Kia, if you haven't noticed, is on a
design-led revolution. Each new model the company rolls out is a huge
improvement on its predecessor. The Sportage is a fine example. The
second-generation Sportage, model designation KM for the train spotters, was a
visually challenging affair. It was an honest compact SUV that offered plenty
of value, and while it was one of the few with diesel power in the segment, a
beauty it was not. When the third-generation model (SL) came along in middle
2010, it was a step-change in design. Sportage went from dire to desirable, and
Kia NZ sold every example it could get its hands on. Even a few years on, the
design still gets compliments. It was one of the first mass market cars to
offer daytime LED running lights, which is now a feature of all subsequent new
model Kias. The design drove buyers to the dealership, according to Kia NZ.
Once there, the majority of punters found the 2WD Urban models satisfied their
needs which, with a 2.0-litre petrol/six-speed auto combo, makes for compelling
buying at just $34,240 for the entry model and $38,240 for the EX. which we
guess is short for EXtras. We can understand why people reckon they can do
without AWD if they are never going to venture further off road than the grass
verge, because it saves them a handy $5,000 on the EX 4x4. The AWD model does
have a slightly more powerful 2.4-litre engine with 130kW and 227Nm of torque,
the extra capacity bringing more torque at lower engine speeds.
Sportage's
performance figures are not the best in this class but they’re competitive
There's also a diesel option with a 392Nm
2.0-litre unit and good as it is from our experiences last year, it does add
yet another $5,000 to the bottom line. And at $52,240 for the Limited version,
it's pricey in its category. Supply has been tight on this model, with European
demand for Kia's diesels running hot. In fact, Kia NZ says supply has been an
issue for Sportage in general, which has held back sales volume.
That leaves us with the model we've been
driving for the past month, the $47,240 LTD 2.4 petrol. We've yet to experience
the advantage of AWD in the city, even in the depths of winter. Which is why,
for city slickers, the Urban version is a smart choice. We'll have to go on an
adventure to ensure the hill descent control and 4x4 lock mode get at least
token use.
Step
inside and the spacious, high quality interior of the Sportage still impresses
The compact SUV is popular mainly due to
its size. The Sportage is just 4,445mm long, yet has a boot rated to hold 740L.
It's actually one of the bigger cargo bays in the class, especially in the
East-West direction. Handy for those oversized push chairs. Short overhangs
look good but also allow designers to extend the wheelbase and the Sportage's
measures 2,640mm. Coupled with the high set seats, you have space for four
comfortably, or five if the back seat passengers don't mind getting cosy.
Another selling point is the ease of entry, particularly with the Kia's wide
opening doors and the good all-round vision. Even the chunky C pillar doesn't
rob too much of your outward view.
It's proved a family friendly vehicle, even
without the fitment of Isofix type latches for our Recaro ProRide child seat.
Lucky the Recaro is versatile, and can be strapped in tightly using the seat
belt and the top-tether anchor point.
No
individual rear seats, only a bench, but there’s plenty of head and legroom
Fittingly, the Limited comes well equipped
with leather trim, electric seat adjustment and heaters, a proximity key,
reversing camera, big alloys, privacy glass and dual zone air con. Convenience
items do make motoring easier. Heated mirrors, for instance, are handy in
winter, clearing the dew quickly in the morning.
The 2.4-litre four rarely needs to be
stretched beyond 3,000rpm in the city, there's sufficient torque to move the
brown buggy effortlessly in traffic and the six-speed auto is smart enough that
you never need play with the manual shifter gate. The ride is surprisingly good
on the 18s too, and the only aspect that doesn't gel is the steering. The
Korean's early attempts at electric assistance haven't been the greatest, and
unfortunately the Kia's helm lacks consistent weighting and feel, particularly
around centre. Encouragingly, the newer systems fitted to the latest Cerato and
Carens show progress has been made with a much more neutral feel and consistent
weighting on the go.
Boot
is a practical shape. Rear seat splits 60/40
The Sportage petrol4x4 is rated at 9.2L/100km
on average, with a 12.5L/100km urban figure and 7.3 on the highway. The first
couple of tanks have brought an average in the 11s, helped by a few motorway
runs.
Sportage will continue to keep us mobile
for the next few months, in which a little adventuring is required to sample
the AWD hardware.
