Kia’s compact SUV, the Sportage, is making waves in the UK market. Its sleek design, impressive performance, and competitive pricing have become a favorite among British drivers. This surge in popularity has significantly boosted Kia’s overall sales in the region, propelling the brand to second place in consumer preference behind Volkswagen.
According to data released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) on Tuesday, Kia sold 3,476 Sportage units in the UK last month. This impressive figure pushed the Sportage to the top of the monthly bestseller list, outperforming rivals such as the Nissan Qashqai, Vauxhall Corsa, Volkswagen Golf, and Peugeot 3008.
The Sportage’s success has significantly strengthened Kia’s position in the UK market. The Korean automaker sold 10,813 vehicles, a 5.94% increase from the previous year’s 10,207 units. Kia’s market share climbed by 0.62 percentage points to 7.76%, securing second in monthly sales rankings. For context, the overall UK auto market saw sales of 139,345 vehicles during this period.
Volkswagen led the January sales chart with 13,565 units sold. BMW followed in third place with 9,265 vehicles, while Peugeot and Nissan rounded out the top five with 8,096 and 7,129 units, respectively. Vauxhall (7,084), Ford (6,636), Audi (6,433), Mercedes-Benz (6,361), and Hyundai (6,332) occupied the following five positions.
Kia plans to leverage the Sportage’s popularity to strengthen its SUV strategy in the UK further, aiming for steady sales growth. The company is particularly attuned to the rapidly increasing demand for SUVs and eco-friendly vehicles in the British market.
Kia is focusing on the upcoming launch of the 2025 model year Sportage Facelift. The latest edition comes about three years after the introduction of the fifth-generation Sportage in 2021. The new model maintains its “dynamic urban SUV” image while incorporating Kia’s latest quintessential designs, including the “Star Map Signature Lighting.” These updates are expected to give the Sportage a more robust and futuristic appearance, further enhancing its appeal to UK consumers.
