Kia has added a new model to its Sportage lineup.

The sister car to Hyundai's Tucson is now available in Si Premium trim that sits between the basic Si model and mid-range SLi.

The new Si Premium features a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 114kW and 192Nm outputs, driving the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.

The Si Premium costs $2000 more than a base Si, swapping the entry-level car's 17-inch wheels for more stylish 18-inch items while adding sat nav, dual-zone climate control, front parking sensors, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, LED daytime running lights, rain-sensing wipers and more.

That's outstanding value.

Other features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity for the 7-inch touchscreen, a reversing camera, rear parking sensors and a full-size alloy spare. 

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There's plenty of space in the front, rear and cargo area, along with a wide variety of cubby holes throughout the cabin.

We like the way the Sportage drives, having benefited from Kia's local test and development program, feeling more responsive and driver-oriented than something like Toyota's RAV4.

Kia's peerless seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty with seven years of capped price servicing and roadside assistance is tough to beat.

Kia's Sportage remains one of the sharpest-looking SUVs on the road.

The new Si Premium spec comes fitted with an automatic transmission as standard, and also brings a welcome range of extras including 17-inch alloys and roof rails at a decent price.

A mirror-mounted reversing camera is an excellent addition that brings safety benefits.

The Si Premium is the sweet spot in Kia's Sportage line, offering the best balance of price and equipment within the range.

Factor in the brand's unbeatable warranty arrangement and the result is clearly a compelling compact SUV.

Test drive a Kia Sportage today at Taree KIA part of the Mid Coast Automotive Group, 100 Manning River Drive, Taree. Or phone the sales team on 6592 6300.

Source: Drive