Kia Sportage goes from strength to strength with new 2014 model
Since its launch in 2010 the Kia Sportage has proved itself as a car to be reckoned with in the crossover sector, selling over 20,800 models in 2013 and 47,064 since its launch in the UK. The 2014 Sportage is available to pre-order now and available in showrooms from February.
Kia’s designers have added a package of styling and equipment upgrades to its crossover to keep it at the forefront of this booming market sector. The Sportage is Kia’s best-selling model in the UK, claiming around a quarter of the company’s sales. That success is set to continue with the enhancements added for the 2014 model year.
Ian Mathews Head of Product Planning, Kia Motors UK Ltd, commenting on the 2014 Sportage model said; “With the adage ‘if it ain’t broke..’ at the back of our minds we looked carefully at what changes to make to the line-up for the 2014 Sportage to ensure that what customers love about their cars is kept and for enhancements to the line-up to add appeal and diversity.
“We’ve listened to our dealers and customers and by adding more engine options at the entry and top-of-the-range as well as incorporating new technologies such as Trailer Stability Assist across all models we are taking standard specification levels to those expected on premium brands”
An even more polished appearance
From the outset the Sportage has been winning friends and influencing people with its stunning appearance.
The 2014 line up is based on the outgoing models trim designation with added specifications and design elements. There are enhanced versions of Kia’s ‘tiger-nosed’ grille across the range with upgrades from painted to chrome surrounds as well as new styling to the central radiator mesh design.
The rear combination lights have evolved from the previous model, offering enhanced illumination and, therefore, better visibility to other road users. The whole unit, including the section mounted on the boot lid, is now lit through the tail-light functionality. LED lighting to further enhance night-time presence and premium appearance has been added to top end models. High end grades are now also fitted with a shark-fin antenna mounted on the rear of the roof – another small but important addition that accentuates the exterior of the car.
To finish off the exterior changes new-style 16-inch, 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels have been fitted to all grades. The Sportage comes as standard with a full-size spare wheel.
Inside, a new soft ‘nano’ paint finish has been added to the dashboard and centre console and there is now centre console illumination and soft-touch upper door trims. All are further indications of the importance Kia places on quality. The door-mounted audio tweeters have been repositioned to enhance sound quality.
A heated steering wheel and a 6-way power adjustable driver’s seat have been added to top spec models. New folding keys and, on models with an engine start/stop button, a smart key are further quality improvements to the range.
Superior instrumentation and audio
New-style instrumentation is yet another indicator of Kia’s unstinting efforts to raise quality. A 4.2-inch TFT LCD supervision cluster is mounted between the recessed dials of the newly designed dual-bezel instrument display has been added to selected grades. The supervision cluster incorporates trip information, outdoor temperature, information about the chosen Flex Steer modes, a gear shift indicator on manual versions and the Parallel Park Assist functionality on models where it is fitted.
Selected models have a new 4.3-inch TFT LCD colour touch-screen audio system with an integrated rear-view camera display helping owners when reversing or parking. Sat nav versions have a 7-inch colour touch-screen with mapping for 44 European countries, full UK postcode recognition, traffic messaging with a detour function, motorway junction views, lane guidance, speed limit warnings and multi-route planning fitted as standard.
An Infinity premium audio system, available on Sportage for the first time and previously seen on Optima models, is fitted to higher grades. With seven speakers, including a sub-woofer mounted in the right-hand rear of the cabin it has been tuned to provide outstanding sound quality under all conditions.
Improved safety and driving dynamics
The Sportage now features improved windscreen glass to help minimise levels of ambient noise entering its already quiet cabin. Kia’s Flex Steer system, another addition for the 2014 model year is fitted to selected models. This allows the driver to choose between three different levels of power assistance according to preference and where the car is being driven. Comfort mode provides increased help for parking or manoeuvring in tight areas, for example, while Sport lessens the assistance for increased feel and stability at higher speeds. There is also a Normal setting.
All versions now have Trailer Stability Assist to help make towing safer. It works through the Electronic Stability Control system, 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.
A Tyre Pressure Monitoring System is now standard to alert the driver to any significant under-inflation via an illuminated icon in the instrument cluster.
Engines – no change but more choice
Two new variants at the top and bottom have been added to the 16 car line up to further broaden the appeal to customers – an all-wheel drive 2.0 CRDi entry level and the 1.7 CRDi turbodiesel is an option on the top spec two-wheel drive model.
The 1.6-litre direct-injection petrol unit and 1.7-litre turbodiesel made their debuts in the Sportage and are the mainstays of the range in the UK. They come as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, while with the 2.0-litre engines buyers are offered the choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. The Dymax intelligent all-wheel-drive system is standard on every 2.0-litre model.
Kia engineers conducted final testing on UK roads to ensure that the all-independent suspension delivers agile and safe handling and an absorbent and comfortable ride, despite the unique, challenging demands that British roads present.
Warranty and after-care
In keeping with every Kia, the Sportage comes with the company’s industry leading seven-year or 100,000-mile warranty, subject to certain wear and tear conditions. It is fully transferable should the car be sold before the time or mileage limits have been reached.
The Sportage is available with Kia’s Care-3 and Care-3 Plus servicing package, 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.
