Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi 4K 2016 review
When it comes to the popular cross over SUV market there are two big names that stand out from the others first the Nissan Qashqai and also the Kia Sportage. Believe it or not the Kia Sportage is now in its 4th generation but it wasn’t until the 3rd generation, the predecessors of this new look version, that things really started to take off. Almost overnight sales shot up from around 5,000 a year to more than 23,000 here in the UK last year so no pressure for this new model.
We test drove a petrol engine with a GT Line trim which is new for this year which adds a sportier style with 19 inch wheels, twin tail pipes and a flat bottom steering wheel. The interior we reckon rivals the best in its class for classiest. It has a mix of materials, large infotainment screen and comfortable leather seats. The GT Line model neatly sits in the middle of the range and in addition to the exterior style which I personally reckon takes some of the edge of the Sportage’s new controversial looks, you also get some more of a kit usually reserved for the car’s hire trims. That means the likes of heated front and rear seats, parking sensors or reversing camera, dual zone climate control and automatic lights and wipers.
Despite the Sportage’s sloping roof, there’s still plenty of room in the back and the rear seats which I have to say are some of the comfiest I have sat in. Twin isofix attachments are in the rear if you need child seats and although the space in the back might not be class leading there are lots of little storage cubbies and parts which are great for longer journeys.
Boot space is fairly average for its class as well with 491 litres when the rear seats fold up. Fold them down and its 1492 litres or 1480 on models with four wheel drive. The boot is wide and well-shaped too but the tall height of the Sportage might make loading heavier items a bit more bothersome.
As popular as it was the previous Sportage could be a bit of a pig on the road. As a result this latest model has had its set up tuned considerably and as a result drives so much better than its predecessor. Granted it’s still no Mazda CX5 which in my opinion sets the bar in its class for driving dynamics but it is remarkably controlled in the corners for a car of its size and height. Likewise the electric steering has got a new motor to improve accuracy and feedback so you can really feel what the front of the car is doing while it’s on the road. The 1.7 diesel engine is probably the best all-rounder. The 1.6 litre turbo petrol which we test drove might seem a bit more of a niche choice these days but there is plenty to like with 174bhp up top. Power delivery is smooth and the engine pulls well with plenty of torque. 0-62 will take you 9.2 seconds and although we’d normally advise the automatic for this kind of car, manual suits it really well even if it’s not the most smooth shifting gear box around.
It’s hard to recommend the diesels as the most fun engines in the range but then it’s hard to recommend the petrol for anybody who’s anywhere inclined towards efficiency. This car comes with four-wheel drive as standard.
The Sportage range starts from £17,995, but for the GT Line you’ll have to spend at least £24,350. The Mazda CX5 which is better looking and which drives better around the block is almost a grand cheaper. Of course the Kia comes with the manufacturer’s seven year warranty, but beware on your petrol choice whether you go petrol or diesel, the Kia Sportage can be as cheap or expensive to run as you make it.
The fourth generation Kia Sportage might not make quite as giant a leap as its predecessor did but it’s undeniably a much more refined and well-rounded product. Whether you are a fan of the new face or not the GT Line certainly adds better looks and some desirable extras, while the petrol engine is smoother and stronger if not as economical as many of its rivals.
