The current Sportage by KIA Pakistan is an obsolete and discontinued 4th generation model, although when it was launched in Pakistan in August 2019, it was relevant with respect to global offerings. Internationally the model wasreplaced by a 5th gen in June 2021. Sportage has collected a lot of attention in Pakistan since its launch and actually the model which started the crossover war in the country. Its sales statistics are open to all and still one of the shortlisted choices.
Reports About Black Edition
Anyways, as per unconfirmed and unofficial reports, KIA Pakistan will be launching a limited edition model / trim level to the existing AWD, FWD, and Alpha lineup. Basically, this will be 4th variant and will be top of the line version and possibly will be offered with AWD. The BLACK EDITION was also offered in Europe for the 4th generation during the end of its lifecycle, but it was called JBL BLACK EDITION (as pictured in this blog for reference).
JBL for the fact that it was available with a premium JBL 8 speaker sound system, including a front central speaker + subwoofer. I am not sure if the Pakistani version will be called just a BLACK EDITION or JBL BLACK EDITION. If it’s just BLACK, we can assume there will be no JBL sound system. By the way, European customers for JBL Black Edition were also gifted JBL Bluetooth speakers.
Main Highlights
Other highlights are mostly aesthetics which will include, blacked out front grill, dark accents for the headlights, black side view mirrors, blacked out door handles , black roof rails, black alloy wheels (might be 19″ but no confirmation. Overseas model had 17″ black alloys. There is due chance and possibility they powder-coat the current 18″ wheels to black as on AWD) while there will be blacked out front and rear bumper skid plate, valance and KIA logos.
We might see a slightly changed rear bumper & possibly a blacked colored SPORTAGE spelled emblem across on the rear hatch. On the interior, expect black color theme like black headliner, black door panels, black seats. No other technical changes / features are expected on interior.
ADAS Coming?
There is a strong rumor that KIA Pakistan might add ADAS safety equipment to the BLACK EDITION but no confirmation. If it becomes reality, there will be front collision warning system with auto braking and pedestrian detection, Lane keep assist, Blind spot monitoring and possibly adaptive cruise control. I hope rumor regarding ADAS is true although the supporting information is not that reliable so, for now we can keep fingers crossed with extremely low probability. I hope KIA Pakistan takes the initiative by introducing side and curtain airbags systems on priority and offer them across the model lineup.
No changes to the engine or other stuff under the hood. BLACK EDITION will not be exclusive to black exterior color but also for different exterior shades, meaning you can have BLACK EDITION on white exterior paint as well.
Expected Price
Lastly, expect a new price for the latest version as in a typical fashion. The current AWD is priced at 8,570,000/- ( correct me if I am wrong, as prices in Pakistan change very frequently ). I expect the BALCK EDITION to jump over 9 Million for sure. The arrival of BLACK EDITION will give the old discontinued global model a little more life in Pakistan, especially when the auto industry is going through rough times.
Expect the new version to arrive @ dealers within a week’s time. Please stay tuned to PakWheels editorial for more details. So, what are your thoughts on the upcoming version of Sportage? Do you think it will flare up the market and the public will be ready to spend on an old model with some new features? Please keep in mind that the attached pictures are for reference only. Are you ready to pay over 9 Million just for minor cosmetic surgery ?
0 Comments