Kia Motors New Zealand is also looking at other products.
The Sportage Euro is largely the same as used to be made in Korea, but with changes and additions, notably factory-supplied SatNav for the first time in any new Kia sold in New Zealand. It will be standard on the Sportage Limited diesel model and available on other European-built models to order.
SatNav gives the driver access to
the SUNA Live Traffic Update – real-time traffic information in the Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch regions. SUNA monitors roads via the SatNav system and provides alternative routes.
Says Todd McDonald, general manager of Kia Motors New Zealand, “SatNav and the SUNA [is] an additional benefit [to] improve the driving experience and shorten journey times.”
SUNA last the life of the Kia SatNav system; the navigation maps will be updated and supported by Kia New Zealand free for the first three years of ownership during the vehicle’s annual service.
SatNav in the Sportage Euro has a 7-inch touchscreen, said to be one of the easiest factory-installed systems to use.
Other new features on the Sportage Euro include smart cornering lamps, aero blade front wipers and an Active ECO mode on the diesel automatic to economise on fuel.
The rear reflector cluster has twin fog lamps and there is a slight variation to the lower rear bumper design.
Interior variations include a new leather seat stitch pattern and colour for the Limited diesel model, new headrest design, central locking button on both driver and passenger doors, lockable glove box, a digital clock now incorporated into the audio display, more soft-touch materials and air-conditioning giving hot and cold air from seven vent modes.
The Euro Kia has a 2L petrol engine or 2L R-series diesel unit, driving via a 6-speed automatic transmission, and a 2.4L petrol engine and 6-speed auto in the Korean-built models.
The Sportage Urban models will also continue to be front-drive only, whilst the AWD versions retain the maker’s Dynamax AWD system that brings the rear wheels into play when it detects slippage.
The driver can also choose to lock the two axles 50:50 on the AWD models, to increase traction. Price: from $34,240 plus on-road costs.
