Bucket Seat: KIA Sportage Diesel

As most of you know, I was given the opportunity to get acquainted with the new KIA Sportage over the December break and while I loved that car to bits, I said what would make it even better was the introduction of a diesel motor to the line-up. Now I'm not saying they took my advice as they probably had this pre-planned but they recently introduced their 1.6L turbodiesel engine in three trims to the KIA Sportage line-up, namely, the LX, EX and GT-Line Plus. I had was given the GT-Line Plus model to spin around the east coast for a week, to see if my assumptions were true about adding a diesel option to their line up and while I don't want to seem smug, I will go through this review limiting my smugness over this car and what it has to offer. 

DESIGN

It's just a change in engine so the great KIA futuristic design remains the same, it's quite different from the rest of the KIA line up and to be honest, I quite like how it stems away from the generic SUV look that the current segment has with the competitors. The boomerang LED daytime running lights are a great design feature that give the car more dimension and has many offshoots from it, like housing the main headlamps, linking the slim line grille and contouring the lines from the bonnet and bottom half of the bumper. It also looks from its profile as the starting point of the cars design. KIA's wheel design also is big and bold with large flat surface which does add structural stability to the wheel but also looks great at the same time. The interior is probably one of my favourite from a lot of brands let alone the SUV segment. From the layout to the material choices, it just makes sense and looks the part too. 

PERFORMANCE

Getting to the crux of the matter, that 1.6-litre turbo diesel motor, the 4-cylinder unit that is mated to a 7-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox produces 100kW of power and 320Nm of torque. The GTLine Plus model that I had came with paddle shifts on the steering. That, for a mid-sized family SUV is the perfect power production and will really blossom on the open roads. Urban driving, of which I did a lot of isn't too bad, as with me it was mainly going to work and back as well as the odd trip to go shopping and enjoy some recreational time with it gave me an average fuel consumption of about 7.3 litres per 100km. Looking at the brochure, KIA claim the Sportage diesel can give you 4.9 litres per 100km, this is probably done under ideal conditions but coming back to my first statement about where you'd really see the beauty of this engine on long distance trips. With good driving, one could easily get over 1000km on a single tank of juice with the Sportage. This with a full cabin and luggage in the boot. I was a bit disappointed to see KIA opting to give this model the normal gear selector and not the radial one I had in the petrol one over the December break. Not that it's a major issue but it looked pretty cool. 

COMFORT

I already spoke about the well designed interior but the choice of materials used in the cabin feel super luxurious, from the leather/ suede seats and dash to the high gloss piano black finishes on the dash and center console. The dual screen command center that splits between the instrument cluster and infotainment screen is great and easy to use. Mobile apps are a standard with still a need for cable connectivity which isn't the worst thing as wireless does tend to drain the battery life. There is a wireless  charging pad for the mobile device should that be required. There is two USB ports for the driver and front passenger,both have their own zone climate control with seat heating and cooling. The rear passengers also get seat heating as well as USB B ports which are mounted on the side of the back rests of the driver and front passenger seats. Other standard features for the GT-Line Plus include deluxe scuff plates, alloy pedals, electric tailgate, lane follow assist with lane keep assist, LED interior lighting, panoramic glass sunroof and forward collision avoidance assist. The Sportage has a 54-litre luggage capacity, decent amount for a small family but more importantly for me, can fit a full set of golf clubs with ease. 

VERDICT

Overall, the KIA Sportage diesel option is the ideal SUV option for someone like me, the diesel engine offers optimal performance with great fuel consumption. It's by no means a high performance car but for the segment its in and compared to the the competition, it does stand out the best. The creature comforts of the car make it more appealing if the design wasn't enough to by. Even with the model being almost a year old it still manages to turn heads everywhere you go. It's the perfect vehicle to load up the family or a group of friends and go for a much needed road trip. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	1.6L 4-cylinder turbodiesel
Gear Box	7-speed automatic
Torque	300Nm
Power	100W
Fuel Economy	4.9L per 100km
Price	R735,995

 

Bucket Seat: KIA Sonet LX

I always get excited when I get a new KIA rolling into my driveway to test drive, there's just something about this brand that excites me with every model they make. While they may be overshadowed in the market by their parent company Hyundai, I still feel that for an overall product KIA offers a better package. Most of the models are almost identical in their base platforms with each brand configuring their cars to their own brand philosophy and pricing structure and that is where KIA edges it for me. The Sonet is their smallest SUV offering and last year I had the EX automatic version but due to the Durban riots taking place that week I spent with it, I never got the opportunity to drive it much, so this year when I spent a week with the LX Manual version, I made sure I did it plenty justice and this little number did not disappoint. 

DESIGN

The Sonet is based on the same platform that Hyundai's Venue is built on, with design tweaks and interior changes to suit each brand. The bold styling from KIA really gives this tiny car a lot more presence, the bulk on the sides, large grille and well placed colour coded panels make the Sonet look extremely attractive, even in this bottom of the range model. The car still exudes a certain amount of elegance even with it being a crossover and with its size has that charm to it. I received many comments during my time with the Sonet at how neat the overall design was.  The front headlights tie-in neatly to the grill with the bottom border of the grille finished in brushed matte aluminum that also features on the bottom front bumper scuff plate. This LX model comes fitted with 15" alloy-wheels while the EX gets the large 16" 5-spoke bi-clour rims. The back is where you'd find some similarities with the Hyundai Venue, more especially where the tailgate window is. The new KIA logo is well prominent on the back but I think it still is taking some time for people to get used to it, as it looks more like KN at a quick glance than KIA. On the interior, everything is pretty much the same as you'd find in other KIA models, well spaced and laid out. 

PERFORMANCE

Both models in the Sonet line-up are powered by a 1.5L naturally-aspirated engine which is offered with either a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed CVT automatic gearbox. I had the 6-speed manual derivative which I found to be the right choice, especially for a small engine like this as the CVT might get tiresome when doing trips around town as it searches for gears or delays them in changing. Power output on this motor is 85kW and 144Nm of torque. There is a top speed of 170km/h which is probably achievable but obviously not on public roads but with a car like this there isn't a need for you to be traveling at such speeds. I took the Sonet on a long road trip from Durban to Underberg with 3 adults, with the terrain being pretty mountainous, I was worried if the 1.5L motor would cope with the full cabin but I think this is where the manual gearbox came to shine, climbing up the passes proved to be easy work for the Sonet as I navigated the many bends that came our way with ease as well. The car felt really well balanced and had little to no body roll when taking turns at speed. While the brochure has no real indication on the average fuel consumption, I managed to get about 6.1L per 100km which is pretty decent. 

COMFORT

Like I said previously, the Sonet is the smallest SUV in the brands line-up and while the size of the car is quite small, the cabin is quite spacious. It doesn't have enough space for one to stretch out but with our 3 hour drive, there wasn't a need for us to stop and get some fresh air as we all managed just fine while in the car. There was hardly much road noise in the cabin, apart from the road surface changes but these were drowned out by the cars sound system which isn't anything to write home about but it was decent enough. The car came with air-conditioning but not climate control, what I liked was the large 8"-touchscreen infotainment screen which is very user friendly and has built-in mobile apps for smartphone users. Google's Android Auto came in very handy for my trip. The steering wheel is well equipped with all the necessary buttons and switches to make the drivers life much easier when driving. The instrument cluster is also digital which has a large display for your speed. Finishing in the car is great with a good use of plastics and materials that feel good quality and not cheap and nasty. The infotainment screen and instrument cluster border is finished off in a high gloss black that gives a nice luxurious touch to it. 

VERDICT

Overall, the Sonet is a well put together unit and even with this lower end model, it really feels like a great product and value for money. This particular model will cost you about R3,899 a month with a 5 year unlimited kilometer warranty. Insurance on these type of cars won't cost you an arm and a leg so if you're an average driver you could be on the road with a brand new Sonet for about R4,500 a month.  The ride quality on a KIA is really good and I've never had any issues with any of their models in this aspect, the Sonet was no different, while it is small you can't expect a lot from the luggage capacity but in saying that, the Sonet has 392L which is excellent for a car this size. My only regret is that I never really got to spend more time behind the wheel with the EC model because this LX model was such a good car to drive, I can only imagine how the EX would have been. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	1.5L
Gear Box	6-Speed Manual
Torque	144Nm
Power	85kW
Top Speed	170km
Price	R285,995

Bucket Seat: New KIA Sorento wins 'Large SUV of they year' Award

KIA have really being done some great things in the motoring world, their SUV's have been particular ones that have been drawing a lot of attention in the market. With a wide range of small crossovers to the larger models, they all seem to offer great quality, comfort and not to mention, really good looks. One model I'm looking forward to this year is the new Sorento, its the largest SUV in their arsenal and features the new KIA design language and it looks amazing! The Sorento is a 7-seater large SUV, offering luxury and comfort to its occupants and was recently nominated in the "What Car?" car of the year awards for large SUVs and it claimed the prize! 

Up against worthy competition in the Large SUV category, the What Car? judging panel chose the Sorento for its impressive fuel economy, driving dynamics, high levels of standard specification, and exceptional build quality. The variant chosen by the judges at What Car? was the 1.6 T-GDi Hybrid in the UK’s ‘2’ specification*, packed full of standard features such as a Reversing Camera System, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, and Forward Collision Avoidance with pedestrian, cyclist and junction detection.

Commenting on the Sorento win, Steve Huntingford, Editor of What Car? magazine said: “The Sorento's hybrid tech combines good real-world fuel economy with comparatively low CO2 emissions, while the ride is comfortable and the steering accurate. Throw in a nicely made and well-equipped interior, and a driving position that’s lofty enough to make HGV drivers jealous, and the Sorento is an outstanding all-rounder.” Won-Jeong Jeong, President at Kia Motors Europe commented: “It is always a great honour to receive awards for the vehicles that we produce, and particularly from such well-known and highly regarded publications as What Car? magazine. The fourth-generation Sorento is a car we are very proud of, particularly as it represents the first application of electrified power in our flagship SUV.”

The all-new Sorento has only been on sale in Europe for a short time, yet has already cemented itself as an important halo product in the Kia line-up, having also won ‘Car of the Year’ in the UK’s Carbuyer 2021 awards. Models shown in the pictures are from European market, South African models and engine variants to differ upon market introductory. 

Bucket Seat: KIA Grand Sedona

So about a month ago I was up in Johannesburg for the long weekend, trips to Joburg with my family isn't easy, whether we're going by car or plane my mother will make sure we use every single allocated space or weight possible to take stuff with. Don't ask me what she carries, well given that I'm Indian its mainly food stuff, for my siblings or her sisters up north. You'd think there was a serious shortage of food if you see how my mom packs, anyway back to the car. Instead of hiring a car, the kind folk at KIA Motors South Africa offered me their Grand Sedona SXL to use during my time in the big smoke. Seeing that it was a weekend spent with family, this would be the ideal car to have and boy did it work a treat! Being six of us in total, we all could travel in comfort in one car, going to where we needed to go and not worry about having double the drivers, double the cars and double the trouble. 

DESIGN

The Grand Sedona would be categorized in the MPV segment, taking on the likes of the Chrysler Voyager, VW Caravelle and Mercedes-Benz V-Class. All of which have evolved over the years to become more than just a mini-van, this category has been upped in luxury and design with all of them looking sleek and appealing to the masses. KIA have done a great job on the styling of the Grand Sedona. The front is similar to that of their 7 seater SUV, the Sorento but with more lower stance and wider front, this makes the front head lamps more elongated. There's a nice mixture of LED and Xenon lights in the lights along with a quad LED fog lamp system below. The grille is big and pronounced which is a key feature to the front design but look at the Sedona head on, you wouldn't think it was a combi. The side profile follows the slick lines from the front and straightens across the body with a nice taper up on the windows at the rear which ties in well with the rear window. The rear of the Grand Sedona is equally as attractive as the front, albeit a bit conservative, there isn't much you can do with the rear design on a vehicle like this. Again rear lights very similar to that on the Sorento with a full LED system. 

COMFORT

I could go on about comfort in this car, I think the best way to describe the Grand Sedona is your vary on private jet but on the road. Being the range topping SXL model, it came kitted with all the bells and whistles, for the driver, the cockpit is well designed for easy access to pretty much everything. You really do feel like you're in a plane cockpit with buttons to control virtually everything in the car. From the dual sunroof's to the dual automated sliding doors (yes, I'll get back to that now). Both driver and front passenger get big comfy seats with heated and cooling functions as well as both being electronically controlled. The dash is finished in great quality materials with touches of chrome and brushed aluminium to give it that bespoke finish. Everything just seems bigger in this car which I personally like. Moving to the middle row, to access the back of the Grand Sedona, KIA have added sliding doors on both sides of the car, which both are automated and can be opened and closed by using the handles provide, buttons on the car key or from the driver cockpit which is brilliant as it made things so much more easier when loading and unloading the family. 

The middle row had two individual seats, both with arm rests and their own climate control system, these seats also can move front and back, there is also charging points for both passengers. In the back we have a solid bench which is comfortable enough for two adults, three at a slight squeeze, there are cup holders for two passengers as well as USB charging points on either ends. The quality of leather is up there with many German luxury sedans and the two tone scheme looks brilliant. As mentioned there is a dual sunroof system for the car with the rear passengers getting the option of having natural light and fresh air in the back. The tail gate is also automated and can also be opened via the key, driver cockpit and manually pushing the button. If you think your luggage capacity is going to be restricted by the third row seats, think again, because of the depth, you can stack a number of suitcases in there, even can fit four golf bags standing upright! That's without folding down the seats, which you can and make the space even bigger!

PERFORMANCE

The previous generation KIA Grand Sedona had a 3.0L V6 petrol engine, KIA swapped that out for a much more economical 2.2L turbo-diesel engine which delivers 147kW with a torque factor of 440Nm. The engine features KIA's fourth generation fuel injection system which improves responsiveness, fuel economy and performance. The pedal is very responsive and it surprisingly builds up speed rather quickly. With an 80-litre fuel tank, the Grand Sedona ensures that this is a people traveler, suited for large families and long road trips. With a claimed economy of  8.0L/100km and a range of close to 900km, 1000km if you're doing long distances, this car is a no brainer if you're the type of person that likes going on road long road trips with large groups. Also driving this car is effortless, many would see the size and be daunted at the possibility of driving it around and parking it, but trust me, it was nothing of the sort. 

VERDICT

Overall, this KIA Grand Sedona SXL was the perfect vehicle for our needs, it fitted all six of us in comfort, had every luxury item you could think of, including a steering wheel heater for the Joburg winter! It's the ideal car for another number drivers, and a nice alternative to the usual SUV options and in some cases could be cheaper and more worthwhile option to pursue. KIA really have done a great job on this one and really is hard to fault. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	2.2 Turbo-Diesel
Gear Box	8 Speed Auto
Torque	440Nm
Power	147kW
Economy	8 L/100km
Price	R815,995

Bucket Seat: KIA Sportage

KIA Motors catch phrase in "The Power To Surprise" and to this day I can honestly say that I haven't driven a KIA model that hasn't surprised me. We've had KIA in our market for a long time now but still there's that element of doubt when it comes to a minority part of consumers with cars from Korea and for me, that needs to change. When the likes of Toyota and Honda first started to break into the country, people also had their skepticism about them but look at them now? When Toyota's president was questioned in the US about a two decades ago about the resurgent VW in the market, he was asked if he felt threatened by this and his answer was a shock to many, he said he isn't worried about the German rivals, it was the Korean ones that made him restless and if you have to look at what is on offer today from the likes of KIA, he had a very good point. 

Coming back to my test subjects, when the new Sportage was first released, I had the top of the range model on the test, the one with all the bells and whistles which was fair on them so I could tell you, my readers just what KIA has in store and that they meant business. With the recent face lift I got the opportunity to drive two of the entry level models, one the 1.6L Petrol GDI model and the 2.0L Ignite Plus Diesel model. It was nice having these two models so I could compare just what exactly you're getting with these models and how they compare to the top of the range models. 

DESIGN

The revised Sportage received some minor styling upgrades especially to the front of the car. The bottom bumper is more flared giving the Sportage a more aggressive look and accentuates the flow of front. There are elements introduced to the front to give it a more classy look as well, like high gloss details which flow from the ends of the number plate holder dissecting the area where the fog lamps are housed. The grille  remains the same apart from the inside finish which matches that of the Sorento. The Sportage comes with 16" 5 spoke alloy wheels but can be upgraded to the 17" bi-colour rims as I had on the diesel model which adds more character to the car. The rear also was handed some minor tweaks like the rear fogs and indicator split lights are the lower end of the tail. The interior remains virtually unchanged. 

PERFORMANCE

There would be a big difference between the two engines, I'm a bit biased when it comes to choosing between Petrol and Diesel, I tend to enjoy the higher torque and longer range given on diesel engines compared to the more power, less torque on the petrol engine. But with the KIA Sportage the Petrol range starts off at the 1.6L GDI Ignite which isn't too shabby, producing 97kW and 161Nm of torque. Even with the big body, the 1.6L engine was sufficient for urban driving. On the highways it did tend to lack power and with the automatic gearbox I found it dropping gears to find that surge when going up hill. Other than that, overall the car gave a decent drive in the suburbs with great fuel economy, but gets a bit high on the open road. The diesel engine is a class act and I've been a big fan of KIA's turbo diesel engines for a while now. The 2.0L turbo-diesel engine churns out 131kW and 400Nm of torque, more than enough power for both urban cruising and highway driving, this helped by the extra two gears in the box compared to the petrol. My commute to work with it was a breeze and seeing that fuel needle hardly move was a pleasure. 

COMFORT

Both vehicles cabins were more or less identical, apart from a few trimmings differences which are optional extras like leather seats and seat heating. The cabin itself is very spacious, can accommodate five adults comfortably with sufficient luggage space for them all. Being entry level models, they come with standard aircon controls and not climate controlled systems. The sound system was a normal radio system with Bluetooth connectivity for audio streaming and calls. I think with the price being what it is, they could have just had the entire range with the touch screen system, maybe cut back the navigation option but that is just me. With this normal LED type screen, if one opts to get a reverse camera, there is the option of having the screen in your rear view mirror. Both cars came with key-in ignition systems and not keyless like that range topping models. 

VERDICT

Overall, it all boils down to what type of engine you prefer, while there is a big difference in displacement with the two, I tend to side with the diesel but with a R75,000 price difference, many would opt to give the petrol a second look. There are pro's and cons to each so personal preference plays a big role on this decision. I enjoy the Sportage, I think in terms of compact SUV's on the market, this one is in my top 3 and while these entry level models didn't have all the fancy gadgets, my time spent with them was quite enjoyable. The ride comfort is brilliant for a car this size and price, the drive feels good and build quality is solid. It's an ideal car for small families or just someone who leads and active lifestyle and needs a car with some extra space. As the shift in market trends show that South Africans are leaning more towards crossover/ SUV's this is a great buy for someone looking at a medium to small sized car. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	1.6L GDI Ignite	2.0L Diesel Ignite Plus
Gearbox	6-Speed Auto	8-Speed Auto
Power	97kW	131kW
Torque	161Nm	400Nm
Acceleration (0-100khm/h)	12.1 seconds	9.3 seconds
Price	R389 995	R464 995