Kia is launching a new top-of-the-range ‘KX-4’ version of the Sportage that features a higher output turbodiesel priced at £27,195 for the manual and £28,500 for the automatic.

The Sportage ‘KX-4’ uses an 181bhp version of Kia’s 2.0-litre CRDi turbodiesel engine mated to a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions and an intelligent all-wheel drive system.

The Sportage launched in September 2010 and Kia dealers have sold over 18,000 so far in the UK.

The Sportage ‘KX-4’ builds on the specification of the ‘KX-3 Sat Nav’ by adding a parallel parking assist , keyless smart entry and engine stop/start button and stainless steel door scuff plates.

Standard equipment also includes leather upholstery, 18-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, seven-inch touchscreen satellite navigation system with EU mapping, Xenon lights, automatic lights and wipers, panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, heated front and rear seats, cruise control, iPod connectivity, colour reversing camera and a seven-speaker stereo complete with external amplifier and subwoofer.

The ‘KX-4’ completes the 0-60mph dash in 9.4 seconds and, when fitted with the six-speed manual transmission, top speed is 120mph, CO2 emissions are 158g/km and 46.3mpg is possible.

The six-speed automatic has a top speed of 121mph whilst the CO2 emissions are 189g/km and the official fuel efficiency figure is 39.2mpg. Both ‘KX-4’ versions fall into insurance category 19.

The ‘KX-4’ is only available in all-wheel drive (AWD).