With the current generation of the Sportage now in its run-out phase, Kia South Africa has introduced a high-end GT-Line derivative of its family car powered by a punchy 1.6-litre turbopetrol engine and adorned with sporty accoutrements inside and out.

We recently reported that Kia South Africa was likely to introduce the European-market version of next-generation Sportage next year and, as to be expected, the Korean marque’s local subsidiary has rolled out a fresh derivative to keep the current model top of mind…

Although GT-Line trim has been in Kia’s global product line-up for a while, it’s relatively new within the South African context. It recently debuted on the Seltos compact family car line-up, in the form of the range-topping 1.4T-GDI GT-Line and now it has debuted on the Sportage, where is also the only turbopetrol derivative, although, in this case, it’s 2nd from the top inthe line-up.

The introduction of the 1.6-litre turbopetrol engine, which is mated with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) is quite notable; it’s the 4th powerplant in the Sportage range and the 3rd petrol-fed motor, but compared with the long-serving naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine, the new forced-induction 1.6-litre 4-cylinder engine produces peak outputs of 130 kW and 265 Nm, which represents improvements of 15 kW and 69 Nm over the previously most powerful petrol motor in the range.

What’s more, given that it’s equipped with the quicker-shifting DCT, the 1.6 T-GDi AWD DCT GT-Line promises to deliver a notably more spirited driving experience than its brethren. Kia claims a 0-100 kph time of 9.1 sec and a 201-kph top speed for the all-wheel-drive newcomer, with CO2 emissions of 178 g/km, which works out to a claimed fuel consumption figure of about 7.7 L/100 km.

The GT-Line’s exterior upgrade is not significant; the most obvious clues are the 19-inch alloys and LED headlamps, but eagle-eyed observers will notice the fog-lamp housings have been blacked out and chrome finishes have been applied to the grille and door handles.

The interior execution, by comparison, is quite bold, thanks to the fitment of 2-tone leather trim to the seats, which offer electrical adjustment at the front and heating fore and aft. Over and above smart entry with push-button start, dual-zone climate control, plus an Apple CarPlay- and Android Auto compatible 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system,Kia SA has also specified a panoramic sunroof, a wireless charging pad and an electrically powered tailgate. A reverse-view camera, plusfront and rear PDC are also standard.

The safety specification includes 6 airbags (dual front-, side- and curtain airbags), ABS with EBD and brake assist, electronic stability control, plus hill assist- and downhill brake control.

Price in South Africa

The new Sportage 1.6 T-GDi AWD DCT GT-Line costs R649 995; it slots in between the 2.0CRDi EX AWD (R623 995) and the top-of-the-range2.0CRDi EX Plus (R651 995) turbodiesel derivatives. The asking price includes a 5-year/unlimited km warranty and 5-year/90 000 km service plan.

We’ll publish a launch review of the new derivative soon.

New Kia Sportage Specs & Prices in South Africa

Related content:

New Kia Sportage: 6 Cool Things

Toyota RAV4- & Corolla Hybrid (2021) Specs & Price

Volkswagen Tiguan (2021) Launch Review

Full reveal: All-new Hyundai Tucson

Mazda CX-5 Updated for 2022