Kia Sportage ‘KX-4’ captures the eye of UK audience

The Kia Sportage is soon to be joined by the new top-of-the-range ‘KX-4’, which boasts the most luxurious specifications that Kia has released and features a higher output turbodiesel engine.

A 181bhp version of Kia’s 2.0-litre CRDi turbodiesel engine can be accompanied by either a six-speed automatic transmission or six-speed manual, as well as an All-Wheel Drive system.

The Sportage ‘KX-4’ has a Parallel Parking Assist System which comes with all-round parking sensors, engine stop/start button, colour reversing camera stainless steel door scuff plates and a keyless smart entry system.

18-inch alloy wheels, full leather upholstery, privacy glass, Xenon lights, seven-inch touchscreen satellite navigation system with EU mapping, automatic lights and wipers, iPod connectivity, cruise control, panoramic sunroof and heated front and rear seats accompany the car’s standard features.

The new higher output 2.0-litre CRDi ‘R’ powerplant is unique to the Sportage ‘KX-4’ and from 1,800 rpm to 2,500rpm in manual form it develops 181bhp at 4,000 rpm and 383Nm of torque. The automatic model develops 392Nm.

The model has undergone a 47bhp increase thanks to a new variable geometry turbocharger, software mapping and higher pressure piezo injectors.

The Kia ‘KX-4’ sprints to 60mph in 9.4 seconds. The six-speed manual transmission model has a top speed of 120mph, emits 158g/km and returns 46.3mpg on the combined cycle.

The six-speed automatic model has a top speed of 121mph, emits 189g/km of CO2 emissions and on the official combined cycle returns 39.2mpg.

The two ‘KX-4’ models are categorised into insurance group 19. Unlike trim levels ‘1’,’2’,’3’ and ‘3 Sat Nav’, which offer drivers the choice of two wheel drive and All-wheel-drive (AWD), the ‘KX-4’ is only available in AWD.

100 percent of engine torque is usually delivered to the front wheels from the AWD system, but to enhance stability the torque can be redistributed to a maximum of 60:40 front-to-rear.

Written by David Sargant