Road test: Kia Sportage SUV

Kia invests heavily in revamped Sportage, says Mike Stone
Practical choice: the fourth-generation Kia Sportage SUV rides well and has positive steering
Mike Stone18 March 2016

Kia’s best-selling model, the Sportage SUV, has been around for more than 20 years and has scored highly for practicality and style.

Now there is a new fourth-generation model, but it’s not quite as good-looking as the last one. Rear styling is neat and attractive, but the front looks fussy, as if the designer didn’t know when to stop.

There’s a choice of four engines — a 1.6-litre petrol, 1.7-litre diesel or two two-litre diesels with either 134bhp or 182bhp. The range-topping diesel had a rather slushy auto gearbox and grey plastic cabin trim, which gave it an old-fashioned look. The price tag of £31,495 for the limited First Edition version seems a bit steep.

Much better was the 1.7-litre diesel, which has a slick six-speed manual gearbox. This will be the likely best-seller and, with prices from £19,745, it makes much more sense.

On the road, the Kia rides well and has light, positive steering, but the high button count on the centre console looks a bit old-fashioned. Head and legroom are fine and the Sportage retains the high-waisted profile of the previous model.

Prices start at £17,995, and there is a choice of two or four-wheel-drive, three gearboxes and six trim levels called 1, 2, 3, 4, GT-Line and First Edition. Kia has invested heavily in developing this fourth-generation car, which is certainly more fuel-efficient and emits less CO2. But you do wonder why they bothered changing the front when the last one looked better.

Kia Sportage 1.7 CRDi 2 manual AWD
Top speed: 109mph; 
MPG: 61.4; 
CO2: 119g/km; 
Price: £22,050

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