It's not easy to get overly enthused about
mid-sized SUVs. Or any SUV really, unless, like the Jeep SRT, they are overly
endowed with power, or you're about to head into the wilds with some big rig
armed with diff locks, mud plugger tyres, and metres of ground clearance. SUVs
continue their evolution (or regression, depending on your viewpoint) from
utilitarian machines to oversized hatchbacks. And that's how you could describe
the Kia Sportage, especially when you're talking about the front-wheel drive models.
This market niche has really taken off as buyers realise they don't need AWD,
they just like the convenience of a compact five-door wagon riding that bit
higher off the ground. And while it's hard to get excited about them, it's
equally as hard to hate 'em too for they are so practical, so easy to live
with. Particularly when you buy the fully loaded version. This Limited 2WD, a
new model variant to the Sportage line up, has everything to make life easy;
keyless entry and go, the cabin light illuminating the interior when it senses
you're approaching, heated seats, even for those in the rear, dual zone air
con, auto lights and wipers, parking sensors and a rear view camera, and sat
nav to help you find your way.
Sportage's
performance figures are not the best in this class but they’re competitive
Sportage's strong suit is its look, or so
we reckon, so Kia hasn't messed with this model's final update before it's
replaced in around 12 month's time. The outward changes are minimal with a new
mesh finish for the grille, there are new alloy wheels and the rear lamps adopt
LED technology. Inside there's no major change either, but some added soft
touch plastic, particularly on the door tops is noticeable, as is a more
premium finish for the dash.
Of more substance is the mechanical
upgrade, with petrol powered Sportages now sporting a 2.0-litre direct
injection engine. This four is already in use in the top Cerato and Carens and
here it brings a little more torque to Sportage (no more power however) and
responsiveness to the drive experience along with a slight reduction in fuel
use too, the 2WD models are now rated at 8.4L/ 100km on average. Also updated
is the steering assistance, additional computing power improving the general
steering characteristics of this electric set up, as well as adding three drive
modes; Comfort, Normal and Sport. A few other changes; an acoustic windscreen
and added rubber bushings in the front subframe aim to improve the refinement
levels.
Step
inside and the spacious, high quality interior of the Sportage still impresses
It'd been a while since we had driven the
old 2.0-litre model, and so the differences were hard to pick. We took the
opportunity to reacquaint ourselves with the superseded version and found the
new steering made an immediate impression. The old model's wheel is reluctant
to turn off centre, and is generally dead and overly weighty. The new Flex
Steer system has no more feel but has a more consistent weighting, and
generally feels happier on the turn, easily moving off centre.
As for engine performance, the VBOX
couldn't detect anything startling, but there is certainly a better response to
the pedal from 2,000rpm onwards, and there's less noise and vibration. The ride
too is smoother, the front suspension isolating bumps better, while the odd
road shock gets through in the old model. While the sound meter couldn't detect
a decent overall drop in cabin noise levels, a lack of wind noise from around
the windscreen in the new model was appreciable. So while on paper these small
changes don't amount to much, the difference is palpable when driving them back
to back.
The
six-speed automatic transmission changes gears smoothly and quickly
The 2.0-litre model is a fine conveyance
round town, with a smooth power delivery well managed by the auto and there's
enough urge to flow in traffic without raising a sweat. These 2WD versions
adopt the Urban nameplate and, as this suggests, they work best plying city
streets. Further afield, the 2.0-litre needs to work hard on the overtake, and
in the hills. Smooth and steady is the best approach because while the grip
levels are reassuring and the ride remains fairly agreeable, the front
heavyweight balance and higher centre of gravity see any overly enthusiastic
type of turn-in result in understeer. So sporty in name primarily.
The
Kia's large boot should serve most buyers' needs
It would be tempting to buy the 4x4 version
to go venturing a little further afield occasionally but these 4x2 models are
lighter and so they drink less, and are cheaper at purchase time. The base
model starts at $34,240, with an EX in at $38,340 and the new Limited model at
$44,490, which is getting up there but as mentioned all of those nice extras do
make life easy, and it's much cheaper than both the petrol and diesel 4x4
version too.
