The entry edition is well under Hyundai’s equivalent and the most expensive sits just $10,000 above the cheapest Tucson.

HAVING notched up more than 500 pre-orders an entry model that places $15,000 below its closest equal in the Hyundai Tucson family, Kia here has now revealed similarly advantageous pricing for the other Sportage editions coming here.

Nine editions of the sister model to Hyundai’s car will come into showrooms next year, with the most expensive being a diesel – with an engine not used by the parent marque – that will cost $59,990.

That’s two fewer editions than in Hyundai’s Tucson model line, which tops off with a 1.6-litre turbodiesel at $72,990 and starts with a $49,990 2.0-litre front-drive petrol whose closest equivalent, with the same drivetrain, in Kia’s clan is the Sportage LX, that is subject to a special launch price of $34,990 until December 31.

Kia NZ’s car is in a 160mm longer body style than comes with the Tucson, though both have a 2670mm wheelbase.

As well as upsizing, the incoming car has a stronger specification. Kia has chosen four trim levels and will sell more variants with all-wheel-drive than without when the range goes on sale early next year, the date yet to be defined.

In announcing the full pricing today, Kia NZ managing director Todd McDonald said he has high expectations the model will “continue to maintain its position as the most popular vehicle in our line-up.”

“An all-new design from an aesthetic and proportion-perspective, enhanced features and attributes combined with a compelling pricing proposition mean that there is every opportunity for Sportage to do extremely well - especially if the pre-launch interest in the new model is anything to go by.”

He said more than 500 pre-launch orders have been received for the car and is anticipating a fresh surge of interest.

The announcement coincides with the start of test drive opportunities at dealerships.