Currently reading: Kia launches new Sportage range-topper
Kia has added a more powerful and more luxurious variant at the top of the Sportage crossover range

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

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Overdrive 3 July 2012

0-60

With a 181 bhp engine I would've expected the 0-60 time to be a little quicker than 9.4 secs!

xxxx 3 July 2012

Overdrive wrote: With a 181

Overdrive wrote:

With a 181 bhp engine I would've expected the 0-60 time to be a little quicker than 9.4 secs!

Agree with you there, the Audi Q3 Quattro diesel with 140hp does it in 9.6 just .2 of second slower but with 41 hp less.

I remember the old days when mags tested the 0-60 times nowdays manufactures just 'fix' them, maybe Kia have been caught out!  

The Apprentice 3 July 2012

Overdrive wrote: With a 181

Overdrive wrote:

With a 181 bhp engine I would've expected the 0-60 time to be a little quicker than 9.4 secs!

And it will be, in my experience the Germans exaggerate whilst the Swedish, Japanese and Koreans understate.

 
xxxx 4 July 2012

Figures

The Apprentice wrote:

Overdrive wrote:

With a 181 bhp engine I would've expected the 0-60 time to be a little quicker than 9.4 secs!

And it will be, in my experience the Germans exaggerate whilst the Swedish, Japanese and Koreans understate.

During your "experience" what timing equipment did you use when collecting 0-60 times for Kia’s?  

 

whatdoiknow 3 July 2012

I think your fired

The Apprentice, you're fired.

As I read it, the report was only referring to this model that is only 4-wheel drive.

finecitytom 2 July 2012

mpg?

interesting to see what real life mpg turns out to be.

IIRC the the figures quoted above are higher than those for the 134bhp diesel.

That car has been reported in print and around the web as struggling to get low to mid 30s.

At this price surely an XV would be a good alternative. Proven engineering, good spec and great aftercare, although not as long a warranty.