AFTER launching its fourth-generation Sportage medium SUV at the start of 2016, Kia is back with a lightly-refreshed version of its second-best-selling model to keep it competitive in the cut-throat segment.

The car-maker identified safety, ride quality and styling as areas of improvement for the update, while largely leaving powertrains and interior alone.

Getting the mix right is critically important due to the size of the medium SUV segment, which has the highest market share of 18.0 per cent, ahead of small passenger cars (17.8%) and 4x4 pick-ups (14.7%).

Kia believes the update can net up to 200 additional sales a month for the brand that currently hovers around 1200.

Does the mid-life update do enough to keep the Sportage competitive in one of the busiest segments on the market?