When
you look at the third-generation Kia Sportage 4×2 diesel variant, there is no doubt
that it exudes a robust visual presence.
Aside from the aesthetics, it is also engaging to drive with its balance
of sportiness, form and functionality.
The
fascia radiates with Kia’s
signature tiger-nose front grille, which complements the projector-type
headlights that stretch to the fenders.
It is evidence of Kia
styling chief Peter Schreyer’s design approach, which is unique to every modern
Kia vehicle. The
body lines and contours, which form an elegant aura, also add to the
aerodynamics, with the lower rear roofline extending to the tail gate. Black
trim surrounding the underneath panels supplements the solid styling.
Yet,
there’s a different story once you’re inside the five-seater cabin. Although the interior layout is modern and
ergonomic, the materials used lean toward practical, rather than elegance. True to its functional purpose, switches and
controls are straight-forward and within reach of the driver. It may not have the usual modern bells and
whistles, but there are several essential amenities and interior-design cues.
The combination of the sunken cup holders in the center console and elevated
arm rest prevents any distraction when operating the short shifter. You wouldn’t miss a glimpse of the enlarged
and well-illuminated analog gauges that are perfectly visible through the
chunky and grippy steering wheel. Seats
are wrapped in fabric, giving a perfect hug. Rear passengers will enjoy the
ample legroom and available aircon vent for a more comfortable ride. Despite
lacking an automatic climate-control system, the manually activated blower and
thermostat proved to be capable of wrapping the occupants in a blanket of
coldness. For a moment, one wouldn’t
think it runs with diesel,
since there is minimal noise inside the cabin apart from the tire-tread echoes.
The
powertrain is the Sportage’s
most compelling feature. Given the
engine’s performance, it seems capable of going head-to-head with popular
Japanese SUVs, which sport bigger displacements. With the 2.0-liter CRDI
turbocharged and intercooled diesel engine,
driving was amazingly fun. You don’t
need a dynamometer to validate the declared figures once you get to drive the Sportage. With maximum torque available within the
low-end range, acceleration was instantaneous, so forceful, in fact, that it
demonstrated swift overtaking and made every ascent almost irrelevant. On steep climbs, this writer almost forgot
about the fact that the vehicle was a front driver; it left no hesitation when
summoned to scramble. Once you reached
the midrange, it produced a distinct grunt before unleashing more boost. Transferring power to the front wheels is a
six-speed automatic transmission with manual mode. It exhibited seamless operation and stayed
within low-engine speeds in the final drive—a fuel-efficiency feature. Shifting was almost executed in real-time
with the manual mode, allowing the engine to stay within the power band during
passing and supporting the engine braking when needed.
As for
the suspension, the test unit showed adaptability on different terrains. It may be a little bouncy on bad pavement but
it’s surprisingly stable and smooth on level roads, even with random
variations. The 17-inch alloy wheels,
wrapped with 225/60 series tires, handled rubble without any rebound. On turns
and curves, there were no excessive body roll and twists from the relatively
stiff dampers. And together with the
responsive electronic steering, handling and control were impressive. There’s more than enough stopping power with
the large diameter four-wheel disc brakes.
The Antilock Braking System performed well on hard braking, maintaining
steering direction.
This
writer sees the Kia
Sportage as a countryside
dweller with the versatility to drive around urban areas. It is great for
traversing highways or in extreme road conditions, given its unyielding
execution. On the other hand, its
practical interior is ideal for out-of-town trips without the worries of
soiling the upholstery. The minimalist switches and controls allow you to focus
and enjoy the driving dynamics.
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