REVIEW | The 2021 Kia Sportage GT-Line is a dream SUV, but it has a quirk or two
- When tested in town, our Kia GT-Line reported an impressive 9.5l / 100km after a week of driving.
- Difficult driving can be a challenge, but the performance on offer will put a smile on your face.
- Loaded with standard features that you will pay a small fortune for at some competitors.
- For automotive news, visit Wheels24
Kia’s all-new Sportage will arrive in South Africa in the second quarter of 2022. The new model takes the compact crossover to the next level on the premium SUV ladder. If you can’t wait until next year for the new car, then maybe you’ll be interested in the latest iteration of the current model, the 2021 Kia Sportage GT-Line.
We saw the Sportage GT-Line launch in the Western Cape in October, and we were left impressed with its handling, build quality and value for money. Arriving at R649 995 the vehicle is pretty much loaded to the hilt with everything you will need for your daily commute and then some.
Perfect for the city
When the Sportage GT-Line was launched in the Western Cape, we spent most of our time in the beautiful countryside. These majestic and majestic roads have given us a good idea of the vehicle’s competence as a grand touring car. It proved to be sporty, providing an engaging and rewarding ride when conditions permitted. If you are considering buying this car to serve as a long distance vacation cruiser, you won’t go wrong.
Our recent test drive last week took place mostly within the suburbs of Johannesburg. Stop / start traffic was the order of the day, especially as more and more people returned to their workplaces in Gauteng. It’s pretty hard to get used to sitting in traffic for hours on end again, but luckily the Sportage GT-Line made it easier to relax behind the wheel thanks to comfortable seats and decent air conditioning.
Are you looking for a family SUV? What budget have you set for yourself, and which make and model require you to sign an offer to purchase? Let us know in the comments, or please send us an email.
You get excellent visibility from the driver’s seat and its A-pillars do not obscure your front view. Even when you look over your left shoulder to check your blind spot, the B and C pillars don’t get in the way. If you’re a smaller person like me and like to lift your seat a bit, you can do that electrically in the Sportage GT-Line. I was able to find a comfortable position very quickly, and thanks to a well-laid out center console (and the use of buttons instead of capacitive touchscreen technologies), getting used to the daily driving of this car is elementary.
2021 Kia Sportage GT-Line
There’s more than enough space inside for a family of four, and there’s plenty of room for luggage, satchels, sports equipment, etc. I liked the remote-opening tailgate when I put the child down, but it caught me off guard a few times. You see, if you have the key to the Sportage GT-Line in your pocket and head to the back of the vehicle, the car will think you want to open the trunk lid, and it will automatically start ringing to open. . You need to stay in the front of the vehicle if you don’t want the trunk to open on its own. Weird, but the quirks add character.
The only real gripe I had with the Sportage GT-Line in town was its slightly firm ride. At first I liked the sportiness it offered, but as I drove it more and more around Johannesburg, with ruts, potholes and ripples, I realized that the wheels of 19 inches and the sport suspension could be a problem for some. Don’t get me wrong, the car looks fantastic with these rims on, and it’s an exciting sporty ride, but keep in mind that the ride is smoother and more compliant with some rivals in this segment.
2021 Kia Sportage GT-Line
Best seller for a reason
The Sportage is one of the best-selling Kia vehicles in the world and particularly in South Africa. It’s easy to see why, because they packed this car with some solid engineering. We marveled at Japanese and German engineering as automotive journalists in the past, but nowadays the credit goes to South Korea. Japanese and German cars are still beautifully built, but look at the evolution of Kia (and Hyundai); you will feel the build quality of the latest cars when you jump in.
I like to do a few build quality assessments on press vehicles, like checking to see if the OEM bothered to paint the spare tire well. This reflects adequate protection against corrosion.
I also watch how the roof liner meets the windshield. If the OEM takes the time to properly seal this gasket, you know that moisture will not be trapped between the roof and the hood liner.
Another test is to operate the sun visor on the roof to close it quickly. If a car’s roof is made from a recycled soda can, you can instantly hear it when the sun visor hits with a hollow against the roof. I’m happy to say that this Sportage GT-Line passed these reviews and more with flying colors. You feel like it will last 10 years or more as a member of your family.
2021 Kia Sportage GT-Line
Probably the best Sportage to buy right now
Remarkably, the price of the Sportage GT-Line had not increased much from the model’s initial launch by Kia six years ago. Sure, R650,000 is a lot of money, but you get so much “car” with this version.
A smooth 1.6-liter turbo gasoline that’s good enough to challenge a hot hatch or two. A double clutch transmission with speed change. Selectable driving modes with intelligent all-wheel drive system. A proper audio system and more than enough safety features to give you the confidence that you have bought a safe car.
2021 Kia Sportage GT-Line
If you’re looking for wireless charging for your smartphone, you get it as standard here. You also get Apple CarPlay as standard. You get such a definitive premium feature list that I wonder why we’re comfortable spending so much on other cars and then paying more for optional equipment.
These days it all depends on how much value you get, and if you get a good car that’s a bonus. With the Sportage GT-Line, we feel like you are buying a good investment. Of course, the one that will depreciate but give you real peace of mind and driving pleasure.
2021 Kia Sportage GT-Line
General summary
With extremely satisfying on-road dynamics, a remarkably comfortable cabin and decent features in both comfort and safety, the Sportage GT-Line tops our hot list. It has quirks, such as a firm ride, and sometimes the car searches for speeds in Sport mode, but it’s hard to identify a dealbreaker here.
My wife complained that the white leather inserts in the seats would look horrible in the long run, and I have to agree, but if you’re not afraid of a little leather care every now and then time, everything will be fine. We used an average of 9.5 liters per 100km during the test period, and that was because of a lot of stop and go traffic, which makes it pretty frugal considering the performance on tap.
2021 Kia Sportage GT-Line
Only 170 of these fantastic cars will arrive in South Africa before the all-new Sportage arrives next year, and most of the limited-edition models are already announced, so you might be better off moving if you’re considering buying an SUV. family-friendly that is going to remain relevant for the next five years and more.
There’s a lot of life in this car, and it’s just as good as popular models in this segment from Japan and Germany, and you can’t go wrong with a five-year warranty or unlimited mileage and a five-year or 90,000 km warranty Service plan as standard as well.
If I had the money I would have it for my family for Christmas in the blink of an eye, and rest assured we have a suitable vehicle for at least the next decade.
2021 Kia Sportage GT-Line
Don’t forget to subscribe to our LET’S DRIVE newsletter for the latest news on new models and road tests in Mzansi.