Centre to this, is the Sportage’s rather limited model line-up that needed more variety in terms of specification and indeed, a more attainable entry-level variant. Secondary factors also include the relatively polarising styling of this fourth generation model, which, according to the brand, has been heavily revised.

I travelled down to the Western Cape to experience the updated Sportage range, which features a new engine, gearbox and a revised model range.

Exterior and interior makeover

While not extensive, the changes made to the exterior are in-line with current mid-life cycle updates for major automotive manufacturers. Up front, the headlamps are unchanged however the grille has received a refresh as has the housing for the front fog lamps and the front bumper.

The side profile is very much the same besides the fact that there are newly design 16, 17 and 19-inch wheel options throughout the range. At the rear, there’s a redesigned bumper and similarly shaped taillamps as before, but with a new signature. Inside, keen observers will note a new steering wheel design as well as reshaped air vents and centre fascia.

New line-up

The Sportage range was in need of a rethink in order to increase sales and market appeal. With this in mind, the South Korean brand has introduced a new engine at the entry point of the range, while adding a new gearbox to its popular 2.0-litre CRDI turbodiesel model.

In an effort to bring the average price of the Sportage down, Kia has dropped the less successful SX AWD and GT-Line models from the range too. In terms of the engine line-up, the 1.6-litre T-GDI turbo-petrol motor and the naturally aspirated 2.4-litre GDI have both been removed from the range completely, along with the 1.7-litre CRDI oil-burner.

The new entry-level motor therefore displaces 1.6-litres without forced induction, and produces 97kW/161Nm with drive going to the front wheels as indicated via a six-speed torque converter automatic transmission, meaning that the most affordable Sportage is now offered with an automatic transmission only, a clever move from the brand.

Moving up the range, the familiar 2.0-litre 115kW/196Nm naturally aspirated MPI engine does duty and is mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic ‘box. The 2.0-litre CRDI turbodiesel produces 131kW/400Nm, but is now mated to a new eight-speed automatic gearbox that Kia designed in-house.

Driving Sportage

At the national media launch, I had the opportunity to drive both the base 1.6 GDI Ignite as well as the 2.0 CRDI Ignite Plus. Hopping straight into the new base model was relatively refreshing, with all of the bases covered and an engine and gearbox that seemed up to the task of moving my colleague and I along.

I’m not convinced that the progress would be as effortless up at the Reef, with a fully loaded car, but for the price, the base model provides a good mix of spec and space.

Stepping into the Ignite Plus, the large lump of torque and the slick-shifting new auto ‘box made for effortless and relatively frugal progress, with our test route registering a figure of 6.7-litres/100km.

Spec level

Kia has updated the entry-level Ignite models to include features such as 16-inch alloy wheels, a seven-inch infotainment system with Bluetooth and USB, cruise control, a six-speaker sound system, a leather wrapped steering wheel and gear lever, rear air-conditioning vents, electric mirrors, ABS with EBD, ESC, six airbags, rear parking sensors, Hill Start Assist and Downhill Brake Control.

The Ignite Plus models get auto-folding side mirrors, an electrochromatic rear-view mirror, front fog lamps and 17-inch alloys, while the mid-range EX boasts a colour seven-inch display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Voice Recognition, push button start, automatic air-conditioning, keyless entry, a reverse camera together with front parking sensors, leather upholstery and electric front seats.

At the top-end of the range, the EX Plus gains a bigger eight-inch display complete with satellite navigation, 19-inch alloys, a rear USB port, wireless smartphone charger and a panoramic sunroof.

Verdict

After experiencing a few models in the updated range, it became clear that the Sportage still offers respectable space, refinement, quality and value within its segment, while the addition of a more attainable model along with a more appealing line-up has gone a long way to improving what remains a solid SUV offering.

Service plan and warranty

All Sportage models come standard with a five-year/unlimited mileage warranty, as well as a five-year/90 000km service plan.

Pricing

Sportage 1.6 Ignite AT - R379 995

Sportage 2.0 Ignite Plus - R389 995

Sportage 2.0 Ignite Plus AT - R403 995

Sportage 2.0 EX AT - R459 995

Sportage 2.0 EX Plus AT - R499 995

Sportage 2.0 CRDI Ignite Plus AT - R453 995

Sportage 2.0 CRDI EX AT - R509 995

Sportage 2.0 CRDI EX AWD AT - R536 995

Sportage 2.0 CRDI EX Plus AT - R549 995