The new Kia Sportage KX-4 will be the most powerful and luxurious version of the Korean marque's crossover, with prices starting at £27,195.
Under the bonnet, a new 181bhp version of the 2.0-litre CRDi turbodiesel engine, which originally produced 134bhp, results in a 0-60mph time of 9.4 seconds. When mated with a six-speed manual gearbox, it takes the KX-4 to a top speed of 120mph, returns a claimed 46.3mpg and produces 158g/km of C02.
The automatic version is faster, but less economical, reaching 121mph, offering 39.2mpg and emitting C02 at the rate of 189g/km.
The Sportage KX-4 gets all-round parking sensors, keyless entry, an engine start button, full leather upholstery, 18in alloys, privacy glass, satnav with a seven-inch touchscreen, xenon lights, a panoramic sunroof, climate and cruise control, heated seats and seven-speaker stereo as standard.
The Kia Sportage is only available with four-wheel drive. The manual-equipped version costs £27,195, with the automatic priced at £28,500. The entry-level model in the Sportage range, the two-wheel drive 1.6 GDi 1, is priced at £17,300. The Sportage KX-4 is on sale now.
James McKean
