Kia Sportage dares to be GT

The initials “GT” in motoring parlance means Gran Turismo.

But would a car manufacturer dare to attach “GT” to the nameplate of a compact crossover?

Kia Motors would, and did, dare to add “GT Line” to the fourth generation Sportage.

The five-seater, front wheel drive, fourth gen Sportage first appeared in 2016, and underwent a mid-cycle facelift in 2018 for the 2019 model year.

Kia dubbed the top-end variant “GT Line.”

To deserve the GT badge, a car must look splendidly sporty, be powered by a strong engine, have a roomy, well-kitted cabin, and a quiet, comfortable ride for long hauls, as well as daily drives.

How does the 2019 Kia Sportage GT Line measure up?

SPORTS PACKAGE. Kia added 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels and a new grille, plus the Sports Package which includes enhanced front and rear bumper designs, auto-leveling LED headlights, LED rear combination lamps, satin silver side sills, and silver skid plates front and rear.

Aluminum alloy wheels are lighter and more dazzling than steel wheels with plastic covers, which some of the Sportage’s competitors are equipped with.

All these make the GT Line the best-looking Sportage ever since the model was introduced 22 years ago in 1997.

PERFORMANCE. The GT Line is also the best-performing Sportage ever.

Although the Sportage GT Line retains the punchy 2.0-liter, 4 cylinders in line, DOHC, CRDi E-VGT turbodiesel engine of the preceding generation, Kia replaced the 6-speed automatic transmission of old with an 8-speed gearbox that positively upgrades both performance and fuel economy.

The engine produces 185 ps and 400 Nm max torque between 1,750 and 2,750 rpm, making optimum use of the extra torque available, and the wider spread of gear ratios in the new 8-speed A/T, to achieve impressive rolling acceleration off the line.

Motor-driven power steering makes the Sportage easy to steer and brings a sense of connection with the road, which is satisfying and inspires confidence.

Three selections of Drive Mode are available: Normal, Eco and Sport. The driver’s choice adjusts the weight of the steering and how quickly the car reacts, through the engine and automatic gearbox, to pressure on the accelerator pedal.

RIDE QUALITY. Aside from the new tranny, Kia also improved the chassis and suspension, tuning the latter to deliver a firm, controlled ride for both daily urban trips and long distance highway cruising.

The result is a smooth, refined ride quality that is a bit firmer than some rivals, but not so firm that it becomes tiring.

The firm suspension helps the Sportage GT to respond quickly to steering inputs and to corner with relatively little body roll.

Handling is improved while at the back, a stiffer cross member cuts road noise and vibration.

Kia claims that the dampers now have a longer rebound stroke that nullifies smaller vibrations caused by rough road surfaces.

Consequently, the cabin remains a quiet, peaceful place with little suspension, tire or wind noise intruding. You will hear the mild noise created by the common rail direct injection (CRDi) turbodiesel engine only when you stand outside the car.

ROOMY CABIN. A roomy, well-kitted interior in a solidly built body is key to riding comfort, especially on long trips.

The Sportage’s cabin is spacious with a great view of the road going forward and from the side windows. The seats are leather with contrast stitching.

Generous headroom, legroom and width are offered in the front seats, both of which are 8-way power adjustable, plus 2-way power adjustable lumbar support for the driver – but neither have a memory function.

The rear of the cabin is among the roomiest in a compact crossover.

The rear seats offer good back, under-thigh and lateral support, with enough headroom and legroom for three average height adults.

The 60:40 split rear seat’s backrest can be reclined for greater comfort.

The wide rear door opening facilitates ingress and egress, also when you have to lean inside to secure a kid in a child safety car seat.

The rear seat can be easily folded down to increase cargo space from 491 to 1,480 liters. A detachable tonneau cover is standard equipment.

TECH EQUIPMENT. Aside from Bluetooth hands-free, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the Sportage GT is fitted with an 8-inch audio system touchscreen with AM/FM radio, MP3, USB and Aux-in ports, four speakers, plus two tweeters, but no CD player as claimed.

Kia Philippines should delete CD from the audio system’s list as its non-existence may cast doubt on the claimed presence of other tech items.

Nonetheless, fit and finish in the driver-centered cockpit rivals the best, and the instruments and dials are where they should be.

BOTTOM LINE. In terms of safety features, the Sportage GT has six airbags (front, side and curtain), ABS, electronic stability control, downhill brake control, hill-start assist control, rear camera display with park guide, front and rear sensors, proximity keyless entry system, pushbutton start.

Unfortunately, the lower ranking 2019 Sportage variants LX gas (P1,290,000) and LX diesel (P1,545,000) only have driver’s side airbag, ABS and the usual seatbelts, engine immobilizer, child door lock and Isofix child anchor which are also found in the GT Line.

A motor vehicle costing more than a million pesos has only one airbag? Unbelievable.

As for the 2019 Sportage diesel GT Line, it retails at P1,820,000, a price that theoretically should include all-wheel-drive, a power tailgate, and panoramic sunroof – which it does not.

Otherwise bottom line, the new Kia Sportage GT Line — despite or because of its high price — deserves the Gran Turismo emblem due to its sporty good looks, robust, fuel-efficient 2.0-liter CRDi diesel powerplant, roomy, premium-equipped cabin and firm but smooth, comfy ride quality.