Kia Sportage review and road test

What is in question is whether the current haranguing of 4x4 owners by environmentalists and the mooted vast increase is taxation by the government and local authorities will curtail the popularity of such vehicles.

With the new 56 registration plate selling month of September almost upon us it will be interesting to see if the UK public’s love of 4x4s is diminishing. Will 2006 see 10 consecutive years of continued growth for 4x4s/SUVs or will sales stall?

For the record in 2005 the UKs 4x4 market sector grew by 7.7 per cent to reach 187,392 sales of such vehicles.

The Kia Sportage, particularly the 2.0-litre CRDi diesel models, offer better fuel economy, have lower CO2 emission levels and have a road footprint no larger than a medium sized car or estate car with a petrol engine, so I really do not see what the opposition is. Yes there are some gas guzzling 4x4s, yes some people do use them inconsiderately, but the vast majority do not, so live and let live I say.

The Sportage range offers three engine options, 2.0-litre petrol and diesel and a 2.7-litre V6 petrol. Two-litre models are available with XE and XS specification and the 2.7-litre petrol model only with automatic transmission and with the top XS trim and equipment levels.

The Sportage has a five-door monocoque bodyshell with seating for five adults and a largish load area of 667-litres that can be extended up to 1887-litres with the split folding rear seats not in use. As some of the compact SUVs do get used by caravaners and boat or trailer towers the braked towing capacity is 1,600kg, not exactly workhorse performance but just about sufficient for recreation use. You wouldn’t want a Sportage for day in day out heavy towing duties.

All Sportage models have an ‘intelligent’ four-wheel drive Active Torque Transfer system, which progressively transfers drive from the front wheels to all four wheels if slippage is detected. In severe conditions, four-wheel drive can be engaged manually with a lock function to override the programme.

The Sportage chassis has fully independent suspension; rack and pinion steering and anti-lock disc brakes all round, with electronic brake force distribution for maximum stopping power. Traction control is fitted as standard equipment on the XE while the XS version also has ESP stability control.

Will it fit my garage or can I get it in to a height restricted car park? This compact 4x4 is 4350 mm long, 1800 mm wide and 1695 mm high so it is reasonable package although it looks are pretty outdated compared to more modern European and Japanese compact SUVs.

It has a user-friendly top-hinged tailgate with the spare wheel is now carried internally, making loading easier and lowering the centre of gravity to improve handling. The glass screen opens independently of the tailgate, a useful benefit when loading or unloading small items in confined spaces.

The rear seats have a ‘Drop & Fold’ one-touch system, which lowers the cushion and ensures the backrest folds fully flat to create a spacious, square-sided, flat-floored cargo area, more than 1.6 metres long. To accommodate even longer loads, the front passenger seat backrest folds forwards, lying flat on the cushion.

The Sportage is pretty good on safety features, with twin front airbags, front side and full-length curtain airbags, front seat-belt pre-tensioners with load limiters and three three-point rear seat belts.

The generous standard specification includes 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, a fiddly to use JVC CD audio with MP3 player, electric windows and door mirrors, front fog lamps, auto light control, remote central locking, tilt but not reach adjustable steering column, roof rails, a sunglasses holder and a wide range of handy storage areas.

XS versions, such as my test vehicle, add leather trim, front seat warmers, climate control, cruise control, privacy glass, electric tilt and slide sunroof and six instead of four speakers.

So as far as space, levels of equipment and general technical specification goes the Kia Sportage looks a sensible and affordable purchase if you want a 4x4 SUV.

Sensibly the vast majority of Sportage buyers will opt for the 2.0-litre diesel model. By all accounts the same sized petrol engine is a limited performer and not that fuel efficient. The 2.7-litre V6 of course is much better but fuel economy is prohibitive for an affordable SUV, which leaves the 2.0-litre CRDi the one to go for. Residual values for the diesel model will be stronger as well

I personally would not even bother with the higher XS specification model priced at £18,195, the XE costing £16,495 would suit most people well enough, unless of course the dealer is willing to offer a discount.

The overall styling of the Sportage is well proportioned but it looks a little dated. Likewise the interior is roomy but the quality of the trim is not up to the latest Japanese or European offerings. The vehicle seems well built and feels pretty strong.

The handling and steering is somewhat vague giving little feedback to the driver and there is considerable bodyroll during cornering. However for people who have the need for a part-time 4x4 system the handling shortcomings will not be a problem offset by the advantage of all wheel traction off road or in rain, ice and snowy conditions.

The 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine diesel is no ball of fire, a bit noisy at start up but it gets better once on the move. Power output is 138bhp with good torque of 225lbs ft from only 1800rpm. This coupled with a new six-speed manual transmission makes it a flexible performer and the gear ratios are just right for on or off road driving. I was impressed by just how amiable the diesel Sportage was to drive around town or on country roads. It is not a particularly comfortable vehicle over potholed surfaces but it does the job at a reasonable price.

Yes the Kia Sportage has its limitations, it is not so sophisticated as some, but for the price it does the job for those on a modest budget.

MILESTONES:
Kia Sportage 2.0 CRDi XS 5-Door.
Price: £18,195
Engine: 2.0-ltre, 4-cylinder Euro IV turbodiesel, 138bhp, 225lbs ft.
Performance: 104mph, 0-62mph 13.8 seconds, 39.8mpg, (32.4mpg actual),
CO2: 187 g/km.
VED: Band F £195.
Insurance group: 9.