Kia Motors has reached historic new heights in the US, topping an Auto Industry poll for Initial Quality.
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Kia adds Soul ‘Urban’ to range
Crossover, SUV, Motorshow, News
New Kia Niro set for European debut in Geneva
The all-new Kia Niro will make its European debut at the 2016 Geneva International Motor Show.
The low-emissions hybrid crossover marks the development of Kia’s first dedicated eco-car platform. The Niro will offer the practicality of a spacious crossover, together with the high fuel efficiency of an advanced hybrid powertrain. Engineered from the ground up as a dedicated hybrid vehicle, the car’s all-new platform has been engineered in isolation from existing Kia models, and is designed to accommodate a specific set of environmentally-conscious technologies and next-generation powertrains.
While the Niro’s hybrid powertrain – made up of a 1.6-litre GDI petrol engine, lithium-ion polymer battery pack, 32 kW electric motor and six-speed double-clutch transmission – is under development, Kia says its engineers are targeting CO2 emissions of 89 g/km.
Michael Cole, Chief Operating Officer, Kia Motors Europe, commented, “The Kia Niro will offer buyers a compelling blend of crossover practicality with the cool, modern styling for which Kia is famous, and an efficient new hybrid powertrain to keep running costs down. The Niro fills a gap in the market for a crossover with typically low hybrid emissions, and will appeal to a broad range of European buyers.”
With its aerodynamic, crossover-inspired silhouette, subtly sculptured surfaces and 'sharp, modern lines,' the Niro is still recognisable as a Kia. The new model bears the latest evolution of Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille, as well as the brand’s wide C-pillar and a series of other signature design cues.
With a relatively long bonnet, short overhangs, elevated headlamps and rising shoulder line, the Niro’s athletic crossover stance represents a shift away from other hybrid cars on the market today, says Kia. The SUV’s silhouette tapers slightly towards the rear of the vehicle, ending in a ‘subtle’ rear roof spoiler, elevated tail-lamps and a wide, squared-off rear bumper.
Designed principally for efficient aerodynamic performance, the car's body allows for a low drag coefficient of 0.29 Cd – making it more aerodynamic than many other hybrid rivals says Kia. Its relatively long wheelbase (2,700 mm) and short front and rear overhangs (870 and 785 mm, respectively) also ensure occupants enjoy ‘generous’ interior space.
The Niro occupies a new space within the brand’s model line-up in terms of its size - smaller overall than the all-new Kia Sportage, though occupying a larger footprint than the cee’d hatchback. Available with a choice of seven colours, and buyers can choose from a selection of 16- or 18-inch alloy wheel designs when it goes on sale during Q3 2016.
Prices have yet to be announced.
Kia confirms pricing for new Sportage
Kia has announced pricing and specification for the fourth-generation of its new Sportage crossover.
There are 18 variants on offer priced from £17,995 on the road and for the first time, GT-Line versions are added to the range, starting at £24,350. The flagship of the range is a luxurious First Edition model, priced at £31,645.
The new Sportage brings advances in fuel efficiency, comfort, connectivity, convenience and safety. The styling has been subtly modernised and Kia says that every model benefits from "a more premium look and feel to the interior".
There are now four engines and three transmissions with the introduction of a 1.6-litre T-GDi (turbocharged gasoline direct injection) unit and a 7DCT (seven-speed dual-clutch automatic) gearbox, both of which are reserved exclusively for GT-Line. They join re-engineered 1.6-litre GDi petrol and 1.7- and 2.0-litre turbodiesel power units with improved fuel economy and CO2 reductions of up to 29g/km, which means lower company car tax for business users.
The six trim lines are badged 1, 2, 3, 4, GT-Line and First Edition. All versions powered by the 1.6-litre GDi and 1.7-litre CRDi engines are front-wheel drive, while those powered by the 1.6-litre T-GDi unit and the two 2.0-litre CRDi diesels have all-wheel drive. Four-wheel-drive versions are distinguished by the 'KX' prefix in the model designation - except for GT-Line and First Edition versions
Kia's latest offering slots into the compact SUV/crossover sector of the market, which is expected to grow from 9.4 per cent of the total in Europe in 2015 to 10.2 per cent by 2018, with total sales for the sector predicted at 1.6 million.
The outgoing Sportage was the best-selling Kia in the UK, claiming close to 29 per cent of the company's sales.
The new car comes with a seven-year or 100,000-mile warranty, subject to certain wear and tear conditions. It is also available with Kia's Care-3 and Care-3 Plus servicing packages, offering retail customers fixed-cost servicing for three or five years.
The new Kia Sportage is on sale from February 5, 2016.
Kia scoops two iF Design Awards
Two of Kia's newest models have both won an iF Design Award.
The Kia Sportage and Optima were honoured in the ‘Automobiles/Vehicles/Bikes’ category, where the product as well as overall design quality, are considered by the independent jury, evaluating the cars on their finish, innovation, environmental impact and safety.
Since it was launched in 1953, the annual iF Design Award has become an important prize in design. The award has its origins in the ‘Formgerechte Industrieerzeugnisse’ (Good Industrial Design) product shows initiated by Germany’s Hannover Messe, and is now described as one of the world’s largest and most prestigious design competitions.
Paul Philpott, President and CEO of Kia Motors UK commented: “We are delighted to accept these awards for the all-new Kia Sportage and Optima as proof of our design teams’ consistent efforts to develop prize-winning designs. The new Sportage features a distinctive new face, and the elegant Optima saloon highlights other, different facets of Kia’s design. These are important flagship models for us, clearly demonstrating the design-led transformation of the Kia model range in recent years.”
With the latest generation of the Sportage, Kia has redesigned its compact SUV adding a ‘high quality interior’ combining ‘modern elegance with high-quality materials and practical features’. The all-new Kia Optima saloon features ‘modern surface details, sharp styling lines, and a long, lean silhouette’ giving the car an even bolder on-road presence than its predecessors.
The official presentation ceremony for the 2016 iF Design Awards will take place on 26 February 2016 at the Munich Creative Business Week.
All-new Kia Sportage
Kia has confirmed its new Kia Sportage compact SUV is set to go on sale during Q1 2016.
The five-door, five-seater compact crossover features a choice of diesel and petrol four-cylinder engines driving either the front or front and rear wheels, via six-speed manual, six-speed automatic or seven-speed double-clutch transmission – depending on model. For the first time, a new ‘GT Line’ specification is available to Sportage customers offering ‘greater visual and dynamic appeal’.
The new Sportage’s front end features the biggest change to the car’s design over the outgoing car, with Kia’s ‘tiger-nose’ grille and the car’s headlamps separated for the new model. The headlamps are now positioned higher, sweeping back along the outer edges of a ‘sharply-detailed bonnet’. A lower, wider grille – enlarged to support greater engine cooling – adds more volume to the lower half of the Sportage’s face. GT Line models develop the exterior look further with ‘ice-cube’ LED fog lamps, inspired by those found on the high-powered cee’d GT, and aluminium-effect skid plates.
At the rear, the new Sportage features more horizontal forms and features lines, with smooth bodywork on the tailgate. Inspired by the 2013 Kia Provo concept, slim combination lamps running along a horizontal parallel are joined together by a strip that runs the width of the rear, while the turn signals and reversing lights are separate, located lower down. The GT Line adds dual exhaust pipes and metal-effect rear underbody diffuser for a sportier appearance.
Available with a choice of 16-, 17- or 19-inch alloy wheel designs, the GT Line specification comes with a unique 19-inch wheel option as standard.
The fourth-generation model carries over many of the engines found in the current vehicle, with most benefitting from a ‘broad range of modifications’ to improve fuel efficiency, NVH and power delivery. A new 1.6-litre T-GDI (turbo gasoline direct injection) is also available for the first time on the Sportage, exclusively for GT Line buyers, offering a combination of 'lively performance and high fuel economy'.
The ‘Gamma’ 1.6-litre T-GDI engine is based on the same unit powering the Kia cee’d GT and pro_cee’d GT, producing 177 ps – and peak 265 Nm torque. The brand’s latest 1.6-litre T-GDI engine, producing 132 ps and 160.8 Nm torque, is carried over directly from the third-generation Sportage.
The new model will continue to offer the 115 ps 1.7-litre CRDi diesel engine, and a ‘significantly’ upgraded 2.0-litre ‘R’ power unit. This 2.0-litre turbodiesel is available with two power outputs – 136 ps with 373 Nm torque, and 185 ps with 400 Nm. Both high- and lower-powered versions of the 2.0-litre ‘R’ diesel are available both on the standard Sportage and with the GT Line specification. An all-new seven-speed double-clutch transmission (DCT) also features, recently launched in the enhanced Kia cee’d and available exclusively on models equipped with the new 177 ps 1.6-litre T-GDI engine. The DCT is capable of handling the higher torque outputs of the turbocharged engine. The range also continues to be offered with a choice of six-speed manual and automatic transmissions.
On the inside, Kia says an all-new interior represents ‘one of the most significant improvements’ over the third-generation Sportage. A wide, driver-oriented dashboard with a simple modern design blends metalwork with soft-touch materials. The fourth-generation model has an increased exterior and interior dimensions - with the most significant change to the Sportage’s dimensions is a 30 mm growth in its wheelbase. Passenger space has increased, with headroom rising for front and rear passengers respectively, while maximum legroom has expanded by 19 mm. Boot space has expanded from 465 litres to 503 litres, made more practical by a dual-height luggage floor, allowing taller items to fit into the boot and still remain hidden by the tonneau cover.
The 2016 Sportage is fitted as standard with a large number of airbags, further improving passive safety for occupants, with airbags for driver and front passenger, first row side airbags, and first and second row curtain airbags. The SUV scored a maximum possible five-star safety rating in the Euro NCAP crash performance tests.
The new model can be specified with up-to-date active hazard-avoidance technologies. Available systems will include: Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) and High Beam Assist (HBA) to name a few. Buyers can choose between 7.0- or 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment and satellite navigation systems, each supporting the addition of DAB digital radio as well as a new wireless charger for mobile devices, the first for any car in the C-SUV segment according to Kia.
Depending on market, other new available features will include: a rear-view parking camera with dynamic parking lines, a Smart Power Tailgate, which opens the tailgate automatically when the key is ‘sensed’ in close proximity to the tailgate; Dynamic Bending Headlamps, which sweep the road ahead in line with the steering wheel for greater visibility and improved safety at night; and a new Smart Welcome function, which turns on interior and door handle lamps and unfolds the door mirrors once the smart key fob is located within 1.3-1.7 metres of the door handle.
The new Kia Sportage will go on sale across Europe in Q1 of 2016 with prices yet to be confirmed.
4x4, Family Car, Motorshow, News, SUV
Kia reveals Telluride in Detroit
Kia has pulled the covers off its new Telluride SUV.
Revealed at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) the concept is a three-row, seven-passenger, luxury hybrid SUV featuring an upright shape, muscular stance, and state-of-the-art technology to care for its occupants. Based on an existing platform, the concept shows the brand’s interest in ‘potentially offering a premium SUV positioned above the current Sorento’.
The Telluride’s front doors and rear-hinged back doors swing open 90 degrees in opposing directions revealing four black-leather ‘captain’s seats’ that appear to float within the spacious cabin, in front of a folded third-row bench. The large cabin allows the middle seats to recline nearly flat and include large fold-away footrests for added comfort.
All four seats include a series of diamond-cut openings in the seatback, each embedded with Smart Sensors to capture a passenger’s vital health information. Once obtained, these vitals are displayed on the interior door panel screens, which then systematically synchronise with a Light Emitted Rejuvenation (LER) system. The LER system utilises a massive, wing-shaped LED panel mounted beneath the oversized sunroof that displays a pattern of therapeutic light to treat desynchronosis (jetlag) and improve the passengers’ energy levels.
Another new technology introduced in concept is Swipe Command – a thin, touch-sensitive, interactive band mounted to the second row centre console – which allows rear-seat passengers to quickly scroll and select desired media by simply swiping their hand. The selected media is then played either through the seven-speaker premium Harman Kardon audio system, or via a set of portable Harman Kardon headphones that wirelessly charge when stowed in the console. Up front, a compartment in the centre stack allows for wireless mobile phone charging, and Kia’s first use of 3D-printed components add a distinct, modern design element to the dashboard, door panels, and steering wheel.
The Telluride’s ‘modern and muscular’ appearance is accentuated by flared wheel arches stretching around huge 22-inch five-spoke wheels. A front fascia incorporates a much larger version of Kia’s tiger nose grille, as well as quad-LED headlamps, pronounced horizontal LED indicator lights, and a polished-metal skid plate below the bumper.
The concept is powered by an ‘extremely efficient’ PHEV powertrain, activated by a finger-print push-button start. Utilising a 3.5-litre petrol direct injected (GDI) V6 engine and powerful electric motor, the SUV’s transverse-mounted powertrain combines to produce 400 horsepower (270 horsepower from V6 and 130 horsepower from the electric motor) while achieving more than 30mpg on the motorway. Power is sent to all four wheels via an advanced all-wheel drive system.
While there are currently no plans to bring the Telluride to production, Kia says it has a history of delivering production vehicles that bear strong resemblance to a preceding concept.
4x4, Motorshow, Concept Car, SUV
Kia teases first images of Niro Hybrid
Kia has unveiled the first official images of the Niro – an all-new Hybrid Utility Vehicle (HUV) ahead of its world premiere next month.
The styling of the Niro was led by Kia’s design centres in California, USA and Namyang, Korea and incorporates the practicality of a compact SUV, with a sleek, aerodynamic body.
The teaser image reveals raised haunches and high-mounted LED taillights at the rear, with a relatively high shoulder line and shallow glasshouse creating a sporty profile.
The all-new Niro is the first model to be based on Kia’s new dedicated eco-car platform, and the HUV is expected to achieve a sub-90 g/km CO2 emissions rating (combined, based on the New European Driving Cycle) thanks to its all-new downsized gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain.
The Niro HUV will be unveiled to the world for the first time at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show in February.
Concept Car, Family Car, Motorshow, News
Kia to unveil all-new SUV concept in Detroit
Kia will reveal a brand new concept car at the 2016 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.
Conceived at the Korean carmaker’s California design studio, the concept features advanced technology – including state-of-the-art health-and-wellness technology – and takes Kia’s design language in a new direction, hinting at the styling of a possible future premium large SUV in the brand’s line-up.
Kia says that there are currently no plans for the concept to enter immediate production and decisions on which markets may receive a future production version will be made in due course.
The Detroit Auto Show opens its doors on January 11, 2016.
SUV, News, Events, Family Car
X-Men inspired Kia Sportage created ahead of Apocalypse
Kia is to unveil a special, one-off X-Men-inspired Sportage as part of its ongoing collaboration with Twentieth Century Fox and the X-Men movie franchise.
The 2nd generation Kia X-Car has been created to promote the new X-Men: Apocalypse film and Kia’s sponsorship of the Australian Open 2016 tennis championship.
Inspired by X-Men character Mystique, the 2nd generation Kia X-Car mimics the appearance and powers of the famous shape-shifter. X-Men fans are invited to watch the X-Car shape-shift in a special on-line video starring Kia’s ‘superhuman’ global brand ambassador Rafael Nadal by visiting https://www.allaboutsportage.com/ from 4 January, 2016.
The Sportage, driven by Nadal in his efforts to take on the X-Men’s arch-villain Apocalypse, transforms from its standard state into custom-designed bodywork with a special textured matte and gloss blue paint finish, racing wheels and tyres along with red and yellow bodywork highlights.
Ahead of the X-Men: Apocalypse’s global release in cinemas in May 2016, the brand will take the covers off the new car before the start of the Australian Open in January in Melbourne, where it will remain on public display throughout the tournament (18-31 January) before making appearances at various international motor shows and fan events in the run up to the film’s premiere.
The Sportage-based Kia X-Car is the company’s second show car project in collaboration with Fox, following the Wolverine-inspired Sorento that was shown at the Australian Open 2015 earlier this year.
The all-new Kia Sportage was revealed earlier this year, featuring an all-new exterior design, a host of advanced new technologies and enhanced quality. It is set to go on sale in early 2016.
Diesel, Hybrid, Family Car, Saloon
Kia confirms all-new Optima pricing and spec
Kia has revealed its all-new Optima will cost from £21,495 OTR.
On sale from today there are four versions available, all powered by an upgraded EU6 version of Kia's 1.7-litre CRDi turbodiesel engine, now paired with either a six-speed manual or a new seven-speed (7DCT) dual-clutch auto transmission.
The 1.7-litre CRDi turbodiesel engine develops an improved 139bhp and increased torque of 340Nm. This represents increases of 5bhp and 15Nm over the previous version. With the Idle Stop & Go (ISG) engine stop/start system as standard, CO2 emissions of manual models are 14 per cent lower at 110g/km, while fuel economy improves to 67.3mpg. An even bigger improvement, says Kia, is the new 7DCT dual-clutch auto gearbox, which replaces the previous six-speed torque converter unit. Emissions drop by 25 per cent, to 116g/km, while fuel economy is now 64.2mpg.
As a result, benefit-in-kind taxation in manuals falls by three tax bands, while for the 7DCT the reduction is 42g/km and eight tax bands. With fuel consumption improved by almost 10mpg for manual models and more than 17mpg for the 7DCT automatics, fleet running costs will be 'dramatically lower'.
A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Optima, offering a commuter-friendly all-electric drive range with even lower emissions and greater taxation advantages, will be added later in 2016.
The first car in its class with a wireless charger for mobile devices, located in the base of the centre console, the Optima is also available with a 360-degree Around View Monitor for a bird's-eye view when manoeuvring, while a Smart Park Assist System automatically steers the car in and out of parallel or perpendicular parking slots.
There are initially three trim levels - badged 2, 3 and 4 - with GT-Line and GT versions to be added later in 2016. All versions are 'extensively equipped'. ISG - Kia's fuel-saving, emissions-reducing engine stop/start system, is standard.
Prices range from £21,495 OTR for the 1.7 CRDi 6-speed manual ISG 2 to £28,895 for the 1.7 CRDi 7-speed DCT ISG 4.
Kia confirms new Niro hybrid
Kia has announced plans for an all-new low emissions vehicle - the Niro.
Representing a new concept from the Korean car brand, the Niro marks the development of Kia's first dedicated eco-car platform, engineered from the ground up as a hybrid vehicle. The new car will maintain 'all the practicality and appeal of a compact SUV, while offering greater fuel economy'.
The Niro's all-new platform has been engineered in isolation from existing Kia models, and is designed to accommodate a specific set of environmentally-conscious technologies and next-generation powertrains.
Hyoung-Keun Lee, Vice Chairman & CEO, Kia Motors Corporation, commented, "Our new model is designed to offer buyers everything they could want from a compact SUV in terms of practicality and styling, while providing the typically low running costs associated with a dedicated hybrid powertrain. By encouraging our engineers to take a 'blank canvas' approach, we have tried to develop a car that will appeal to a broader range of consumers."
The SUV will feature a brand new design, with a 'sporty, aerodynamic body', subtly sculptured surfaces and styling details finishing off the car's modern new look. It will however carrying forward the company's signature 'tiger-nose' grille and a series of other design cues from the latest Kia products. The long wheelbase minimises the size of the front and rear overhangs, while ensuring occupants enjoy the maximum possible interior space.
The main focus of the engineering team was to deliver 'class-leading fuel economy' in the compact SUV segment. The Niro has a target CO2 emissions rating of under 90 g/km (combined, based on the New European Driving Cycle).
The car will achieve its ultra-low emissions levels with a downsized hybrid powertrain, pairing Kia's 1.6-litre 'Kappa' petrol direct injection (GDI) engine (105 ps power output and 147 Nm of torque) with a 1.56 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack and 32 kW electric motor. The powertrain's combined power output and torque will be applied to the road through a 'highly-efficient' six-speed double-clutch transmission. A plug-in hybrid powertrain is due to be added to the car's line-up later in its life-cycle.
The Kia Niro is due to be unveiled next year, with production scheduled to start in late 2016.
Kia cee'd gets new powertrains
The Kia cee'd family has become the first range to be fitted with the company's advanced new powertrains.
All-new Kia Sportage set for Frankfurt debut
Kia has revealed exterior images of the all-new Sportage, ahead of a global debut in Frankfurt.
Entering its fourth-generation, the new Sportage features a 'bold, progressive design'. Kia says the new model is inspired by the smooth and sharp shapes found on some of the most iconic modern fighter jets, and that the Sportage creates 'visual harmony out of the tension between sharp, defined feature lines and smooth surfacing'.
The face of the new Sportage represents the biggest change to the car's design, with the headlamps no longer integrated with the grille for the new model, instead sweeping back along the outer edges of the more sharply-detailed bonnet and bolder wheel arches. The Sportage's lower, wider 'tiger-nose' grille adds more volume, resulting in what Kia describes as a more imposing appearance and a more stable-looking stance.
The new model retains the swept-back silhouette of the outgoing Sportage, with a roofline that tapers slightly towards the rear of the car, longer front overhangs, shorter rear overhangs and longer wheelbase. At the rear, the horizontal forms and surface volume 'emphasise the car's width', while slim combination lamps are joined by a strip that runs the width of the rear, inspired by the 2013 Kia Provo concept car. Turn signals and reversing lights are separated, relocated lower down to add more 'visual weight and a greater sense of stability' to the lower half of the car.
The Frankfurt International Motor Show runs from 17-27 September 2015.
Kia previews all-new Optima
All-new Kia Sportage set for Frankfurt debut
Kia has confirmed its all-new Sportage will be unveiled at 2015 Frankfurt International Motor Show.
Featuring new, 'dynamic styling' Kia also describes the interior of the 2015 Sportage as its most refined high-quality cabin yet.
The fourth-generation Sportage features a bold, progressive design which 'exudes power and agility from every angle' says the South Korean manufacturer, adding that the compact SUV's styling 'creates visual harmony out of the tension between bold, precise feature lines and dramatically-sculptured bodywork'.
Inside, the SUV combines simple, modern style and rich material quality with the styling led by the brand's European design centre - located in Frankfurt.
Kia will pull the covers off the new Sportage on 15 September.
Kia adds 'Chilli' Picanto models
Kia has added two sporty 'Chilli' models to its Picanto range.
The Chilli variants are part of the Picanto Originals series, which Kia describes as a 'rolling programme of high-specification, value-priced models' changed at frequent intervals to offer buyers something out of the ordinary.
Sitting above the SR7 grade in the range, the Chilli models are available with either a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic. Both are three-door cars powered by a EU6-compliant 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine developing 84bhp and 120Nm (89lb ft) of torque, with economy and emissions figures of 61.4mpg and 106g/km with the five-speed manual gearbox, or 50.4mpg and 130g/km with the four-speed automatic.
Offering a high specification for a mid-range price, they have been enhanced with new front and rear bumpers and a twin exhaust tailpipe. There are also additional side sill mouldings painted to match the body colour. The Chilli models are finished in red, black or white paintwork and run on sporty five-barrel 15-inch alloy wheels shod with 175/50 tyres.
An equally sporty interior features seats in black faux leather with 'striking' red and grey cloth cushions and backrests to match the inserts on the doors. There are aluminium pedals with non-slip rubber pads, while the centre fascia, steering wheel bezel and gearshifter top are finished in Gloss Black.
The Chilli versions are the first Picantos to be fitted with satellite navigation including European mapping, similar to the system found in Kia's Rio and Venga ranges. This is linked to a seven-inch touchscreen and includes a reversing camera while a six-speaker audio system is also standard.
On sale now, pricing for the Picanto Chilli start at £11,495 OTR for the 1.2, 5-speed manual and £12,095 OTR for the 1.2, 4-speed auto.
Kia Sportage Axis Limited Edition
Kia has released a Sportage Axis Edition - a limited-run model of only 1,200 units.
The special edition SUV has been styled and equipped 'to provide retail and fleet customers with many of the features of a high-grade Sportage for a mid-range price'.
Available with a choice of two powertrains - a 1.6-litre GDi direct-injection petrol unit develops 133bhp and 165Nm of torque, and when mated to the ISG has a combined fuel economy of 44.1mpg and CO2 emissions of 149g/km. The 1.7-litre common-rail turbodiesel which develops 114bhp and 260Nm or torque features a 0-60mph time of 11.9 seconds, while combined fuel economy is 54.4mpg and CO2 emissions are 135g/km. Both are front-wheel-drive models featuring a six-speed manual transmission linked to Kia's Intelligent Stop & Go (ISG) engine stop-start system to save fuel and eliminate emissions when idling in traffic.
The standard colour is solid Arctic White, but buyers are able to opt for one of three metallic finishes - Phantom Black, Fusion White or Dark Gun Metal - for an extra £525. The Axis Edition sit between trim grades '2' and '3' in the range, but includes many of the features found higher in the line-up, says Kia. The black gloss arrow mesh radiator grille with chrome surround, LED daytime running lamps and rear LED combination lamps and the roof-mounted 'shark's fin' antenna deliver a 'premium look' while automatic headlight control are included in the lighting package, as well as electric folding door mirrors with LED indicators. The Axis Edition is also fitted with the same 17-inch light alloy wheels and 225/60 R17 tyres found on Sportage '2' and 'KX-2' grades.
The interior is upholstered in unique black leather with contrasting grey Dinamica microfiber inserts. This is complemented by the light grey door inserts unique to the Axis Edition. Kia says the 'premium look' of the interior is enhanced by black headlining, black B and C pillar coverings and black sun visors, grab handles and map light switches. Privacy glass and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror are other luxury flourishes fitted as standard. 'Axis Edition' logos are applied to the outer C pillars.
The limited edition Sportage's specification features a seven-speaker Infinity high-end sound system incorporating a subwoofer and external amp. This includes an AM/FM radio, CD player, USB and AUX sockets and iPod connectivity. Bluetooth music streaming and hands-free phone operation are also supported, with voice control in any of ten languages. The Axis Edition models also come with a seven-inch touchscreen satellite navigation system including full UK postcode recognition and European mapping for 44 countries. The system includes TMC traffic messaging with a detour function, motorway junction views, lane guidance and a speed limit alert. It allows the driver to input quick, short and economy routes. A reversing camera with views displayed in the touchscreen is an additional useful feature built into the system.
Prices for the Kia Sportage Axis Edition start at £20,995 for the 1.6 GDi ISG and £22,395 for the 1.7 CRDi ISG.