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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