Kia NZ announces slashed $34,990 price for all-new Sportage

Off the back of unveiling its new Sportage in June, Kia New Zealand has announced a heavily slashed introductory price for the model ahead of its November arrival and January 2022 launch.

In a statement released this morning, Kia’s local arm confirmed that it will offer the Sportage LX 2.0-litre petrol variant for $34,990. The firm has yet to reveal pricing for the rest of the range, but the LX 2.0-litre is likely to eventually have its price bumped to around the $40,000 mark.

“We have high expectations for the all-new Sportage and, as a limited time offer, are making the all-new LX 2.0-litre two-wheel-drive petrol variant available from only $34,990,” said managing director of Kia New Zealand, Todd McDonald.

“This represents exceptional value as Sportage offers a striking exterior design, premium interior appearance and appointment, as well as an all-encompassing suite of safety features. […] Sportage has evolved and is an entirely new and sophisticated proposition. It is the dawning of a new age for Kia and our iconic SUV.”

It’s not the first time that Kia has unveiled a new model in this manner. The Seltos and Stonic (the two smallest members of its SUV range) were introduced in a similar fashion, in both cases with good effect.

Kia has confirmed that the Sportage will be offered locally in four different trim levels, with two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options available. Local powertrain options are yet to be confirmed (barring the presence of the 2.0-litre petrol).

Overseas the model has been revealed with a 1.6-litre petrol four, a 2.0-litre diesel, and both a mild hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. Kia New Zealand will likely hope to ink both of the latter variants in order to shore up its electrified options as the government’s Clean Car Standard inches closer.

While it’s yet to iron out the full details of the Sportage’s local spec, Kia New Zealand has announced that all models will feature the brand’s Advanced Driver Assistance System as standard, featuring forward collision avoidance, blind spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic avoidance, and more.

It also confirmed the spec of the aforementioned cut-price LX. It comes standard with 17-inch wheels, radar stop-and-go cruise control, LED headlights, an eight-inch touchscreen, front parking sensors, heated wing mirrors, and more.