Kia adds two new trim levels to the ever popular Sportage SUV model.

• Introduction of a ‘GT Line S’ and ‘KX-5’ model.
• 1.7 CRDi engine with a 7-speed auto DCT on ‘2’ and ‘3’ grades.
• Upgrades to paint options and the multimedia system including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

December brings new changes to the all-new Sportage. The model, launched in February 2016, has had a huge 35,000 sold since then.

As well as the introduction of a ‘GT-line S’ model, a ‘KX-5’ version and a 1.7 DCT powertrain are now available. An updated multimedia system and new paint options have been added to the line-up. 

This means 2017 is set to be an exciting year for Sportage customers and the Korean car manufacturer hopes they will continue the Sportage’s popularity well into 2017.

‘GT-Line’ on Sportage has proved to be a big success in its first year, and now the range sees an even higher specification, the ‘GT-Line S’. 

This will provide the looks and styling of the GT-Line with a number of high level specification items to add further appeal to the line-up. The ‘GT-Line S’ will be paired with the high powered 2.0 CRDi 6-speed auto and the 1.6 T-GDi 7-speed auto DCT powertrains. 

Additions also include a heated steering wheel, headlamp washers, bi-xenon headlamps, smart park assist system plus much more.

Replacing the ‘First Edition’ is the KX-5. This is a range-topping high end, highly specified model that showcases the full extent of technology that the Sportage range has to offer, available with a 2.0 CRDi engine and 6-speed automatic transmission.  It features two-tone leather upholstery, electronic parking brake, wireless phone charging plus much more over the KX-4.

On ‘2’ and ‘3’ grades, the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) paired with the 1.7 CRDi engine will be available. This improves the MPG and lowers the CO₂ when compared to traditional automatics. MY17 Sportage also has an upgraded multimedia system from the ‘2’ grade and above offering a number of key improvements such as 3D Mapping, SD map updates, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

As for the updated paint strategy, customers can choose whether to have Standard at no additional cost or Optional and Premium paint colours, for which the price will vary accordingly.