New Kia Sportage 2018 prices and specs revealed

Kia has revealed full prices and specs for its facelifted 2018 Kia Sportage. There are 21 variants to choose from, with six trim options and five engine variants. Of these, Kia is introducing a 48v mild-hybrid diesel model for the very first time.

Design changes are subtle, with the external tweaks limited to new bumpers and fog light housings, as well as extra black or chrome trim leading to the lower air intakes. The 'tiger nose' grille is slightly different, too. At the back there's a set of new C-shaped LED lights and further chrome trinkets. The Kia Sportage range is available with a choice of new 16, 17 and 19-inch wheels, and there are five new colours to choose from, as well. 

• Best small SUVs on sale 2018

Entry-level '1' cars get 16-inch alloys, LED daytime running lgihts, all-round electric windows, air-con, DAB radio and USB connectivity. Every car gets a reversing camera, and the specification is enhanced by the standard-fit Apple CarPlay and Android Auto set-up. Safety kit includes Trailer Stability Assist, Hill-Start Assist Control, Downhill Brake Control and cruise control. Prices start from £20,305 for the 1.6 GDi petrol, while the diesel cost from £21,595.

Step up to '2' specification (from £22,405) and you get 17-inch wheels, body coloured trim, a seven-inch touchscreen sat-nav, privacy glass and electrically-folding door mirrors. You also get heated front seats, dual-zone climate control and automatic wipers. Lane-Keep Assist, High-Beam Assist, and a Speed Limit Information Function bolster the already generous safety kit list.

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Bizarrely, there is no Kia Sportage '3' trim. Instead, those looking for more kit are forced to step up to the '4' spec, which includes a bigger eight-inch screen, panoramic roof, electric leather seats and keyless go. Prices starts from £27,260, with all cars benefitting from a 360-degree around view monitor and a JBL sound system. Visually, the Sportage '4' is upgraded with black wheel arch and body mouldings, LED lights, silver skid plates and 19-inch wheels. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian detection is standard.

Kia is continuing its tradition of sportier GT-Line (from £25,510) and GT-Line S cars, too. These gain exclusive wheels, front parking sensors, LED front fog lights and a flat-bottom steering wheels. GT-Line S cars (from £31,645) get ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel and wireless phone charging.

To celebrate 25 years of the Sportage, Kia is launching a special 'Edition 25' trim line, available exclusively with the entry-level 1.6-litre GDi petrol engine. All cars get 17-inch wheels, black cloth and leather upholstery and premium paint. These models also get the JBL stereo and eight-inch touchscreen sat-nav. Prices start from £25,655.

Engine options include a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre GDi petrol, and two 1.6-litre CRDi diesels. There's a punchier turbo (1.6 T-GDi) petrol, too, while for the first time Kia is introducing its Sportage SUV with 48v mild-hybrid tech. Prices for this model kick off at £32,545 in '4' trim or £34,545 for the GT Line S so it sits at the top of the product range – above the most powerful diesel automatic models.

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Of course, like before, every Kia Sportage will come with a seven-year/100,000-mile warranty. It's also available with a range of 'Kia Care' service solutions, which aim to cover the cost maintenance for up to five services. Customers can now specify a longer plan, which covers the car for the full length of its seven-year warranty.  

We'll have a first drive of the all-new Kia Sportage hybrid model live on autoexpress.co.uk from 25 July, and first cars will arrive in UK dealerships from August.

Now find out how Kia hopes to take on the Volkswagen Golf here.