Eye-catching looks, eye-catching value
This is the third-generation Sportage. You couldnt accuse the first two of vanity, but this one definitely wants to be looked at. It wants to be bought, too. Its very well equipped and bargainously cheap and like all Kias, it has a seven-year warranty thats still the best in the business.
With alloys, cruise, air-con, lots of safety kit, MP3 and Bluetooth, even the 1 is a well specced car. Theres no such thing as a badly equipped Sportage. The 2 adds some worthwhile extras, though, including illuminated vanity mirrors, a cargo net and styling accents which are chromed rather than painted silver. Details, maybe, but lots of them especially when added to headline kit like parking sensors and a double sunroof. The same goes for the leap from 2 to 3, which adds heated seats, xenon headlamps, full leather and a de-icer for the windscreen wipers. This is also the only model with the option of adding sat-nav, which in turn becomes standard on the 4.
The 1.6 GDi petrol engine provides a cheap entry point to the range, but with good economy and a fair turn of pace it doesnt feel like settling for second best. The same is true, and then some, of the 1.7 CRDi we drove. Its low on power but high on torque, and with the latter coming from as low as 1250 rpm its very flexible indeed. Itll nudge 60mpg on a run, too. The 2.0 petrol engine is the thirstiest in the range, though even with the auto box thats optional in 4x4 models youll see better than 35mpg. Then theres the 2.0 CRDi. Two versions of it, each with masses of low-down shove making them effortless to drive. The more powerful version is exclusive to the AWD 4 model. It takes a second and a half off the cars 0-62 time, while using only a fraction more fuel. But with all the other extra kit this model includes, theres a big jump in price to get you there.
Whichever Sportage you get into, your first impression might be that the very high waistline and low roof make it feel a bit like being in a pill box. Give it a little time, though, and you get used to it. Indeed, the view out the side is surprisingly airy. Cabin materials are generally very good, as is the layout of the dash, and its easy to get comfortable. Theres plenty of room in the back, too, at least for your legs, though tall passengers need to duck a bit. Fold down the rear seats, which is easily done, and you get a long load bay with a good low lip at the back. The seats dont go flat, though, which is definitely a black mark against them.
The 1.7 CRDi is tuned for economy, which it delivers in fine style. But it pulls very well from low speeds, making for a relaxed drive. When you need to thrash it, on the other hand, it responds more with noise than anything else. But the manual gearbox is very smooth on the way both up and down. Engine noise is also apparent at motorway speeds, but though its loud it doesnt feel laboured. It could do with more steering feel, though several times, we found ourselves drifting off the straight-ahead line while cruising. The steering is lovely around town, however, with a nice light action and precision of feel. Something else you feel, on the other hand, is pot holes, thanks to a somewhat clumsy ride quality.
Where do we start? The Sportages low purchase price? The amount of kit you get for your money? The running costs that come from its modest insurance grouping and tidy emissions? Or the seven-year warranty with which Kia crushes all else before it? If you want an SUV thats cheap to run, theres not a lot around that can touch this vehicle. Value for money is writ large throughout the Sportage range, and with the 1.7 the savings will keep coming as long as you own it. Whats best about this vehicle, though, is that its as desirable as it is sensible. Just imagine the look on your kids faces when you bring it home for the first time. When youve done that, consider its exceptional safety kit and crash test score. You can find imperfections but at this price, theres no case to answer.
