Kia Sportage launched with 2.0 litre petrol engine (UK)

Kia has priced the all-new Sportage 2.0 litre from �19,495, �1,282 less than the diesel model. The Theta-II 2.0 litre petrol unit produces 161bhp and 194Nm of torque. It churns out 188g/km of CO2, with combined fuel economy of 35.8mpg. The engine is linked to a 5 speed manual. It has a top speed of 113mph and does 0-60mph in 10.3 seconds.

As with the newly launched 2.0 CRDI Kia Sportage, the four-wheel-drive petrol variant is available in one trim-level; First Edition. It includes the same features found in the 2.0 CRDi like 4WD, LED day-time running lights, cruise control, 18� alloy wheels, leather interior w/ heated front & rear seats, auto-dimming rear-view mirror w/ reversing camera and Bluetooth.

Originally, 850 diesel Sportage First Editions were produced for the UK, however Kia says these have now all been sold. The full line-up, including 2WD and 4WD models and lower powered engines will be available later this year, but Kia says it�s selling the petrol First Editions available now to meet customer demand.

Michael Cole, Managing Director of Kia Motors (UK) Ltd., said: �From the moment we announced the all-new Sportage our dealers were under siege from new and existing customers who wanted to be among the first to get hold of this exciting car. But it was clear that many wanted a petrol option � so we are very happy to have secured 300 units to meet that demand.

�We will not have too long to wait for the full range of new Sportage � from November we will have 2WD and AWD versions featuring four engines including a 1.6GDI and a 1.7 Turbo-Diesel, but such is the excitement about new Sportage that we simply couldn�t disappoint those customers who wanted First Edition but with a petrol engine,� he added.

Deliveries start in October.