Prices announced for new Kia Sportage

Prices for the revised model, which goes on sale in the UK from January, start at £14,495.

The Sportage will be offered with a choice of three engines, two transmissions and two equipment levels. For the first time there will be a diesel engine option available coupled with an automatic transmission with manual mode.

Safety equipment includes twin front airbags as well as front side and curtain airbags fitted as standard, as are anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, traction control system, front seatbelt pre-tensioners with load limiters and 3-point rear seatbelts for all passengers.

Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is standard on XS models.

The three engines on offer will be a: 2.0-litre CRDi diesel, 2.0-litre 16-valve CVVT petrol and the 2.7-litre V6 petrol. All models incorporate Kia’s 4x4 system with Active Torque Transfer which progressively transfers drive from front-only to all four wheels if slippage is detected. In severe conditions 4WD can be manually engaged to override the programme.

Kia plans to sell just over 4,000 Sportages in 2005 achieving a 5% share of the sector by the end of the year.

Pricing & Insurance Groups