The Kia Sportage has been upgraded with a new ‘GT-line S’ trim, a ‘KX-5’ model and a 1.7 DCT diesel powertrain.

The ‘GT-Line S’ provides the looks and styling of the GT-Line with a number of ‘high level’ specification items to add further appeal. It 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 include a heated steering wheel, headlamp washers, bi-xenon headlamps, smart park assist system plus much more.

Replacing the ‘First Edition’ is a KX-5 model. This is a range-topping, highly specified model that Kia says ‘showcases the full extent of technology that the Sportage range has to offer’. It’s available with a 2.0 CRDi engine and 6-speed automatic transmission and comes with a two-tone leather upholstery, electronic parking brake, wireless phone charging 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. Kia says this improves the MPG and lowers the CO2 when compared to traditional automatics. The 2017 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.