This third-generation Kia Sportage is the Korean firm’s key contender in the highly competitive compact SUV/crossover market. Penned by by German automotive designer Peter Schreyer, the Sportage’s tall dimensions give it a premium SUV presence, further enhanced by a ‘tiger nose’ and sharp, wrap-around headlights. The flanks are broken up with a distinctive lower crease, combined with a rising waistline and smaller glass area - continuing the Sportage’s upmarket look.

Sportage comes in two and four wheel drive form. For two wheel drive cars, the trim line-up consists of 1,2,3 and 3 Sat Nav. Meanwhile, All-wheel drive variants comprise: KX-2, KX-3, KX-3 Sat Nav and the top of the range KX-4 - tested here.

On the road the Sportage shows itself to be more about delivering comfort and refinement than a sharp dynamic steer. Not that this is necessarily to its detriment - Kia’s SUV actually feeling more attuned to everyday driving. The ride is soft and pliant with a well-judged compromise between body control and handling response. Unique to this KX-4 range-topper is an 181bhp version of Kia’s 2.0-litre CRDi turbodiesel engine. Developing 382Nm (282lb/ft) of torque from 1,800rpm to 2,500rpm, the motor always feels strong and responsive and can propel this SUV to 60 mph in 9.4 seconds and onto a top speed of 121 mph (in automatic guise).

An intelligent All-Wheel Drive system apportions 100 percent of engine torque to the front wheels in normal conditions, anticipating when AWD will be needed and then redistributes up to a maximum of 60:40 front-to-rear to assist cornering, stability or if available grip deteriorates.

Emissions and economy aren’t so great, with 189g/km of CO2 and an official combined cycle figure of 39.2mpg. However, manual models do score better on both counts (158g/km of CO2 and 46.3mpg).

Once inside, you’ll instantly feel at home, thanks to large comfy leather seats, a spacious airy cabin and attractive, ergonomically sound dashboard. The large, well positioned touch-screen infotainment system controls audio and car systems, along with the easy-to-use satellite navigation. True, some plastics feel a little cheap and switchgear doesn’t quite have the polish of German rivals, but these are minor niggles, all things considered. It’s a shame the front passenger seat doesn’t have the height and lumber adjustment of the driver’s chair. Some may also find the rear vision a bit restricted, although this Sportage gets a reversing camera as standard. Boot space is competitive – trouncing both the Nissan Qashqai and Skoda Yeti. Seats up, there’s 564 litres on offer. With them down this extends to 1353 litres.

 

 

 

 

Verdict:

This Sportage KX-4 comes fully loaded with equipment and builds on the specification of the KX-3 Sat Nav by adding a Parallel Parking Assist System – complete with all-round parking sensors – a keyless smart entry system and engine stop/start button and stainless steel door scuff plates.

Tech spec:

Kia Sportage 2.0 CRDI KX4 AWD
Price OTR: £29,505
Engine: 1995cc 4cyl turbodiesel
Max power: 181 bhp @ 4000 rpm
Max torque: 382Nm Nm at 1,400 – 2,500 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic, All-wheel drive
0-62mph: 9.4 seconds
Top speed: 121 mph
Economy/CO2: 39.2mpg, 189g/km