AEB, Lane Keep Assist standard on 2018 Kia Sportage range

Two years after its local launch, Kia Australia has given its 2018 Sportage a mild facelift, better refinement and enhanced safety equipment.

Available in four trim levels – Si, Si Premium, SLi and GT-Line – and a choice of three engines, the Si, Si Premium and SLi are motivated by a 114kW/192Nm 2.0-litre MPI engine, while the GT-Line is powered by a 135kW/237Nm 2.4-litre GDI. A 136kW/400Nm 2.0-litre diesel is offered on all variants.

All petrol models feature a six-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels, with the GT-Line gaining an on-demand all-wheel drive system. Diesel models also feature the same all-wheel drive system but now benefit from Kia’s 8-speed automatic gearbox.

AEB with Forward Collision Warning and Lane Keeping Assist are now standard across the range, along with High Beam Assist.

Standard features on the entry-level Si include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, engine immobiliser, remote central locking, 6-way adjustable driver’s seat, 6-speaker audio unit, cloth trim seats, rain sensing wipers, cruise control, power windows front and rear, Bluetooth functionality, 2.0-litre MPi engine or 2.0-litre CRDi engine, 6-speed automatic on petrol and 8-speed on diesel and 17-inch alloys with 225/60 R17 tyres.

The Si Premium adds satellite navigation, front parking sensors, LED running lights, 18-inch alloys with 225/55 R18 rubber, 8-inch touch screen infotainment centre, DAB digital radio, 8-speaker JBL premium sound system and 10-year Mapcare and SUNA Traffic monitoring.

Step up to the SLi and you can add a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, smart key with push button start, leather appointed seats, 10-way driver adjustable seat, LED rear combination lamps, electronic parking brake and 18-inch alloys wheel with 225/55 R18 tyres,

At the top of the grade the GT-Line models include Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, 8-way power front passenger seat, Intelligent Parking Assist System, LED fog lights, GT-Line sports pack (bumpers, side sill and grille), panoramic sunroof, flat-bottomed sports wheel with gear-shift paddles, wireless phone charging, heated and ventilated front seats, hands-free power tailgate, Advanced Smart Cruise Control, 19-inch alloys with 245/45 R19 rubber and LED headlights with auto levelling.

On the styling front, the 2018 Kia Sportage receives revised rear styling featuring redesigned taillights that promote a more integrated lighting cluster and improve brake light visibility.

At the front, the signature Tiger Nose grille has a more angular surround that complements the updated front bumper, while the GT-Line’s HID headlights make way for a full LED cluster. The fog lamp aperture on the Si and Si Premium also gets sharper lines for a sportier, more aggressive look.

Inside, the interior features higher quality materials, with a high proportion of soft-touch materials. The GT Line cars will be available with standard black leather-appointed seats while a two-tone gray interior treatment is available as a no-cost option when linked to the Snow White Pearl, Sparkling Silver, Mercury Blue or Cherry Black exteriors.

Kia has also made improvement to the Sportage’s NVH for better refinement and comfort.

Pricing (Excluding on-road costs)