2014 Kia Sportage upgraded

As part of a 'product enhancement' the five-seat Kia Sportage SUV range has expanded to include a new Si Premium model, along with changes to petrol engines and subtle exterior design tweaks, such as new alloy wheel designs.

Kia's second-best selling model in Australia for 2014 thus far (after the Rio light car), the Sportage's prices have been hiked between $500 and $1900, depending on the model.

All petrol-powered models move to direct fuel injection, delivering more grunt and improved fuel economy than the older, less efficient multi-point fuel injection systems.

In a transverse, front-wheel drive layout, the 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated consumes fuel at a claimed rate of 8.2L/100km in the six-speed manual or 8.4L/100km in the six-speed auto, which is an improvement of 0.5L/100km and 0.4L/100km respectively. While peak power remains unchanged at 122kW, torque has risen from 197 to 205Nm, an increase of 8Nm.

Meanwhile the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel's 135kW/392Nm output stays the same, as does the official fuel consumption figure of 7.2L/100km.

Entry-level Kia Sportage 2WD Si models' now start at $25,990, up $500, with automatic versions $28,190, a rise of $600. Si models ride on 16-inch alloys and get standard features like rear parking sensors, fog lights, anti-lock brakes, stability control, six airbags, cruise control, Bluetooth audio/phone streaming, manual air conditioning, keyless entry and a burglar alarm.

The new Si Premium model opens the order books from $29,990 and is paired exclusively with the six-speed auto 2WD undercarriage. Over the Si model it adds LED daytime running lights, auto headlights, a rear-view camera, artificial leather trim, bigger 17-inch alloy wheels and roof-rails.

Sportage SLi models can be had with petrol or diesel engines with AWD only, and start the bidding at $34,790, up by $1300. This variant gets everything mentioned above and adds satellite navigation, dual-zone climate control, front parking sensors, a seven-inch touch screen infotainment system and a more powerful stereo with subwoofer and amplifier.

At the top of the tree is the Platinum model, priced at $38,390 for the petrol model, which represents a $1900 price increase. The diesel is lifted to $41,390, up $1400 from its previous $39,990 price point. The Platinum models gain items such as eight-way electrically adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats, a panoramic glass sunroof, HID headlights and LED brake lights and a proximity key fob with push-button start.

Kia's most affordable SUV is expected to be undercut by a new micro SUV in the next few years, after Kia confirmed at the 2014 New York motor show it is working on a new sub-$25,000 baby SUV.

Kia Sportage pricing (not including on-road costs):
2WD Si petrol manual: $25,990 (+ $500)
2WD Si petrol automatic: $28,190 (+ $600)
2WD Si Premium petrol automatic: $29,990 (new)
4WD SLi petrol automatic: $34,790 (+$1300)
4WD SLi diesel automatic: $37,790 (+ $800)
4WD Platinum petrol automatic: $38,390 (+ $1900)
4WD Platinum diesel automatic: $41,390 (+ $1400)