Sunday, November 9, 2014

Kia Sportage 1.6-litre


Kia's hugely improved third generation Sportage is stiff competition for both Qashqai-like Crossovers and RAV4-like compact SUVs. Even in entry-level front-drive, 1.6-litre form, it's a very complete - and very desirable - family car.

Behind the wheel, the feeling is far more RAV4 and Freelander SUV-like than the more ordinary family hatch-like feel of the Nissan Qashqais and Peugeot 3008s that Kia says this car competes against. A lot of buyers will think that a very good thing. It's certainly impressive the way that the designers have managed to combine a commanding driving position with a seat that's easy to slide in and out of. High-sided flanks, a nose invisible from the driver's seat and a small rear window do make this a car that demands a little adjustment if you're trading up from something more conventional, but once you adapt, you should find the Sportage to be an easy thing to live with.

Of course, the car isn't intended for those planning a jungle expedition. It'll be equally ineffective if you want to corner Lewis Hamilton-like on your door handles, a pastime far more suited in this sector to cars like Ford's Kuga or Nissan Qashqai. So what exactly does it offer? Well, something that's probably far better suited to the kind of driving that most potential family buyers will actually do: a softer, more relaxed approach that balances body control, handling response and ride comfort aided by hi-tech multi-link rear suspension in a very impressive fashion. If the Koreans could make the variable assistance power steering a little more feelsome, it'd be even better still. The 1.6-litre variant's petrol engine isn't any ball of fire, but rest to 62mph in 10.7s en route to 111mph should be enough for most.

Talk about subtle. The exterior styling changes to the latest Sportage will have most of you scratching your heads, even with the old and new cars parked next to one another. Perhaps that's a testament to the fact that the design has aged extremely well and still looks pin-sharp. I'm not going to be the one who accuses Kia's design studio of laziness. The differences are a slightly smarter front grille, revised tail light clusters, revised alloy wheel designs and a shark fin antenna for some trim grades. Inside there's a soft 'nano' paint finish on the dashboard and centre console, better illumination and soft-touch upper door trims. The door-mounted audio tweeters have been repositioned to enhance sound quality.

Otherwise, it's still as practical as ever. It just feels a little better built. The generous dimensions of the Sportage are carried over. There's a substantial boot measuring in at 564-litres when the rear seats are occupied - or 1,353-litres when they're folded down. Storage space inside the Sportage includes a six-litre centre console bin, large door pockets and a glovebox that's air-conditioned on some models.

Provided that you're not expecting a really sporty Crossover or an off-roader in the traditional sense of the word, it's hard to see how this improved Kia Sportage would disappoint. It's well built, it rides well, there's a strong range of engines and it looks great.

This South Korean brand has made huge strides in terms of design sophistication, engine efficiency and marketing savvy in recent years, all of which is reflected in this car. With Kias of the past, you used to need a spreadsheet to explain the rationale behind your buying decision. Now all you need is a photo.


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