Kia’s smaller family-orientated SUV, the Sportage, has been with us since 1995 and the new fifth generation version brings it bang up to date.
Like its predecessors it was designed for the European market and there are 18 models in the range, with eight powertrains, five model grades, most of which are available now, and will be followed by a plug-in hybrid version in April.
This is a good-looking car with boomerang-shaped daytime running lights which enclose the rather elegant diamond-shaped headlamps, a piano black lattice front grille and sleek rear styling. It is slightly bigger than before but pulls off the trick of looking less bulky than the outgoing Sportage.
The range starts with a 1.6-litre T-GDi petrol with a six-speed manual gearbox, and although the “3” spec model I tried lacked some of the plushness of the more upmarket grades you would not feel shortchanged. The front seats and steering wheel were electrically heated and it shared the same twin 12.3-inch curved touchscreens as the more expensive versions.
Supportive
On the road the engine feels a little low-geared but it pulls well, rolls very little in the bends and has pleasant, well weighted steering. The cloth-covered seats are comfortable and supportive and the boot is usefully bigger than before with 591 litres of cargo space, or 1,780 litres with the rear sears lowered. There is also extra storage under the boot floor and the rear seats can split 40:20:40.
At the other end of the range is the full hybrid GT-Line S. I tried the GT-Line version, with front wheel drive, although all-wheel-drive is available.
The model has 226bhp and an automatic gearbox, which makes progress effortless and relaxed. This plusher grade has large amounts of piano black around the dashboard and larger centre console. The treatment is similar to Kia’s excellent EV6 model, which is no bad thing.
Piping
The seats were covered in a mixture of perforated black leather and black suede with white piping. Attractive and comfortable. Rear-seat passengers are well catered for with a large folding central armrest with cup-holders and hooks on the back of the front seats and coat-hangers incorporated into the slim-line front head restraints. Legroom and headroom were adequate rather than generous. Being aimed at the family market there is a plethora of cubbies and storage places.
The diesel versions were not available for testing at the Sportage’s launch but the 1.6 CRDi version has 113bhp and a 134bhp mild hybrid model will also be available.
One feature the Sportage shares with its cousins from Hyundai and Genesis is a wing-mounted camera on each side, which, when you indicate to turn or overtake, gives you a dashboard view of any vehicle in your blind spot.
Autonomous
Equipment levels are good, especially on the top two “4” and GT-Line S trim levels, which get autonomous parking on hybrid models, Harmon Kardon premium sound system, blind spot collision assist and high-speed wireless charging for your mobile phone.
Lane follow assist and lane keep assist are available on all models as well as smart cruise control with stop and go functionality and paddle shifters on all automatic versions.
Priced from £26,745 to £38,645, the new Sportage ticks most boxes for reliable family transport. Dynamically it won’t set the world on fire but it is absolutely fine for most requirements and is better looking, roomier and better equipped than before. It should do well.
The Facts
Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi GT-Line S AWD
Price: £38,445
0-60mph: 9.4 secs
Top Speed: 117mph
CO2 emissions: 158g/km.
