Irvine, California - Kia's latest Sportage has won acclaim for its sporty looks, which have no doubt counted towards its achievements on the softroader sales charts.
Besides some obvious bean-counting, that could be why the company is playing it ridiculously safe with the facelifted 2014 model. So safe, in fact, that only the eagle-eyed will spot the changes.
External alterations are limited to a new grille design, across the board, and redesigned fog lights on the flagship model.
Our contact at Kia SA told us that the 2014 Sportage will arrive during the first half of 2014 but at this stage no local specifications are being divulged.
The US model features an upgraded 2.4-litre GDI direct injection petrol motor credited with 135kW and 239Nm. Given that a version of that motor has just been fitted to the South African Optima, consider it a likely starter for our market.
The North American models also feature a tasty array of features, with high-end versions boasting an advanced in-vehicle connectivity system with smartphone apps, Infinity Premium Audio system and a panoramic sunroof.