A LOOK AT THE FUTURE

A LOOK AHEAD

WORDS BEN SELBY

The term “brave and bold” could almost be tailored to suit the new Kia Sportage. Whereas the previous generation was a decent package, it wasn’t what you might call dynamic to look at. The latest Sportage counteracts this by giving a striking, forward-thinking design. However, what is it like under the skin?

The range starts at $39,990 plus ORC for the base LX Petrol and tops out at $62,990 for the flagship X-Line Diesel. My test car was the entry level LX Diesel at $46,990. The interior has been given an overhaul to match its striking chops. It’s a very nice place to be with a great air of refinement all around.

The LX Diesel gives you Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Forward Collision Avoidance, Parking Sensors front and rear, Reversing Camera with a very clear display, LED Daytime Running Lights and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system all as standard. However, it would have been nice to see Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Sat Nav too.

On the move the Sportage’s turbo diesel four pot feels more refined than before. Ride comfort is pretty decent and ample ground clearance of 181mm means the Sportage bodes well when going gravelly.

A few days with the new Sportage LX Diesel provided a good taster of what Kia has on the menu over the coming months.

FACT FILE:

2022 Kia Sportage LX Diesel

Price: $46,990 plus ORC Engine: 2.0L CRDi Four Cylinder Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic Drivetrain: All-Wheel-Drive Power: 137kW Torque: 416Nm of torque

Combined Fuel Consumption:

6.3L/100km CO2 Emissions: 181g/km Wheels: 17-inch Alloys Boot Space: 543L

Range starts from $39,990 +ORC MRP*

*Sportage Deluxe model is shown, from $49,990+ORC. Image shown for illustrative purposes only. Advertised price is based on entry level Sportage Maximum Retail Pricing (MRP) plus On Road Costs (ORC). NZ Government Clean Car fee applies to petrol models across the range. Prices are GST inclusive. Visit our website for more details.

EUROPEAN BRANDS A PASSION EUROPEAN BRANDS A PASSION

For Rana, bespoke European vehicles are a way of life. Having trained as an auto technician in 2007, his passion moved up a gear when he and his wife Swati became custodians of KBL Automotive.

KBL Limited was founded in 1976 by Kevin and Maxine Burt as Christchurch’s defi nitive Mercedes-Benz garage. KBL Automotive eventually expanded to cater for other European makes before the couple retired in 2019.

Rana, an MBA in Business from Massey University, and his wife, who trained as a dentist, have a vast portfolio of successful businesses behind them. With Rana’s deep knowledge and passion towards European brands, he has been an ideal choice to continue their legacy.

Aside from continuing the highly sought-after mechanical/electrical services and repairs for which KBL have become renowned for, Rana was approached by his customers to privately import bespoke European vehicles.

What started as a few cars grew into a fully-fl edged European Car dealership in 2020. EuroHub Cars at 452 St. Asaph Street gives buyers the same level of transparency and quality service which emulates the core of KBL. Later in 2021 the OneHub Automotive workshop was added, catering to all vehicles to feature as a part of Rana and Swati’s vision of a one-stop hub for all manner of motorists.

One would defi nitely agree the future of KBL Automotive has never looked brighter.

kblautomotive.co.nz

In Canterbury call 022 658 2957 or on 0800 KERBED 0800 537 233 Your Hub for European Cars

CAR SALES | REPAIRS | PARTS

The South Island’s leading European car specialist - Mercedes Benz, BMW, Audi & more - for over 40 years. We are dedicated and committed to quality vehicle sales and service, a high level of Service + Repair Specialists professionalism and parts dependability.

Factory special tools and diagnostic equipment. Specialists 30+ years European Cars. All work guaranteed. Loan cars available.