Kia Sportage now on offer with 2.0-litre Diesel powertrains and better equipment

The Kia Sportage - a popular five-seater compact SUV - is now available with a 2.0-litre oil burner, in addition to the petrol engine with the same displacement. The more eco-conscious consumer will be pleased as the diesel powertrain emits 189g/km while returning fuel efficiency of 7.2L/100km.

The diesel engine develops 183bhp and 392Nm of torque that completes the century dash in a respectable 9.9 seconds. The Sportage features a six-speed automatic transmission, on top of 4WD.

Primarily a front-wheel driven vehicle, the 4WD drivetrain transfers up to 50 percent of torque to the rear wheels, whenever a front wheel loses grip. In severely slippery conditions the driver can select 'Lock Mode' which delivers an even - 50 percent torque distribution to both the front and rear axles.

The Sportage has been updated with several new features like pure black leather upholstery and new amenities like a ventilated driver's seat that keeps the driver cool in warm climates - a nifty feature in our tropics. Other novelties include adjustable electric side mirrors with heating that defog the mirrors during rainy weather, as well as an electrochromic mirror (ECM) with rear view camera.