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MT 20 March 2016

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maltatoday, SUNDAY, 20 MARCH 2016 Motoring IX THE all-new Kia Sportage – the fourth-generation of Kia's globally- popular compact SUV – features an attractive, all-new interior and exterior design, a host of ad- vanced new technology features and greater quality. The new Kia Sportage compact SUV builds comprehensively on the success of the outgoing model, offering an innovative and sophisticated package to buyers in an increasingly competitive market. The new-look interior features increased space and legroom, redesigned seats, and more prac- tical features, that together with a range of technologies, improve comfort, convenience, connectivity and safety. A range of new and updated engines and transmissions will result in enhanced efficiency and performance, while ride, handling and refinement are all improved. The design of the new Sportage has been led by Kia's European design studio in Frankfurt, Ger- many, and remains the brand's bestselling model in Europe, with more than 105,000 sold across Europe in 2015, accounting for 27.4% of Kia sales. For the first time, a new 'GT Line' specification is available to Sportage customers. Designed and engineered to appeal to those looking for a sportier driving experience from their Sportage, the GT Line specification delivers all the versatility of the standard Sportage while adding greater visual and dynamic appeal to those customers that desire it. The Sportage's all-new cabin boasts a high standard of material quality, with a far greater propor- tion of soft-touch materials and the use of cloth, leather and stitching creating a more upscale ambi- ence. The result is an interior that majors on refinement and modern sophistication, with greater sound- proofing measures adopted to reduce significantly the intrusion of exterior noise. The new Sportage has a dual- height luggage floor, allowing taller items to fit into the boot and still remain hidden by the ton- neau cover. It also features a new under-floor tonneau cover storage area – unique in the class. Safety, as always, is a top prior- ity for Kia, and the new Sportage has been engineered to meet the toughest and most demanding crash safety tests, thanks to an even stronger body shell, airbags for driver, front passenger, first row side airbags, and first and second row curtain airbags, as well as child safety features. The car scored a maximum possible five-star safety rating in the Euro NCAP crash performance tests. As before, the Sportage contin- ues to be offered with a choice of front- and all-wheel drive, with the revisions to suspension and steering, and the latest electronic driver aids, providing stable han- dling and high levels of grip in all conditions. The all-new Sportage is avail- able with a choice of 16-, 17- or 19-inch aluminium alloy wheel de- signs, while the GT Line specifica- tion comes with a unique 19-inch wheel option as standard. The 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system is paired with a 160 watt six-speaker audio system. A first for any car in the C- SUV segment, users will now be able to charge their phone without a wire connection. When developing the new Sportage, engineers focussed on efficiency and driving perfor- mance, from the new vehicle's various power units. Every engine in the range is compliant with the latest Euro 6 emission standard resulting in cleaner exhaust emis- sions and lower fuel consumption. This has been achieved, not only without compromising on-road performance, but enhancing it, thus establishing a step forward in terms of fuel economy, perfor- mance and NVH over the outgo- ing Sportage and other C-SUV rivals. The all-new Sportage offers buy- ers a wide choice of gasoline and diesel engines coupled to either six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions. The gasoline engines available on the entry level Sportage LX is a 1.6-litre GDI (gasoline direct injec- tion) engine, producing 130bhp and 160.8 Nm torque, which through improved aerodynamic efficiency this engine promises lower emissions at 156g/km and fuel consumption of 6.7l/100km. Meanwhile, the diesel engines range which account for the lion's share of Sportage models sold in Europe will continue to offer the 113bhp 1.7-litre CRDi engine with manual transmission offer- ing reduced emissions at 124g/ km and a frugal consumption of 4.7l/100km. The significantly- upgraded 2.0-litre 'R' diesel power unit establishes a step forward in terms of fuel economy, perfor- mance and NVH over the outgo- ing Sportage and other C-SUV rivals. The 2.0-litre turbodiesel is available with two power outputs – 134bhp with 373 Nm torque with emissions at 132 g/km and con- sumption 4.9L/100Km in manual transmission 2WD, and 182bhp with 400 Nm with emissions of 166g/km and consumption of 6.3l/ km for the AWD Automatic. Both variants benefit from a 5 kg lighter engine block, up-to-date battery management system, continuous- ly variable displacement oil pump and a new oil filter module. The all-new Kia Sportage offers the company's unique 7-year warranty as standard at a starting price of €22,900. Now is the time to try the all-new Kia Sportage Launching the March 14 in Malta, Cars International, local representatives of Kia, will have an Open Week (from Monday March 14 until Saturday March 19 – public holiday) at the showroom in Mdina Road, Qormi. During this week, car enthusiasts will have the opportunity to have a closer look at the all-new Sportage while being served refreshments and also take the car out for a test- drive for a first-hand experience of the car, from 9am to 6pm. For more information, send an email to kiasales@cil.com.mt, call on 2269 2120 or visit the website www.kia.com/mt or Facebook page Kia Motors Malta. Mdina Road, Qormi, QRM 9010 Tel: 2269 2120 Fax: 2146 6285 kiasales@cil.com.mt | www.kia.com/mt * 7-year/150,000 km new car warranty. T&C Apply Facebook www.facebook.com/KiaMalta kia.com/mt For journeys, not just destinations. The all-new Kia Sportage. Made to WOW! From €22,900 Elegant design, advanced technologies and enhanced interior for all-new Kia Sportage

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