effects of them if they are unavoidable, the all-new Sportage has earned a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP under the ever-tougher testing regime. It was commended for its ability to protect passengers of all statures in all seats, faring especially well in a side-on impact with a pole, and scored 71 per cent for its active safety assist technologies.

Specification highlights

All versions of the all-new Sportage are comprehensively equipped and feature an extensive package of comfort, convenience and safety items which becomes progressively more luxurious with every step up the range.

Even Grade 1/KX-1 comes as standard with 16-inch alloy wheels and all-round disc brakes, a black diamond-mesh grille with chromed surround, front foglights, LED daytime running lamps, cornering lights, chrome-coated belt-line mouldings, smart black cloth upholstery with a grey headlining, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gearshifter, all-round electric windows, air conditioning, a DAB radio, Bluetooth with voice recognition and music streaming, USB and AUX ports, an LED front map light, a ventilation duct and 12-volt power outlet in the rear, Trailer Stability Assist, Hill-start Assist, Downhill Brake Control and cruise control with speed limiter.

Grade 2/KX-2 expands on this with 17-inch alloys, body-coloured exterior handles with chrome inserts, high-gloss paint on the front grille, 7-inch touch-screen navigation system with integrated camera and connectivity services, roof rails, privacy glass on the rear side windows and tailgate, black premium cloth upholstery and powered lumbar adjustment for the driver's seat, electrically folding door mirrors with LED indicators, reversing sensors, automatic lights and wipers, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, dual automatic air conditioning with an automatic windscreen de-fog system, a cooled glovebox and the Lane-Keep Assist, automatic high-beam and speed limit information functions.

With grade 3/KX-3 come 19-inch alloys, a front wiper de-icer, black leather upholstery, a high-gloss black centre fascia, a rear USB charging point, heated front and outer rear seats, a 4.2-inch LCD TFT colour information display and a JBL® premium sound system with sub-woofer, external amp and front centre speaker.

Above that, grade 4/KX-4 adds bi-xenon adaptive headlights with automatic levelling and washers, front parking sensors, a smart key entry system and engine start/stop button, stainless steel door scuff plates, a panoramic sunroof, LED rear combination lamps, an LED rear reading lamp and luggage area light, 10-way power adjustable driver and eight-way adjustable front passenger ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, Autonomous Emergency Braking and Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

First Edition is distinguished by the Smart Parking Assist system, a smart powered tailgate, a wireless mobile phone charger, metallic paint in either Fusion White or Phantom Black, 'First Edition' decals and stone grey two-tone leather upholstery.

GT-Line sits in the range between grades 2 and 3 and has sporty styling flourishes which mark it out as the most dynamic version of the all-new Kia Sportage. There are exclusive 19-inch alloys, LED rear combination lamps, front parking sensors, heated front and outer rear seats, a 4.2-inch TFT instrument cluster and, with the DCT gearbox, paddle shifters. The standard GT-Line Exterior Styling Pack adds ice-cube LED front foglights, a high-gloss black 'blade mesh' grille, dual exhausts, satin chrome belt-line mouldings and door sills and silver front and rear skid plates. The Interior Styling Pack, which is also standard, introduces black leather upholstery with grey inserts, a high-gloss black centre fascia, a black headliner, stainless steel sill scuff plates and pedals and a D-shaped leather-covered sports steering wheel.

Market, warranty and after-care

The all-new Sportage slots into the compact SUV/crossover sector of the market, which is expected to grow from 9.4 per cent of the total in Europe in 2015 to 10.2 per cent by 2018, with total sales for the sector predicted at 1.6 million.

The outgoing Kia Sportage was a huge success for Kia in Europe, and even more so in the UK. In 2014, the last year for which full figures are available, Kia sold more than 96,500 Sportages in Europe, claiming a 7.3 per cent share of the sector. This compares with around 353,700 sales in Europe overall, and a 2.7 per cent market share. It is the fourth best-selling car in its class, ahead of the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Range Rover Evoque, Ford Kuga, Skoda Yeti and Peugeot 3008.

In the UK the Sportage is Kia's best-selling model, claiming close to 29 per cent of the company's sales.

In keeping with every Kia, the Sportage comes with the company's unique-in-the-UK seven-year or 100,000-mile warranty, subject to certain wear and tear conditions. The warranty is fully transferable should the car be sold before the time or mileage limits have been reached, and if the car is sold when less than 18 months old or with less than 18,000 miles on the clock the warranty is topped up to match that of a new model (if sold as an Approved Used vehicle by a Kia dealer)

The Kia Sportage is available with Kia's Care-3 and Care-3 Plus servicing packages, offering retail customers fixed-cost, inflation-proof servicing for the first three or five years. All work is carried out by trained technicians using genuine Kia replacement parts and specified oils. All packages cover the car, not the owner, so are transferable should the vehicle be sold. If a vehicle with a Care-3 package is sold on then the next owner may upgrade to the five year service package.

DESIGN

With the introduction of GT-Line versions of the Sportage for the first time, there are now two distinct body treatments for Kia's compact crossover. All have an almost sports car-like ratio between sheet metal and glass, with narrow side windows, deeply sculpted sides and bold wheel arches encasing wheels of up to 19 inches in diameter.

Sleek and rakish, the Sportage successfully incorporates the key features of an SUV in an urban-friendly, athletic and muscular package. The all-new Kia Sportage is 40mm longer than its predecessor with a 30mm greater wheelbase but unchanged width and height - dimensions which make it look even more lithe and sporty while lowering its co-efficient of drag (Cd) from 0.35 to 0.33. Every small reduction in drag helps to reduce fuel consumption and emissions at speed.

The front is dominated by a wide interpretation of Kia's 'tiger nose' main grille featuring a chromed surround with either black diamond or high-gloss black diamond mesh. The dynamically styled bonnet is dished in the centre and features two raised ribs. At the sides, the bonnet sweeps up to cover the elongated headlamps which extend along the sides. LED daytime running lamps are standard, and the headlamps are bi-xenon adaptive units on grades 4/KX-4 and First Edition. There are recessed circular foglamps, which are underscored by two chrome blades. The steeply angled windscreen sweeps seamlessly into the low roofline and its top edge is again castellated, which is becoming something of a Sportage hallmark.

The increased overall length, extended wheelbase and shorter rear overhang give the all-new Sportage an even more sporty profile than its award-winning predecessor. There is a high shoulder line with a standard chrome belt-line strip and body-coloured door mirrors and door handles (with chrome inserts from grade 2), a standard rear spoiler and roof rails on grades 2 and above. Privacy glass features on the rear side windows and tailgate of grades 2 upwards. The lower body sides are deeply sculpted and flow into powerful wheel arches, and there are black side sill and wheel-arch mouldings.

Straight, flowing character lines stretch across the body above the sills, beneath the glasshouse and over the side window line, giving the profile a sense of tension and precision. This is emphasised by the sharp styling of the 16-, 17- and 19-inch alloy wheels.

There is a more chiselled and voluminous look to the rear, which features a mixture of concave and convex surfaces and horizontal lines which emphasise the car's wide and stable stance. A chrome strip links the rear combination lamps with their distinctive night-time signature. The rear lamp units are LED from grade 4/KX-4. Beneath the tailgate is an aerodynamic diffuser, a further nod to the car's sporty credentials. A small garnish has been added to the sides of the rear spoiler which, though barely noticeable, is a useful aerodynamic addition.

Other subtle aerodynamic details include front curtains incorporated within the foglamp housings to channel turbulent air around and away from the front wheels, a front bumper lip, centre and rear under-floor covers and, on two-wheel-drive versions, an undercover at the rear of the engine bay.

Internal affairs

The all-new Sportage continues the leap forward Kia has been making with actual and perceived quality of new models through its flush-fitting fixtures and trim, premium-standard, soft-to-the-touch materials and luxurious detailing. It has the look and feel of a car from a higher market sector, but without their hefty prices.

The dash is horizontal in layout and split into an upper display area containing the Thin Film Transistor instrument graphics and 7- or 8-inch colour infotainment touch-screen where fitted. The lower section of the dash is the control area, with large, soft-painted buttons for the heater switches and the audio system. The touch-screen system which is standard from grade 2 upwards means the interior designers have been able to reduce the number of switches, making the cabin look neater and less cluttered while improving ergonomics and, ultimately, safety, because the driver's gaze needs to be averted from the road for shorter periods.

The front of the cabin is driver-centric, with a pronounced cockpit layout and simple switches grouped according to function. This is also more ergonomic and safer. The centre console is angled at 7.2 degrees towards the driver for easier visibility.

Visibility has been further improved by lowering the position of the door mirrors by 34mm, narrowing their plastic mounts by 29mm and reducing the thickness of the bottom of the A-pillars by 26mm. The tailgate glass is also 30mm taller and the C-pillars are 62mm narrower to expand the rearwards field of vision.

Sportage 3/KX-3 and above feature instrumentation which is yet another indicator of Kia's unstinting efforts to raise quality. A 4.2-inch TFT LCD supervision cluster is mounted between the two recessed dials of the dual-bezel instrument display. The supervision cluster incorporates trip information, outdoor temperature, a gearshift indicator on manual versions and the Parallel Park Assist System functionality on First Edition. The touch screen infotainment systems fitted to all except the entry-level grade are integrated with a rear-view camera display to help owners when reversing or parking.

All versions have tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, a height-adjustable driver's seat (10-way power-adjustable on grades 4/KX-4 and First Edition) and a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gearshifter. Grades 4/KX-4 and First Edition also have an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, grade 3 upwards comes with heated front and outer rear seats and there are ventilated front seats in grades 4/KX-4 and First Edition. The floor has been lowered by 40mm, making entry and access easier and lowering the hip point of occupants by 5mm in the front and 10mm in the rear.

The top of the crash pad is made up of foamed plastic with fine quality stitching and features more detailed texturing than in the previous model. This is echoed in the improved door trim quality, which is in leather from grade 2 upwards. There is an additional grip handle on the passenger's side, with either a metallic or a satin chrome finish, depending on model, and the capacity of the front-door bottle holders has been increased from 0.7 litres to one litre. The front sun visors now slide from side to side so that they can be better positioned to block out the sun, and they contain larger mirrors. A new organ-type boxed accelerator pedal replaces the previous pendant type for greater comfort.

Seat comfort has also been dramatically improved by studious attention to detail with the padding and side support. The pad density of the cushions has been increased, their suspension at the front edge is now fixed, the foam is softer and the spring diameters have been reduced. There are also firmer side supports which are replicated with the rear backrest bolsters. And a softer pad is fitted to the headrests. High- and low-tensile steel frames reduce the weight of each front seat by 2.5kg and are more effective at absorbing vibrations.

Grade 1/KX-1 models have black cloth upholstery, grade 2/KX-2 have premium black cloth upholstery, in grade 3/KX-3 and 4/KX-4 there is black leather while the First Edition has stone grey two-tone leather.

The fascia trim is either metallic effect or high-gloss black, depending on model and there are metallic finish or satin chrome door handles, according to grade. Satin steel door scuff plates feature on grades 4/KX-4, First Edition and GT-Line. The headlining across the range, apart from GT-Line, is in light grey. Ambient lighting for the front centre console tray and luggage area is standard. A longer centre console tray provides more storage space for small items.

The five-seat cabin is more spacious thanks to the 30mm increase in wheelbase. Legroom and headroom front and rear have been increased, by up to 16mm, while the boot capacity is 27 litres greater (all seats in use) at 491 litres, or 1,480 litres when they are folded down. The rear seats now fold almost flat, with a barely noticeable eight-degree tilt compared with 18 degrees in the previous model, while the lift-over height of the boot lip has been lowered by 47mm. The two-position cargo floor leaves space for the luggage cover to be stored beneath it when not in use. The rear seats now have a greater angle of tilt, too - 37 degrees instead of 28 degrees previously, to give passengers more flexibility in their seating position.

GT-Line: the ultimate sporty touch

For the first time Kia now offers the Kia Sportage with an appropriately sporty GT-Line trim level. This is easily recognised from its high-gloss black mesh radiator grille with satin chrome surround, satin chrome belt-line mouldings and tailgate insert, unique 19-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured exterior door handles with satin chrome inserts, black side sill and wheel-arch body mouldings - again with satin chrome inserts, ice cube-style LED front foglights, dual exhausts tailpipes and silver-painted front and rear skid plates.

This sporty theme is maintained inside the cabin with black leather upholstery with grey leather inserts; silver stitching on the steering wheel, front centre armrest and upholstery; black headlining; stainless steel pedals; a chromed boot sill guard; and a D-shaped sports leather steering wheel with perforated inserts and a 'GT-Line' logo.

THE TECHNICAL STORY

To coincide with the introduction of GT-Line versions of the all-new Sportage, Kia has added a fourth engine and a new transmission to the range. The company's 1.6-litre T-GDi (turbocharged gasoline direct injection) power unit joins extensively re-engineered 1.6-litre GDi and 1.7- and 2.0-litre CRDi turbodiesel engines in the line-up, while a 7DCT (seven-speed dual-clutch) gearbox becomes available alongside six-speed manual and torque converter automatic transmissions. The 1.6 T-GDi engine and 7DCT gearbox are reserved exclusively for the GT-Line model.

The revisions to the engines, all of which meet the EU6 emissions standard, have had a considerable impact on reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The 1.7-litre CRDi engine favoured by more than half of all Sportage buyers is now more than 6mpg more fuel-efficient, while its CO2 output falls by 16g/km; there is a reduction in CO2 of 29g/km for the lower-powered (134bhp) 2.0-litre CRDi engine with automatic transmission; and with the higher-powered (182bhp) version of the same engine with automatic transmission the reduction is 23g/km.

Even the new high-performance T-GDi engine delivers impressive efficiency, with fuel economy of more than 37mpg and CO2 figures of 177g/km (manual) and 175g/km (7DCT).

The Kia Sportage's driving dynamics benefit from a much stiffer body shell, revised suspension geometry and bushing and the more forward mounting of the steering gearbox, while the introduction of rack-mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (R-MDPS) across the range improves steering precision. Refinement is enhanced by the suspension revisions, along with greater insulation and padding.

There are also significant advances in safety features to help prevent accidents, with a Speed Limit Information Function, Lane Keep Assist System and High Beam Assist standard on all but entry-level models and Autonomous Emergency Braking and Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert fitted to grades 4/KX-4 and First Edition.

The petrol engines

Both petrol engines are direct-injection (GDi) 1.6-litre units from Kia's Gamma family. The normally aspirated unit available in the previous Sportage has been extensively modified and is now joined by a turbocharged version.

In the Sportage, the T-GDi engine develops 174bhp at 5,500rpm, while the maximum torque is 265Nm from 1,500rpm to 4,500rpm. The result is instantaneous response to throttle inputs and rapid acceleration without interruption. It was developed entirely in-house by Kia engineers at the Namyang research and development centre in Korea with input from Kia's European technical centre in Frankfurt. It accelerates the Sportage from 0-60mph in 9.2 seconds with a manual gearbox or an even faster 8.8 seconds with the 7DCT, while the respective fuel economy and CO2 emissions figures are 37.2mpg and 177g/km, or 37.7mpg and 175g/km.

A number of factors contribute towards the exemplary driveability and efficiency of the lightweight all-aluminium 1.6-litre T-GDi unit. There is Continuously Variable Valve Timing on both the inlet and exhaust sides, Electronic Throttle Control and light, low-friction moving parts. The crankshaft is offset from the centre-line to aid smoothness.

A twin-scroll turbocharger is integrated within the exhaust manifold and there is a split wall between cylinders one/four and two/three which results in reduced interference, faster response and higher torque levels at low engine revolutions. The improved responsiveness eliminates the 'turbo lag' between the driver pressing the accelerator and the turbocharger building up boost pressure, while simultaneously improving gas flow and reducing heat losses for maximum efficiency.

The integrated exhaust manifold and turbocharger, in a one-piece casting, improve sealing while reducing weight by 1.5kg. Simultaneously, it improves gas flow and reduces heat losses for maximum efficiency.

For added durability, the cylinder block has been heat-treated and the crankshaft, pistons and connecting rods are stronger than in the normally aspirated unit, while there are additional oil jets.

The normally aspirated 1.6 GDi Gamma engine develops 130bhp at 6,300rpm and 161Nm of torque at 4,850rpm. Like the T-GDi unit, it is an aluminium 1,591cc 16-valve twin-cam engine with variable valve timing, but in this case with a higher 11.0:1 compression ratio. Performance is enhanced by the high-pressure direct-injection fuelling and variable induction systems, while fuel economy and emissions have been reduced by the use of a variable valve system on both the intake and exhaust sides, T-5 heat treatment insertions in the block and a roller chain system.

A fine mist of petrol is injected directly into each of the four cylinders at up to 135 bar in minutely precise quantities and with millisecond timing to ensure the Kia Sportage uses only as much fuel as it needs, exactly when it needs it. The result is highly efficient combustion that ensures excellent performance with low fuel consumption and emissions - the 1.6-litre GDi Sportage with ISG has improved combined fuel economy of 44.8mpg and CO2 emissions of only 147g/km. It accelerates the Sportage from 0-60mph in 11.1 seconds and has a maximum speed of 113mph. The entry-level version without ISG is capable of 42.2mpg, with emissions of 156g/km, which are also improvements over the previous model.

The turbodiesel engines

The Kia Sportage is also offered with two turbodiesel engines - a 1.7-litre version of the U2 engine and a 2.0-litre R unit, which is available with two power outputs.

The 1.7-litre U2 engine, which will be by far the dominant seller, was engineered and designed at Kia's research and development facility in Germany. It now has a lightened cast iron cylinder block and further benefits from Nano diamond-coated pistons, an oil cooler by-pass valve and high-strength valve springs which contribute towards its improved fuel efficiency and 12 per cent lower CO2 emissions of 119g/km. Direct fuel injection, now at up to 2,000 bar, a lower 16.0:1 compression ratio, optimised combustion chambers and a new form of particulate filter all help to lower emissions. Combined fuel economy is 61.4mpg, an improvement of almost 6mpg.

The U2 engine develops its maximum 114bhp at 4,000rpm, while the 280Nm of torque is available from 1,250 to 2,750rpm, ensuring effortless driveability. Similar in construction to Kia's European-designed and -built 1.6-litre CRDi engine, but with 84.5mm cylinder bores and a 90mm piston stroke to give a cubic capacity of 1,685cc, it has been designed with the needs of European motorists in mind. Performance is similar to that of the 1.6-litre Kia Sportage, with a maximum speed of 109mph and 0-60mph acceleration in 11.1 seconds.

The standard 2.0-litre (1,995cc) version of the R-family diesel engine develops 134bhp from 2,750 to 4,000rpm and a substantially increased 373Nm of torque, up from 320Nm, now from 1,500 to 2,500rpm. The higher output engine develops 182bhp at 4,000rpm and an improved 400Nm of torque, now starting at 1,750rpm and maintained until 2,750rpm.

The R engines have also undergone extensive re-engineering to help achieve substantial fuel consumption and emissions reductions. As with the U2 engine, the block is lighter, there is an oil cooler by-pass valve and a new particulate filter, and low-tension piston rings and a variable oil pump are fitted. A new, high-efficiency turbocharger improves low-to-mid-range performance, while noise, vibration and harshness have been reduced through a redesigned engine block and particulate filter covers, and rubber-coated sprockets.

With the six-speed manual gearbox the lesser-powered version of the engine is almost 7mpg more efficient, with combined economy of 54.3mpg, while with CO2 emissions fall from 156 to 139g/km. It accelerates the Sportage from 0-60mph in 10.1 seconds - almost three-quarters of a second faster than in the previous model - and the maximum speed is 114mph.

For the six-speed automatic version the improvements are even more spectacular: fuel economy leaps from 40.4mpg to 47.9mpg, while CO2 emissions are down from 183g/km to 154, a reduction of 29g/km, bringing substantial savings for company car tax-payers. This combination can accelerate the Sportage from 0-60mph in 11.6 seconds on the way to a top speed of 114mph.

With the higher output 182bhp model the six speed manual model achieves improved combined economy of 47.9 mpg, with CO2 of 154g/km. The six-speed automatic version achieves combined economy of 44.8mpg, while CO2 is 166g/km - 23g/km lower than in the previous model. The 0-60mph acceleration time is a reduced 9.2 seconds for both the manual and the automatic versions and the top speed is 125mph.

Intelligent Stop and Go (ISG)

All 1.7-litre CRDi versions of the Kia Sportage and the 1.6 GDi 2 are fitted with Kia's Intelligent Stop and Go (ISG) stop-start system to reduce fuel consumption and emissions in traffic. As the name implies, this switches off the engine when the car comes to rest and the driver puts the gearlever into neutral and releases the clutch pedal. The engine restarts instantly as soon as the clutch pedal is partially engaged again. This feature means the car is not using fuel or emitting CO2 when it is at rest.

ISG consists of crankshaft position, battery and vacuum sensors plus neutral, on-off and clutch switches that feed into an electronic control unit. This operates the ISG starter, intelligent alternator and cluster. The air conditioning units and hood switch also feed into the ISG ECU.

The crankshaft position sensor measures the crankshaft angle during engine run-out and monitors it while the vehicle is stopped, ensuring the starter is activated for as short a time as possible by optimising cranking and combustion. The battery sensor monitors battery condition and temperature, while the clutch and neutral switches recognise when drivers wish to continue driving and ensure the engine is started. There is a brake booster pressure sensor to make sure the engine continues to operate if brake boost falls too low.

A new heavy-duty maintenance-free Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) battery delivers the power necessary to run the system, and intelligent alternator management reduces drain on the battery while accelerating and recharges the battery during coasting and braking. The system has been engineered not to stop the engine during warm-up after a cold start or if the air conditioning is working hard. Drivers can also manually turn off ISG through a switch on the dashboard.

Other fuel-saving measures fitted to the Sportage include gearshift up/down eco-indicator lights on manual models, an Eco indicator to encourage more economical driving on automatic versions and a power-saving alternator management system.

Intelligent all-wheel drive

All 1.6-litre T-GDi and 2.0-litre CRDi versions of Sportage come as standard with intelligent electronically controlled all-wheel-drive which continuously monitors driving conditions and anticipates when it will be needed, whereas other systems react only to changing conditions. As a result, the all-new Sportage is always in the correct drive mode for the prevailing circumstances. It now incorporates Advanced Traction Cornering Control, which monitors road speed, throttle input and steering angle and distributes torque between the left and right wheels to maximise cornering stability.

The all-wheel-drive system normally delivers 100 per cent of engine torque to the front wheels, but the torque can be redistributed up to a maximum of 60:40 front-to-rear to enhance cornering stability or if road conditions deteriorate. For off-road driving, owners can manually select lock mode, which gives a 50:50 torque split at speeds of up to 25mph.

The system makes its decisions by analysing data from the car's electronic control unit. Its fully active all-wheel-drive coupling is electro-hydraulically activated via a multi-plate clutch. The benefits for the driver are reduced fuel consumption because all-wheel drive is engaged only when necessary, greater cornering stability and the elimination of under- and oversteer in extreme circumstances or road conditions. The system has a high thermal capacity, which means it will not overheat and need to shut itself down in repeated hill climbing or when towing at maximum capacity.

A number of new electronic features have been added to the Kia Sportage to increase safety during on-road driving and to maximise the car's capability for those owners who wish to go off-road or who live in areas where bad weather and poor driving conditions are facts of life.

All versions are fitted with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) to counteract any tendency of the car to understeer or oversteer in hard cornering or slippery conditions and when accelerating on roads with differing levels of grip from left to right.

These are linked to three additional systems - Downhill Brake Control (DBC), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and a Roll-over Sensor. DBC ensures the car maintains a steady speed of 5mph when descending steep slopes so that the driver does not need to touch the brakes, which might result in a loss of traction. HAC has the reverse effect, preventing slip-back when setting off uphill and eliminating the possibility of wheelspin.

The Roll-over Sensor detects when the car might be in danger of tipping over and deploys the curtain airbags and seat-belt pre-tensioners so that occupants are fully protected should the worst happen.

All versions have Trailer Stability Assist to make towing safer. It works through the ESC and Anti-lock Brake systems, and continuously monitors vehicle stability, gently applying some front braking force if it detects a potential loss of control. If this is insufficient, gentle all-wheel braking is introduced along with a reduction in engine power until the vehicle and trailer are stabilised.

Transmissions

There are three transmission options with the all-new Sportage, which now follows the cee'd and Optima in offering Kia's seven-speed dual-clutch automatic unit (7DCT) in the new GT-Line model. Six-speed manual gearboxes are standard across the range, but both versions of the 2.0-litre CRDi engine are also available with a six-speed torque converter automatic.

The 7DCT gearbox was developed in-house at Kia's Namyang research and development centre in Korea with the aim of enhancing fuel efficiency while delivering the comfort and smoothness of a torque converter transmission in automatic mode with the sportiness of a manual when the driver chooses to take control of gearchanging via the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

One clutch operates the odd-numbered gears and the other the even-numbered ratios, ensuring that the transmission is always primed for the next up- or downshift. As a result, torque losses during shifting are reduced, improving efficiency, while gearchanges are at least as smooth as with the best torque converter auto.

The manual is a slick-shifting unit with the forward gears arranged in a double-H pattern and reverse to the left and up, selected by first raising a collar around the shift lever. Longer gearing for the higher ratios and optimised software for the gearshift advisory system help the driver to get maximum fuel efficiency with no loss of driveability. The manual transmission was developed primarily with European markets in mind and has multi-cone synchronisation, optimised gear design, enhanced efficiency, reduced power loss and enhanced durability. It is filled with low-viscosity oil and requires no servicing during the life of the car.

Kia's in-house six-speed automatic transmission incorporates a unique 'flat' torque converter, which is one reason why it is so compact, and features three planetary gear sets and four pinion differentials. The clever design of the hydraulic pressure control unit allows the transmission's eight solenoid valves to be individually calibrated at the assembly plant to ensure ultra-fast, smooth and precise gearshifts throughout the engine speed range.

A stylish, space-efficient straight shifter offers the driver a choice of two operating modes - fully automatic for town driving, and sport for a more involving driving style. In sport mode, the driver can perform sequential manual changes up or down.

Running gear

The fun-to-drive qualities which were a major attraction for buyers of the third-generation Sportage have been honed to an even sharper degree in the new model through a combination of a much stiffer body shell, extensive suspension revisions and a new steering system. As a result, the Sportage is now even more precise and stable on the UK's twisty country roads and more comfortable and refined on highways and motorways.

The suspension features MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear. The front and rear suspension systems are mounted on lightweight hydro-formed subframes that help to isolate occupants from irregularities in the road and surface-generated noise.

The front struts have been fine-tuned to take into account the ride height and weight, while the fully independent multi-link rear suspension maximises the contact patch of the rear tyres on the road even during the hardest cornering, maintaining stability at all times. The coil springs and dampers are mounted separately to minimise intrusion into the cabin while ensuring excellent bump suppression.

The rear geometry has been modified by moving the lower assist arm downwards, thereby increasing its length, to give more direct responses. A dual lower arm has now been applied to two-wheel-drive versions where previously it was fitted to only those with all-wheel drive. The wheel bearings and upper arm bushes are stiffer and the subframe is now bush- rather than solid-mounted, while the rebound stroke of the dampers has been increased, all to improve rough-road ride quality.

Similar treatment has been applied to the front subframe mounting, wheel bearings and bushes, improving stability and turn-in response as well as ride quality, and the steering gearbox is now mounted further forwards to give smoother steering response and greater braking stability. In the UK, all versions have Kia's latest rack-mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (R-MDPS).

Previously, the electric motor module which controls the steering was mounted half way up the steering column. With R-MDPS it is mounted directly to the steering rack. This brings the twin benefits of sharper responses and greater precision. Kia likens it to trying to steer a blindfolded person from behind: if you direct them from the waist they are able to follow a more precise path than if directed at shoulder level.

R-MDPS requires just 2.7 turns between of the steering wheel between the extremes of lock for a turning circle between kerbs of 10.6 metres. It delivers good feel and precise control, with low turning effort for parking and low-speed manoeuvres and firmer feedback at higher speeds. Compared with a hydraulically activated steering system it contributes to fuel economy savings of around three per cent.

The Kia Sportage has an all-disc anti-lock braking system (ventilated at the front and solid at the rear), backed up by Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist System (BAS). EBD apportions the stopping power to the wheels with most grip while BAS ensures maximum braking power in an emergency regardless of the force exerted on the pedal by the driver.

Advanced active safety

A number of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are now offered on the Sportage for the first time, all designed to minimise the possibility of an accident. In certain models these complement the comprehensive active and passive safety features fitted to every version. As a result of the measures taken first to prevent accidents and then to mitigate against the effects of them if they are unavoidable, the all-new Sportage has earned a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP in the ever-tougher testing regime. The all-new Sportage was commended for its ability to protect passengers of all statures in all seats, faring especially well in a side-on impact with a pole, and it scored 71 per cent for its active safety assist technologies.

Top-of-the-range grade 4/KX-4 and First Edition versions are fitted with Autonomous Emergency Braking, which employs both short- and long-range radar systems so that it can detect vehicles and pedestrians at greater distances and higher speeds. The short-range radar operates at typical city speeds of up to 31mph. Between 19mph and 50mph the longer-range radar also comes into play to detect obstacles in the car's path and respond by automatically slowing the car, to a complete stop if necessary. The pedestrian detection function operates at up to 37mph.

These grades also have Blind Spot Detection to act as an extra pair of eyes for the driver when changing lanes, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert to warn a driver who is about to pull out of a perpendicular parking bay that there is a vehicle approaching at right angles. All models from grade 2/KX-2 have Lane Keep Assist System to alert a tired driver who may be about to stray into the path of a vehicle approaching from behind; High Beam Assist to switch between full and dipped beam automatically when there are other vehicles in their vicinity on unlit roads; and a Speed Limit Information function within the instrument cluster.

From grade 2/KX-2 a reversing camera is integrated with the 7.0- or 8.0-inch satellite navigation touch-screen and reversing sensors are standard, helping to minimise the chance of annoying little parking dents, and the First Edition model has a Smart Park Assist System which can identify suitable parallel and perpendicular spaces and automatically steer the car into them.

All versions have anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Brake Assist so that the car comes to rest in the shortest possible distance in an emergency, regardless of the pressure applied to the pedal by the driver. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) prevent the car from skidding in corners or when accelerating on surfaces with different levels of grip between left and right. And Hill-start Assist checks the car for two seconds when setting off on inclines to prevent it rolling backwards.

Downhill Brake Control limits the car's speed when travelling down steep or slippery off-road inclines, preventing the need for the driver to cover the brake pedal and risk losing traction. It maintains a steady speed of 5mph. And all versions have Trailer Stability Assist, which uses the ABS, ESC and VSM systems to counter-act the possibility of a caravan or trailer snaking in high winds or when the Kia Sportage is being driven at too high a speed.

Cruise control with a speed limiter is standard, while Emergency Stop Signalling flashes the high-level brake light in an emergency stop to warn the drivers of following vehicles. A Tyre Pressure Warning system ensures the driver is given advanced notice of a loss of pressure long before it could lead to sudden deflation. Cornering lights provide greater night-time vision when turning.

There are six airbags (front, front side and side curtain) as standard on all models. Seat-belt pre-tensioners reduce the forces on the wearer's chest in a collision, and ISOFIX top tethers and anchors are fitted to allow child seats to be mounted. A passenger airbag cut-off switch is standard to permit a rear-facing child seat to be carried in the front of the car.

Speed-sensing automatic door locks ensure the security of all passengers. They are automatically disabled in the event of an accident.

Improved refinement for greater passenger comfort

Acoustic comfort within the all-new Sportage benefits from a package of measures which have made the latest model quieter and more comfortable for occupants.

The increased rear cross-member stiffness, particularly in two-wheel-drive versions with the additional lower suspension link, and the new bushings have reduced the level of road noise within the cabin, assisted by floor and side panel beads which contribute towards the overall improvement in body stiffness. There are also stiffer wheels and front suspension knuckles.

More insulation has been added to the front crash box side covers and insulators as well as the dash and transmission tunnel, and there is thicker foam in the dash and wheel houses. To reduce wind noise, the windscreen and front side windows are made of thicker glass, there is better sealing around the doors, a cut-line seal has been applied to each of the door mirrors and models with a sunroof now have a dual-lip glass section. The impact of all these measures is that the Sportage is now a quieter and more relaxing car in which to travel.

TECHNOLOGY

The all-new Kia Sportage is one of the most technologically advanced cars Kia has ever launched in the UK and Europe. Depending on model, it is laden with advanced features to keep the driver and passengers connected with the outside world, to advance their comfort and convenience and to help avoid accidents.

With the exception of the entry-level 1/KX-1 grades, it comes as standard with Lane Keep Assist System, High Beam Assist and a Speed Limit Information Function.

Lane Keep Assist System uses a camera placed behind the rear-view mirror to 'film' the lane ahead of the Sportage. It then passes this information on to an electronic control unit that detects the lane and markings. If the control unit recognises that the Sportage has left its lane with no indicator activated, it issues sound and visual alerts to the driver and steers the Sportage back into its lane if necessary.

High Beam Assist adjusts the headlamp range to take into account oncoming traffic or vehicles directly ahead so that their drivers are not 'blinded' by the Kia Sportage's main beam. The Sportage driver therefore has the ideal headlamp range at all times.

The Speed Limit Information Function uses the camera behind the rear-view mirror to read traffic signs and display speed limits and no-overtaking zones in the instrument cluster.

Grades 4/KX-4 and First Edition also have as standard Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Autonomous Emergency Braking.

Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert uses sensors to monitor the sides of the Sportage and warn the driver of vehicles approaching from the left or the right. The Rear Cross Traffic Alert adds to this by monitoring difficult-to-see areas when the Sportage is exiting parking bays, using the Blind Spot Detection radar to alert the driver.

Autonomous Emergency Braking uses short- and long-wave radars to monitor the proximity of vehicles in front of the Kia Sportage. If the sensors detect an imminent collision and the driver does not respond, the brakes of the Sportage are applied automatically. The crash avoidance systems are split into three main categories:

City, which can avoid low-speed urban accidents at up to 13mph.

Inter-Urban, which operates between 31mph and 50mph, and possibly even lower.

Pedestrian, which detects pedestrians and other vulnerable road users such as cyclists at up to 37mph.

Grades 4/KX-4 and First Edition also have bi-xenon headlights with Dynamic Bending Lights. These provide particularly bright, intense lighting to aid night-time visibility, with the ability to swivel the light beam to ensure optimum lighting while cornering.

As a result of the measures taken first to prevent accidents and then to mitigate against the effects of them if they are unavoidable, the all-new Sportage has earned a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP in the ever-tougher testing regime.

Making life easier

A Smart Power Tailgate, a Wireless Charger and a Smart Parking Assist System are further standard features on the First Edition. The Smart Power Tailgate offers hands-free automatic access to the boot area as long as the driver is standing next to it with the Smart Key within detection range for at least three seconds. The boot is closed again via an electronic push-button.

The Wireless Charger, located to the front of the centre console tray, uses inductive charging to power-up the batteries of compatible electronic devices such as mobile phones.

The Smart Park Assist System recognises parallel and perpendicular spaces which are large enough for the Sportage and steers the car in, or out (only parallel spaces), while the driver operates the accelerator, brakes and gearshifter.

From grade 2 upwards, all-new Kia Sportage owners have access to a 7- or 8-inch satellite navigation touch-screen with European mapping and a Traffic Messaging Channel. These are linked to a reversing camera integrated with the navigation screen.

Kia Connected Services featuring TomTom® are accessed through the owner's smartphone, and provide live traffic updates refreshed once a minute, with suggested alternative routes to avoid congestion; weather forecasts; local searches under 500 categories from Kia dealerships and petrol stations to restaurants and supermarkets; and alerts for such things as speed cameras and accident blackspots.

Every all-new Sportage is Bluetooth-enabled for hands-free phone calls and music streaming (with voice recognition in grades 1/KX-1) and has a DAB radio with MP3 compatibility, while an eight-speaker JBL® audio system with subwoofer, external amp and front centre speaker, devised in association with audio specialists Harman, is standard from grade 3/KX-3 upwards. A rear USB charging point is also fitted from grade 3.

RANGE FINDER

With the fourth-generation Sportage, Kia is once again offering an 18-model range, but with a wider choice of powertrains, enhanced equipment and a simplified grading structure. The introduction of the GT-Line grade with the availability of a 1.6-litre T-GDI engine and seven-speed DCT gearbox increases the number of engines on offer from three to four, and the transmission alternatives from two to three. Meanwhile, there have been major advances in connectivity services and advanced driver assistance systems.

All versions powered by the 1.6-litre GDi and 1.7-litre CRDi engines are front-wheel drive, while those powered by the 1.6-litre T-GDi unit and the two 2.0-litre CRDi diesels have all-wheel drive. Trim levels are graded 1, 2, 3, 4 and GT-Line, while four-wheel-drive versions are given the KX prefix (except First Edition and GT-Line). A six-speed automatic transmission is available with both 2.0-litre CRDi engines, while the GT-Line model is exclusively available with the 7DCT gearbox as an alternative to a six-speed manual.

There is one further model at launch, the limited-run First Edition, offered solely with the higher-powered 2.0-litre CRDI engine and six-speed automatic gearbox.

From grade 2/KX-2 upwards a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen satellite navigation system with European mapping and Traffic Messaging Channel (TMC) is standard. It is linked to Kia Connected Services featuring TomTom®, giving drivers traffic, speed camera, local search and weather updates. The system also features an integrated reversing camera.

The same models also now have Speed Limit Information Function, Lane Keep Assist and High Beam Assist as standard, while grades 4/KX-4 and First Edition supplement this with Autonomous Emergency Braking and Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

Highlights of the range model by model

Even the entry-level grade 1/KX-1 is fitted as standard with 16-inch alloy wheels and all-round disc brakes, a black diamond-mesh grille with chromed surround, front foglights, LED daytime running lamps, cornering lights, chrome-coated belt-line mouldings, smart new black cloth upholstery with a grey headlining, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gearshifter, all-round electric windows, air conditioning, a DAB radio, Bluetooth with music streaming, USB and AUX ports, an LED front map light, a ventilation duct and 12-volt power outlet in the rear, Trailer Stability Assist, Hill-start Assist, Downhill Brake Control and a speed limiter added to the cruise control.

Grade 2/KX-2 expands on this with 17-inch alloys, chrome tailgate trim and exterior handles, high-gloss paint on the front grille, the 7-inch touch-screen navigation with integrated camera and connectivity services, roof rails, privacy glass on the rear side windows and tailgate, black premium cloth upholstery and powered lumbar adjustment for the driver's seat, electrically folding door mirrors with LED indicators, reversing sensors, automatic lights and wipers, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, dual automatic air conditioning with an automatic windscreen de-fog system, a cooled glovebox and the lane-keeping, automatic high-beam and speed limit information functions.

With grade 3/KX-3 there is an 8-inch navigation touch-screen, 19-inch alloys, a front wiper de-icer, black leather upholstery, a high-gloss black centre fascia, a rear USB charging point, heated front and outer rear seats, a 4.2-inch LCD Thin Film Transistor (TFT) colour information display and a JBL® premium sound system with sub-woofer, external amp and front centre speaker.

Above that, grade 4/KX-4 adds bi-xenon adaptive headlights with automatic levelling and washers, front parking sensors, a smart key entry system and engine start/stop button, stainless steel door scuff plates, a panoramic sunroof, LED rear combination lamps, an LED rear reading lamp and luggage area light, 10-way drivers and eight-way front passenger power adjustable ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel and Autonomous Emergency Braking and Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

First Edition is distinguished by Smart Parking Assist System (perpendicular, parallel and parallel exit parking), a smart powered tailgate, a wireless phone charger, metallic paint in Fusion White or Phantom Black, a 'First Edition' decal and grey and black two-tone leather upholstery.

GT-Line sits in the line-up between grades 2 and 3 and has sporty styling flourishes which mark it out as the most dynamic version of the all-new Sportage. There are exclusive 19-inch alloys, LED rear combination lamps, front parking sensors, heated front and outer rear seats, a 4.2-inch TFT instrument cluster and, with the DCT and automatic gearboxes, paddle shifters. The standard GT-Line Exterior Styling Pack adds ice-cube LED front foglights, a high-gloss black mesh grille, dual exhausts, satin chrome belt-line mouldings and door sills and silver front and rear skid plates. The Interior Styling Pack, which is also standard, introduces grey and black two-tone leather upholstery, a high-gloss black centre fascia, a black headliner, stainless steel sill scuff plates and pedals and a D-shaped leather sports steering wheel with perforated inserts and GT-Line logo.

BUILT FOR AN ACTIVE LIFE

The Kia Sportage is a car that delivers the best of all worlds. Buyers who want a stylish, sophisticated, fuel-efficient crossover with all the advantages of an SUV, but none of the disadvantages, will find all they are looking for. But there are people who need to tow, who occasionally venture off-road or who live in areas prone to extremes of weather. So, the range includes KX (First Edition and GT-Line) versions with intelligent all-wheel-drive, ensuring the Sportage can meet their requirements, too.

The electronically controlled single high-ratio four-wheel-drive system continuously monitors driving conditions and anticipates when all-wheel drive will be needed, whereas other systems react only to changing conditions. As a result, the all-new Sportage is always in the correct drive mode for the prevailing circumstances. It normally delivers 100 per cent of engine torque to the front wheels, but this can be redistributed up to a maximum of 60:40 front-to-rear. For off-road driving, owners can manually select lock mode, which gives a 50:50 torque split at speeds of up to 25mph.

All 2.0-litre CRDi models now develop increased torque across a wider portion of the rev band, giving them increased towing capacity. With the lesser-powered engine, maximum torque increases from 320Nm to 373Nm, now available all the way from 1,500 to 2,500rpm. With the higher-powered unit, peak torque is up from 383Nm in manual models or 392Nm with automatic transmission to 400Nm, and is on tap from 1,750 to 2,750rpm. As a result, the maximum towing capacity rises to a best-ever Kia Sportage figure of 2,200kg (braked) with the manual gearbox, or 1,900kg with the automatic.

The smooth low-to-mid-range torque delivery of the 2.0-litre diesel engines gives the driver minutely precise throttle control when tackling slippery or difficult terrain or when setting off with a heavy trailer, while the short front and rear overhangs allow the car to cope with relatively steep approach, departure and ramp-over angles.

Even the two-wheel-drive 1.7 CRDi and 1.6 GDi versions of the all-new Sportage have improved towing credentials. Both can pull a 1,400kg braked trailer. With the new T-GDi engine, the Sportage is capable of towing a 1,900kg trailer (braked) with the six-speed manual gearbox or one weighing 1,600kg with the 7DCT.

COST-CUTTER

Kia's ultimate goal is to decarbonise road transport completely, and the company is actively working on - and planning to market - all forms of alternative powertrain, including a hydrogen fuel cell car, before the end of the decade. But Kia is also realistic enough to know that combustion engines will be the mainstay of personal transport for many years to come, and is putting huge efforts into reducing the environmental impact of petrol and diesel power units while engineering alternatives. Kia is investing more than £6 billion and recruiting some 7,300 new research and development engineers over the next few years with this in mind.

The fruits of these efforts are clear to see in the extensively re-engineered engines offered in the all-new Kia Sportage, which deliver improved fuel economy across the board while lowering CO2 output by up to 29g/km. In some cases benefit-in-kind taxation (BIK) in the 2016-17 tax year falls by five bands, with significant savings for owners, and there are lower Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) ratings for many versions of the all-new Sportage, including £0 for all 1.7 CRDi engines for the first year.

The lower-powered 2.0-litre CRDi engine with automatic transmission, for example, now has a CO2 figure of just 154g/km whereas it was 179g/km in the previous model, while with the higher-powered version of the same engine and automatic transmission the reduction is from 189g/km to 166g/km. All versions of the 1.7-litre CRDi have CO2 of 119g/km instead of 135g/km, which means they attract only 21 per cent BIK instead of the 25 per cent it would have been with the previous engine, and fall into VED band C. That means that more than half of buyers of the all-new Sportage in the UK will benefit from considerable savings. Even the high-performance T-GDi engine in the new GT-Line delivers impressive efficiency, with fuel economy of more than 37mpg and CO2 figures of just 177g/km (manual) and an even lower 175g/km (7DCT). All engines meet EU6 emissions standards.

As with every Kia, repairability has been engineered in from the start of the design stage to keep insurance costs to a minimum, and long servicing intervals mean that most owners will need to visit a dealer only once a year. And every Sportage is covered by Kia's unique seven-year or 100,000-mile transferable warranty.

Servicing

Servicing is required every 20,000 miles (10,000 miles for the T-GDi engine) or once a year, whichever comes soonest. The Kia Sportage is available with Kia's Care-3 and Care-3 Plus servicing packages, offering retail customers fixed-cost, inflation-proof servicing for the first three or five years. All work is carried out by trained technicians using genuine Kia replacement parts and specified oils. All packages cover the car, not the owner, so are transferable should the vehicle be sold. If a vehicle with a Care-3 package is sold on the next owner may upgrade to the five-year service package.

The magnificent seven-year warranty

Kia set a new benchmark in 2007 when it launched the cee'd with an industry-best seven-year warranty. That demonstration of faith in the quality and reliability of Kia products was subsequently extended to cover every model, including the Sportage - which is built in the same Slovakian factory as the cee'd.

A major benefit is that it is transferable to subsequent owners at no charge as long as the seven-year time limit has not been reached and the mileage is below 100,000. If the car is sold when less than 18 months old or with less than 18,000 miles on the clock, the warranty is topped up to match that of a new model.

The mechanical warranty is supported by a 12-year anti-perforation warranty and a five-year paint warranty.

MANUFACTURING AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Kia's European factory at Zilina in Slovakia is the exclusive manufacturing base for versions of the all-new Sportage destined for European markets. Sportage is built alongside the stylish cee'd family and the practical and spacious Venga. Zilina passed a significant milestone in mid-2015 with the production of the one-millionth cee'd.

The story of Zilina goes back to the mid-2000s, when Kia established a policy of building cars in and for the markets where they were to be sold, wherever possible. In Europe that meant compact three- and five-door hatchbacks and an estate to compete in the most important market segment, the C-sector. But it also opened up the possibility for Kia's compact crossover, the Kia Sportage, to be made much closer to its European customer base, which was increasingly important with the growth in sales for cars of this type.

Zilina was chosen because Slovakia, which had become a member of the EU in 2004, had a history in engineering, a highly qualified workforce, a well-developed transport infrastructure, an established automotive supply chain and a national government committed to helping new businesses. Kia was given tax-breaks and land incentives by the Slovakian government and has in turn worked with the authorities for the benefit of the local community.

The local authority has established a training centre close to the plant, where Kia has provided the expertise to develop courses in such areas as computer, hybrid and welding technologies. These courses are available for all people across the region.

The factory has brought a much-needed boost to Zilina. Some 10,000 jobs have been created nearby with more than a dozen parts and components suppliers. Employment at the factory was increased to 3,900 staff when the third shift came into effect in January 2012. Zilina is now able to produce around 325,000 cars a year as well as 450,000 engines. The 2014 figures were 323,000 and 493,000 respectively, which effectively means that the plant is operating at or above its notional capacity. Zilina-built models are exported to 76 markets.

Zilina was completed ahead of schedule, and the quality of the pilot production cars towards the end of 2005 was so good that Kia took the confident decision to launch the cee'd with a seven-year, 100,000-mile transferable warranty, subject to wear-and-tear limitations. That confidence has been more than justified by the consistent quality of the cars made at Zilina.

Green from the word go

As an all-new, start-up facility, Kia was determined that Zilina would set the highest environmental standards. For Kia, environmental protection is not just about headline-grabbing tailpipe emissions figures. It encompasses every aspect of the manufacturing, distribution, sales, use and scrapping of cars. Kia was the first manufacturer in the world to establish a dedicated environmental research and development centre, at Mabuk, to the south-east of the Korean capital, Seoul. Mabuk was involved in the design and development of the Zilina plant.

Manufacturing demands and environmental responsibility do not always go hand-in-hand, but Zilina sets the highest environmental standards and became a benchmark for the European automotive industry. Even the location is environmentally important, reducing the distances that cars need to be transported. Seventy-five per cent of the parts used in the plant are sourced from Western Europe, which also helps to cut down on unnecessary transport.

The assembly shop uses revolutionary technology for improving air quality. The basic principle is that all vapours and gases are exhausted through the building's floor rather than through the roof. This new under-floor extraction system stops harmful gases from circulating at higher levels where they could be inhaled by assembly line workers or vented to the outside.

A Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO) process is used to eliminate odour and hydrocarbons in the paint drying facility. RTO is also highly efficient in terms of energy conservation, greatly contributing to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption.

New approaches and technology are used wherever possible to reduce the environmental impact of the factory and the search for cleaner and more efficient processes is on-going. Bore holes are regularly drilled to make sure that no oils or pollutants make their way into the ground, while laboratories test the waste products.

International recognition

The hard work was rewarded as early as February 2008 when Zilina was formally certified as an environmentally-friendly facility. The International Certificate of Environmental Management, or ISO 14001, recognises the detailed work put into creating a state-of-the-art energy-efficient factory.

This was quickly followed by two more awards in May of the same year. Kia Motors received international certificates which recognise the advanced environmental design and manufacturing processes at Zilina. German-based TÜV presented Kia with DFE (Design for Environment) and LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) environment certificates after rigorous inspection of the company's design and manufacturing operations.

DFE (ISO 14062) evaluates a car's environmental friendliness during its design and development, plus its recyclability. DFE also requires that the assembly plant for the car reaches ISO 14001. LCA (ISO 14040) examines the car's overall manufacturing process and its lifetime environmental impact, including choice of materials and measures to reduce fuel consumption and engine exhaust emissions.

The weatherproof factory

Zilina lies deep in the Slovakian countryside at the foot of the Tatra mountains - lovely in the summer, but in winter temperatures dip to minus -28º C. Winter lasts a full six months, which greatly influenced the layout of the plant.

The press, body, paint and final assembly shops are constructed in a square so that cars and parts do not have to go outside at any point. The engines are assembled on a factory site next door and delivered to the final line by overground tunnel. This enclosed facility means that large exterior doors are not needed. In turn this reduces the need for high levels of heating as doors are not constantly being opened and closed.

Quality control

Zilina has state-of-the-art testing facilities at every stage of production. For example, panel quality in the press shop is controlled by a unique inspection system which can recognise and evaluate, in less than one millisecond, defects according to pre-determined quality tolerance levels.

Some 20 per cent of Zilina's quality control staff have experience with other car manufacturers or suppliers. Some have returned to their home town after working at automotive manufacturing facilities elsewhere.

All cars are checked as they come off the line to make sure electrical systems and mechanical parts are working. This is followed by a drive around the factory's test track to ensure there are no squeaks or rattles. Some two per cent of production undergoes a much closer inspection using sophisticated measuring equipment to ensure that fit and finish is up to specification.

Kia devised an innovative new Rotation Dipping Painting system to ensure Zilina-built cars are totally resistant to corrosion, and that their paintwork has a uniform lustre. Bodies are rotated through a forward somersault while immersed in the paint tank to achieve this. Kia is so confident in the process that cars made at Zilina come with a five-year paint warranty and 12-year anti-perforation warranty as standard.