Road Test
Due for
replacement later this year, Kia's Sportage continues
to sell well for the Australian importer, despite falling behind in some areas
compared to newer medium SUV rivals. That's partly because it continues to
blend the familiar feel of a family hatch with the space and practicality of a
larger SUV. A good case in point is the latest Si Premium variant which offers
extra value along with a zippy and economical petrol engine for its $30,000
price tag.
It's
not hard to understand why Kia's
mid-sized SUV is currently the company's second biggest seller Down Under,
behind the Cerato small car. Among its many attributes are attractive styling,
user-friendly cabin, pleasing on-road manners, competitive pricing, and
class-leading after-sales support (read: seven-year warranty).
Like
many of its rivals, which include the top-selling Mazda CX-5 and Nissan
X-TRAIL, it has a broad offering to cater to most family types, with two and
all-wheel drive configurations, small capacity petrol and diesel engines, manual
and auto transmissions, and prices ranging from $25,990 to $41,590 (plus
on-road costs).
The Si
Premium variant tested here was added to the line-up last year. Sitting above
the entry-level petrol Si and paired exclusively with six-speed auto and 2WD undercarriage,
it comes with all the basics you'd expect on a $29,990 soft-roader including
rear parking sensors, foglights, anti-lock brakes, stability control, six
airbags, cruise control, Bluetooth audio/phone streaming, manual air
conditioning, keyless entry and an alarm.
For the
additional $1800 over the standard Si, the Si Premium also delivers LED daytime
running lights, auto headlights, a rear-view camera, artificial leather trim,
bigger 17-inch alloy wheels and roof-rails.
Those
coming from a sedan or hatchback will feel immediately at home in the Sportage, with its
relatively low-set (for an SUV) driving position. There's only 167mm ground
clearance, which makes it easier to load younger kids but less ideal for
heading off the bitumen. The narrow windows and sloping windscreen undoubtedly
enhance aerodynamic efficiency and looks, but offer less of the all-desirable,
commanding view you find in other, boxier SUVs.
As one
of the older models in its segment, the Sportage also shows its age in
other areas, such as the lack of a touchscreen display. As a result the
rear-view camera display is squeezed into one half of the rear view mirror,
making it harder to read than some of its rivals' dash-mounted screens.
The
front seats are reasonably comfortable over the long haul, and the vinyl/cloth
trim and cabin materials appear durable if uninspiring in presentation.
On the
plus side, the minimalist, infotainment cluster couldn't be more user-friendly,
and it took seconds to pair the phone via Bluetooth. While lending the cabin a
romantic glow at night, we hope Kia's trademark red glow instruments aren't
carried over to the next model, as they're often difficult to read in bright
sunlight.
One of
the advantages of being a metre shorter than its seven seat Sorento sibling, is
the Sportage's better
manoeuvrability in traffic and when parking.
While
lacking a third-row there's plenty of space for a family of four, and their luggage
in the rear cargo space. We say four because while the outboard rear seats are
spacious, at least for children, the raised middle seat (with fold-down armrest
and drink holders) is an uncomfortable position for anyone.
The
basic air-con system means there are no vents in the rear, or 12-volt sockets
(these are located up front and in the rear loadspace). Door pockets, front and
rear, are decent sized, as are other storage options throughout the cabin.
There's also a full size spare located in a tub under the rear load area with
extra storage spots.
Just as
importantly, the petrol Sportage
zips through traffic with refined and responsive ease. While offering about
half the torque of the turbo-diesel engine, and at a much higher 4000rpm, the
petrol donk is mostly quieter and smoother in operation. With the whole family
on-board and in combination with an inconspicuous six-speed auto it rarely
feels underdone whisking through traffic or out on the highway.
Nor
does it ever get raucous, despite its high revving tendencies. There's
certainly enough grunt to chirp the front tyres if you're over-zealous on
take-off.
Transmission
shifts are smooth and the engine ticks along just above 2000rpm on the freeway,
with wind and engine noise largely absent. Unfortunately we can't say the same
about tyre noise, with the steady 'drum' from the 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped
in Hankook Optimo 225/60-series rubber over a variety of surfaces, somewhat
spoiling the ambience.
While
delivering a slight increase in torque from the recent upgrade to
direct-injection for the 2.0-litre petrol engine, it also seems to have brought
fuel economy benefits. After a week of commuting with some country driving
mixed in, the trip computer displayed an impressive 8.1L/100km average.
That's
lower than the official, combined figure quoted by Kia!
More
high-riding hatchback than bulky SUV, the Sportage also
acquits itself well in corners, with little body roll and decent grip at least
in the dry. The locally-fettled ride/handling compromise is commendable, though
there's a slight bias towards directional changes, so it can feel a little firm
at times over rougher bitumen.
Like
the rest of the dynamic package, the brakes and steering are up to the job,
although we'd welcome a bit more feel under-foot (and under fingers).
The Sportage is due to be replaced
later this year, no doubt by a fancier version with fresh styling, updated
materials, and more technology including electronic driver aids.
In the
meantime, the current version continues to make a strong case as a no-fuss,
practical, and dare I say enjoyable family runabout. Potential buyers should
keep an eye out for the inevitable run-out deals…
2015 Kia Sportage Si Premium pricing
and specifications:
Price: $29,900 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 122kW/205Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.4L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 200g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five stars
What we liked:
- Smooth engine
- Ride/handling balance
- Passenger car feel
- No touchscreen
- Tyre noise
- Red glow dial
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