Sportage SX plus – Kia Sportage has been a perennial favourite of ours for a number of years and the latest updated version is definitely the best yet. I spent a week in the SX Plus version, it’s the second top version and comes with a host of comfort and safety features.
There is a choice between a 2.0 petrol FWD version, a zippy 1.6L turbo petrol engine with AWD and a 7 Sp DCT and the familiar 2.0L turbo diesel AWD with the 8 Sp AT.
TO LISTEN TO THE SPORTAGE RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW
For my money I would immediately pass on the FWD version and would be happy with either of the AWD versions.
I drove the diesel AWD version.
Sportage is almost the ideal size, just big enough for a small family and spacious for a couple. Its, economical in either the diesel or turbo petrol versions. Kia prides themselves on their Australian tuned suspension that provides a sporty compliant ride.
While its has an appealing exterior style, its inside where the comfort becomes apparent. Focused on the driver everything just works well. There is an immediate familiarity to the Sportage that makes occupants comfortable. That’s its magic.
Sportage SX Plus Versions are priced from $41,500 through to $46,900 plus the usual costs and that’s good value
This is a Motoring Minute
I’m Rob Fraser
Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network.
Our Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners and they are also syndicated through various news sites around Australia.
Additionally Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive Radio Program, which is broadcast through the Community Radio Network across Australia
Kia Sportage Model Walk
Key FeaturesBold= New/improved feature versus QL
S
2.0 MPI 6MT FWD
(Petrol)
2.0 MPI 6AT FWD
(Petrol)
2.0 DSL 8AT AWD
(Diesel)
17” Machined Alloy Wheels
8” Touch Screen Infotainment
Basic Digital Display with 4.2” Multi-Function LCD
AM/FM Radio
6 Speaker Sound System
Wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
Multi-device Bluetooth Connectivity
Cloth Seats
LED Headlamps (MFR type)
LED Daytime Running Lights
LED Taillights (Bulb indicator & brake)
Full Size Spare Wheel
Leather Steering Wheel [L] & PVC Shift Knob
Safety[S]
Front Centre Airbag
Blind Spot Collision Assist**
Rear Cross Traffic Collision Assist**
Lane Follow Assist
Lane Keep Assist
Multi Collision Brake
AEB (Car/Ped/Cyc/Junction)
Intelligent Speed Limit Assist
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
Advanced Smart Cruise Control**
Electronic Park Brake**
Parking Sensors (Rear only)
Rear View Camera
**Not available on variants with Manual Transmissions
SX
2.0 MPI 6MT FWD
(Petrol)
2.0 MPI 6AT FWD
(Petrol)
2.0 DSL 8AT AWD
(Diesel)
18” Machined Alloy Wheels
12.3” Touch Screen Infotainment
Inbuilt Navigation
Basic Digital Display with 4.2” Multi-Function LCD
Digital Radio
6 Speaker Sound System
Wired Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
Multi-device Bluetooth Connectivity
Cloth Seats
Power Lumbar (Driver)
Rain Sensing Wipers
Dual Zone Climate Control (Front)
Auto Window Defog
Auto Up/Down Windows (Front)
LED Headlamps (MFR type)
LED Daytime Running Lights
LED Taillights (Bulb indicator & brake)
Full Size Spare Wheel
Leather Steering Wheel & Leather[L] Shift Knob
Remote Folding 2nd Row Seats
Safety[S]
Front Centre Airbag
Blind Spot Collision Assist**
Rear Cross Traffic Collision Assist**
Lane Follow Assist
Lane Keep Assist
Multi Collision Brake
AEB (Car/Ped/Cyc/Junction)
Intelligent Speed Limit Assist
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
Advanced Smart Cruise Control**
Electronic Park Brake**
Parking Sensors (Front & Rear)
Rear View Camera
**Not available on variants with Manual Transmissions
Key Features Bold= New/improved feature versus QL
SX+
2.0 MPI 6AT FWD
(Petrol)
1.6T-GDI 7DCT AWD
(Petrol)
2.0 DSL 8AT AWD
(Diesel)
19” Alloy Wheels
12.3” Touch Screen Infotainment
Inbuilt Navigation
Basic Digital Display with 4.2” Multi-Function LCD
Digital Radio
8 Speaker Harmon Kardon® Premium Sound System
Wired Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
Artificial Leather Seats with Quilted Insert
Heated Seats (Front)
Power Drivers Seat with Power Lumbar
Smart Power Tailgate
LED Front Fog lights (MFR)
Electrochromic Inside Mirror (Auto Dimming)
Smart Key with Push Button Start
Steering Wheel Paddle Shifters
Privacy Glass (Rear Doors & Tailgate)
LED Taillights (Bulb indicator & brake)
Full Size Spare Wheel
Remote Folding 2nd Row Seats
Safety[S]
Front Centre Airbag
Blind Spot Collision Assist
Rear Cross Traffic Collision Assist
Lane Follow Assist
Lane Keep Assist
Multi Collision Brake
AEB (Car/Ped/Cyc/Junction)
Intelligent Speed Limit Assist
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
Advanced Smart Cruise Control
Electronic Park Brake
Parking Sensors (Front & Rear)
Rear View Camera
GT-Line
1.6T-GDI 7DCT AWD
(Petrol)
2.0 DSL 8AT AWD
(Diesel)
19” Machined Alloy Wheels
Curved 12.3” Digital Cluster with 12.3” Touch Screen Infotainment
Digital Radio
8 Speaker Harmon Kardon® Premium Sound System
Wired Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
Inbuilt Navigation
Leather Seats[L] with Artificial Suede Upper
Driver Memory Seat
Power Passenger Seat
Heated + Ventilated Front Seats
Smart Key with Push Button Start
Dual LED Headlights
Full LED Taillights
Dial type SBW (Shift by wire)
Wireless Phone Charger
Ambient Mood Lamp
Panoramic Sunroof
LED Interior Lights
Steering Wheel Paddle Shifters
Alloy Sports Pedals
Full Size Spare Wheel
Remote Folding 2nd Row Seats
Remote Smart Park Assist[W] (Diesel only)
Safety[S]
Front Centre Airbag
Blind Spot View Monitor
Surround View Monitor
Blind Spot Collision Assist
Rear Cross Traffic Collision Assist
Parking Collision Avoidance (Reverse)
Lane Follow Assist
Lane Keep Assist
Multi Collision Brake
AEB (Car/Ped/Cyc/Junction)
Intelligent Speed Limit Assist
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
Advanced Smart Cruise Control
Electronic Park Brake
Disclaimers:
[S]Safety technologies are supplemental systems and do not replace the need for the driver to exercise care and attention.
[W] The use of this Remote Smart Park Assist (RSPA) feature does not comply with “The Road Traffic Code 2000” in WA and thus it should not be used while within Western Australia.
[L] Leather appointed may comprise of genuine leather, polyurethane and other man-made materials or a combination thereof.
Rob Fraser – General dogsbody & Director
Rob is the founder of the business. He constantly mutters something about way too many red wines one evening being to blame.
Often known for taking the 4WD in the driveway over the sports car, he has travelled pretty much everywhere in Australia and when he is bored goes for a drive.
He first learned to drive on the farm in a left hand drive WW11 Jeep when he was 11, and was hooked on 4WDriving way back then. In addition to 4WD he is an avid motoring enthusiast and has maintained a strong interest in the industry ever since his teens. He has owned way too many cars in his time as well.
Having previously lived at the top of corporate life he retired in 2000 and hasn’t put a suit and tie on since. Cars are his passion so why not have a business doing what you love he figures.
He has towed either a caravan or camper trailer to most parts of Australia, has run guided tours for camper trailers’ and instructed drivers in off road towing.
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I spent a week in the SX Plus version, it’s the second top version and comes with a host of comfort and safety features.
