It was with much fanfare that ATL Tiger Motors — the arm of the ATL Automotive Group responsible for the Kia line of vehicles — unveiled the 2023 Sportage sport utility vehicle (SUV) at their Oxford Road showroom in St Andrew on Friday, April 29.

“The mid-sized SUV category is the biggest category in the industry, and with this new model it’s going to be a game changer,” Kevin Jackson, senior sales manager, ATL Tiger Motors, told the Jamaica Observer’s weekly Auto magazine.

Jackson referenced the fact that, under the ATL Automotive Group banner four years ago, the Kia brand for the past two years has been number three on the dealership sales charts. He accredited it to the hard work of his sales team and the market response to Kia vehicles, such as the Seltos.

“We’ve been making moves in the market due to our unwavering commitment to delivering the highest standards of vehicles and aftersales service, which has reflected in our growth over these years,” added Damien Kerr, head of business, ATL Tiger Motors.

Kerr expects a similar response to the 2023 Sportage, which the media and specially invited guests waited in anticipation for Jackson and his sales team to unpackage from the massive box that sat in the showroom. When the ribbons were finally cut, the new styling of the Sportage was revealed, complete with accompanying fireworks.

“The previous generation Sportage was a great seller for the brand, but this new one is totally redesigned, having more standard features than the outgoing vehicle,” Jackson added.

The fifth generation 2023 Kia Sportage premieres with all-new looks to go along with its host of improvements. It’s longer and wider for more interior space, and it has more ground clearance than before for better off-road performance. There are three trim levels: Executive, Executive+, and X-Line. From that buyers have the option of choosing front- or all-wheel drive or one or two engines. The first two trim levels have a new two-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine, while the most luxurious X-Line package is a turbocharged diesel.

Convenience features range from an electronic parking brake, ventilated front seats, wireless charging to remote start and power opening tailgate. There’s plenty of technology in the form of Kia’s Drive Wise system that covers a list of smart driver aids, such as Forward Collision-Avoidance, Lane Following Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist and Smart Cruise Control. All trim levels get dual screens for instrumentation and infotainment.

The 2023 Kia Sportage starts at just over $6,000,000 for the Executive trim.