Kia Sportage KX-4 range topper

Kia has added a new model at the top of the Sportage range – the Kia Sportage KX-4 – with plenty of toys, a 181bhp 2.0 litre CRDi and 4WD.

Just like sister company Hyundai, Kia no longer looks to be the cheapest on the block and is instead looking to offer the best it can, including range-topping cars with decent levels of power and plenty of toys.

So step forward the new Kia Sportage KX-4 with a 181bhp version of the 2.0 litre CRDi diesel engine, 4WD and plenty of toys making it the most powerful Sportage on sale – and the best equipped.

Hyundai already uses the 181bhp CRDi in its own range-topping ix35, but only offer it as an auto. Kia has decided you can spec up your new KX-4 with a manual ‘box or an auto, with the manual coming in at £27,195 and the auto at £28,500.

What you get for your money is a 4WD Sportage with plenty of kit including everything the KX-3 gets (which is a decent spec already) but adding Parallel Parking System, Keyless, full leather, 18″ alloys, SatNav with 7″ touchscreen, xenons, panoramic roof, Climate, Cruise and heated seats.

The 181bhp version of the 2.0 litre CRDi makes for a livelier drive than the sometimes lacking 134bhp, with the manual taking 9.4 seconds to 60mph, a top speed of 120mph and official economy of 46.3mpg (39.2mpg auto) and therefore 158g/km (189g/km auto).

The new Kia Sportage KX-4 4WD (no FWD versions of the KX-4) goes on sale today.