A brand new look to align with the remainder of their line-up, an extended physique blended with a contemporary and athletic type, and an aggressive entrance and rear – the 2022 Kia Sportage S is right here to set new benchmarks within the medium SUV house.
The S is the entry degree Sportage, adopted by the SX, the SX+ and the range-topping GT-Line. All 4 trims can be found in a petroleum or diesel variant, with ours, a Dawning Purple colored gasoline providing with an computerized transmission, making us do a double take.
At first look, the styling can virtually be described as out of this world. It’s a glance you’d anticipate on an idea automobile. In comparison with the earlier technology, it’s arduous to consider they carry the identical Sportage badge.
The brand new Kia emblem on the back and front, in addition to the Sportage within the accompanying font, pop immediately. It’s a very good look. The 17-inch wheels nevertheless, with the bigger profile tyre to compensate for rolling diameter, appears a lot too small within the large wheel wells.
Boomerang formed DRLs that arch across the headlight housing add to the aesthetic, whereas inside, you’re greeted by a pleasant leather-based steering wheel. Sadly, the S is the bottom spec so you may’t anticipate a sea of the stuff – it’s all snug fabric trim right here.
Behind the wheel, you’ve bought an 8.0-inch instrument cluster, with an adjoining 8.0-inch media unit. Larger spec Sportage variants provide a twin 12.3-inch setup.
The instrument cluster works nicely although, and has all the data you’d want when driving. The tacho and speedo are each digital and all of the settings could be managed from the steering wheel.
The infotainment system feels a tad dated however does characteristic wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Satellite tv for pc navigation has nevertheless been kicked to the kerb within the S, so that you’ll must depend on your smartphone to not get misplaced.
Aside from that, the cabin is pretty minimalist in design, with the one different buttons and dials being the local weather controls, parking sensors and digital camera, in addition to hill descent and auto maintain. There are clean button covers right here and there, which cheapens the expertise.
The Sportage S is powered by a 2.0-litre inline 4-cylinder producing 115kW and 192Nm of torque. A small turbocharger would make a giant distinction right here however you’re not trying on the S for efficiency – let’s be sincere.
That is mated to a 6-speed standard torque converter computerized gearbox which is kind of easy and rows by the gears nicely. There aren’t any flappy paddles, so that you’ll must let the automobile do all of the shifting be just right for you.
There’s loads of house although, so that you received’t be worrying about legroom or headroom within the Sportage S. We even had sufficient house within the second row to position a rear-facing little one seat with out compromising the seating place within the entrance.
Practicality is one among this automobile’s robust factors, with a 543-litre boot, which could be prolonged to 1829-litres with the second row folded down. If that doesn’t get you going, there are two cup holders entrance and rear, with bottle holders in all 4 doorways.
Security comes within the type of autonomous emergency braking, rear cross site visitors alerts, blind spot monitoring, and lane preserve and steering help, amongst others. There’s two ISOFIX anchor factors and three high tether factors as nicely.
You get loads of automobile too at $28,390 excluding on-road prices. It might not be the quickest factor on the highway, however it’ll get you the place it’s essential to go comfortably. As an added bonus, it appears a bit of like a spaceship.
Kia provide a 7-year limitless kilometre guarantee on high of a ridiculously good value level, so when you’re on the hunt for a mid-sized SUV that will get the job carried out, you’ve discovered it. You’ll be able to construct your personal on the Kia Australia web site, or go to PriceMyCar for the perfect value.
Our 2022 KIA Sportage S (2.0L Petrol) was provided by KIA Australia. To seek out out extra, contact your native KIA vendor. Footage courtesy of J_Hui Design / Pictures.
