Few vehicles have carved out a legacy quite like the Kia Sportage. This iconic compact sports utility vehicle (SUV) has long held a special place in the hearts of Bruneians, a trusted companion on the roads for over three decades.
To celebrate, the Kia Sportage recently marked its 30th anniversary with the release of a new Special Edition, capturing the spirit of innovation and style that has defined its reign. Beloved by Bruneian families, the Kia Sportage has always been more than just a car.
Known for its versatility, reliability, and sleek design, it has adapted to the changing needs of drivers over the years, ensuring its position as a benchmark for compact SUVs.
Whether navigating city streets or venturing into more rugged terrain, the Sportage has consistently delivered a driving experience that blends comfort with performance.
First introduced in 1993, the Kia Sportage made an indelible impact on the automotive industry, becoming synonymous with quality and dependability. Over the years, it has sold over seven million units globally, cementing its status as Kia’s best-selling model since 2015.
Across five generations, the Sportage has evolved in both form and function, with each iteration pushing the boundaries of design and technology.
The new 30th anniversary Special Edition serves as a tribute to the Sportage’s enduring appeal, capturing the essence of what has made the SUV such a cherished choice – blending its bold exterior with a refined, high-tech interior that promises both style and substance.
The attention to detail, from the sleek lines of its body to the advanced features inside, showcases Kia’s dedication to innovation and quality.
BREAKING NEW GROUND
Looking back at its various generations, the Kia Sportage made a bold entrance into the SUV market with its sedan-like driving experience and roomy interior, setting it apart from the rugged, off-road SUVs of the time.
Its innovative ‘body-on-frame’ design, combined with electronically controlled 4WD and the world’s first knee airbags, helped it stand out in a competitive market.
These features propelled Kia into the spotlight, especially in the United States, establishing it as a brand that blends innovation with everyday practicality.
The second-generation Sportage adopted a modern monocoque platform, vastly improving ride comfort and handling.
This shift aligned with the growing global demand for compact SUVs, leading to sales more than doubling.
Safety and quality became top priorities, earning the Sportage the prestigious JD Power APEAL study’s top ranking in 2005.
By the third generation, the Sportage R, which stood for Revolution, took innovation further with its iconic Tiger Nose grille, winning numerous design awards such as the iF and Red Dot Awards. Its top-tier safety ratings and increasing global popularity pushed sales past two million units.
The fourth generation enhanced its reputation with advanced safety features like ADAS and downsized engines for eco-conscious buyers, cementing it as Kia’s best-selling vehicle.
In 2021, the fifth-generation Sportage embraced Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design, blending bold aesthetics with versatile powertrain options, earning it acclaim and numerous international awards.
Over five generations, the Kia Sportage has sold more than seven million units globally, continuing to evolve as a benchmark in innovation, style, and safety.
CELEBRATE THE LEGACY
The 2024 Kia Sportage 30th anniversary Special Edition is a celebration of three decades of automotive excellence, blending innovation with the luxury and comfort that has won the hearts of drivers worldwide.
The limited-edition model not only honours the Sportage’s legacy but also showcases Kia’s future direction, offering a driving experience like no other.
At the heart of this special edition is a focus on refinement and safety.
Acoustic laminated glass in the front and rear rows ensures a quieter, more serene cabin environment, perfect for long drives.
Enhanced safety features reaffirm its status as a trusted family SUV, delivering peace of mind with every journey. Inside, the 30th anniversary Special Edition boasts exclusive colour packs in sophisticated green or black. The seats, adorned with intricately crafted suede and graphic perforated patterns, exude quality, while the commemorative 30th anniversary logo on the headrests adds a personalised touch.
On the exterior, gloss black accents amplify its bold, modern aesthetic, ensuring this SUV turns heads on the road.
For those seeking an iconic ride that fuses heritage with cutting-edge innovation, the Sportage 30th anniversary Special Edition is now available at Kia Brunei showrooms. – James Kon
