Ford Kuga 1.6 Titanium (A) vs Kia Sportage 2.0 (A)
22 Jan 2014|53,911 views
Blessed with looks that could seemingly conquer unbeaten tracks and the capability to haul more than your usual shopping groceries and a family of five in comfort, SUVs have become one of the top dogs in motoring breeds.
And even in compact guise, these two cars still have the go-anywhere look. That said, we will urge you not to challenge the limits of their drivetrains as both of these cars weren't exactly conceived for hardcore off-roading.
And with on-road manners and fuel efficiency at the top of their priorities, these cars may just be the perfect match for our landscape.
It is easy to fall for either of these cars based on looks alone
Exterior
The Sportage, with its rounder, more bulbous wheel arches and greenhouse, looks the bigger of the duo. A quick glance at the numbers, however, reveals otherwise.
Standing at 4,524mm long, 2,086mm wide and 1,701mm tall, the Kuga boasts greater dimensions in all aspects compared to the Korean.
And even in compact guise, these two cars still have the go-anywhere look. That said, we will urge you not to challenge the limits of their drivetrains as both of these cars weren't exactly conceived for hardcore off-roading.
And with on-road manners and fuel efficiency at the top of their priorities, these cars may just be the perfect match for our landscape.
Exterior
The Sportage, with its rounder, more bulbous wheel arches and greenhouse, looks the bigger of the duo. A quick glance at the numbers, however, reveals otherwise.
Standing at 4,524mm long, 2,086mm wide and 1,701mm tall, the Kuga boasts greater dimensions in all aspects compared to the Korean.
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On that point alone, we can safely conclude that the Kuga has done a good job in hiding its heft. But when it comes to on-road presence, it somehow loses out to the Sportage due to the lack of an aggressive demeanour.
What's worth mentioning is also how far Kia has progressed from its humble origins. The revolution in styling portrays a grown up feel that easily matches up to the Europeans - if not better.
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Interior
Both cars come equally well-specced. The Kuga charms with HID headlamps, power tailgate with handsfree operating function, and parking assistant - which will come in handy for drivers who are less inclined in reverse manoeuvres.
Sportage's rear quarters is the better, more comfortable place to be in
The Sportage, on the other hand, is equipped with a reverse camera and ventilated driver's seat with electric seat adjustment - very well-suited for our hot and humid climate.
Venturing further into the cars, the Kuga takes on a gentler mood that is unlike its rugged exterior. There is expansive use of premium aluminium-look trims, providing a good contrast to the dark leather. The quality of trims also lives up to the mark of European automakers.
Both cars come equally well-specced. The Kuga charms with HID headlamps, power tailgate with handsfree operating function, and parking assistant - which will come in handy for drivers who are less inclined in reverse manoeuvres.
The Sportage, on the other hand, is equipped with a reverse camera and ventilated driver's seat with electric seat adjustment - very well-suited for our hot and humid climate.
Venturing further into the cars, the Kuga takes on a gentler mood that is unlike its rugged exterior. There is expansive use of premium aluminium-look trims, providing a good contrast to the dark leather. The quality of trims also lives up to the mark of European automakers.
On the downside, the buttons on the steering wheel feel tacky to the touch and isn't the most ergonomic to operate. The centre console, too, feels overly clustered with buttons.
The Kuga's experience is still very likeable. We found ourselves falling for the interchangeable ambient lighting, coupled with the full length glass roof that gives off a very lively mood.
The Sportage, too, comes with a panoramic sunroof - albeit split into two individual pieces by a centre beam. The infotainment system, with lesser buttons, is also easier to work with.
Sportage (right) is capable of lugging bigger load with 564 litres of boot space, while the Kuga manages with 406 litres
What the Sportage loses out is in its choice of materials. As a whole, the cabin feels less premium and pales in comparison to the Kuga's. However, it makes up for with the lively interior with a greater emphasis on utility.
The Kuga's experience is still very likeable. We found ourselves falling for the interchangeable ambient lighting, coupled with the full length glass roof that gives off a very lively mood.
The Sportage, too, comes with a panoramic sunroof - albeit split into two individual pieces by a centre beam. The infotainment system, with lesser buttons, is also easier to work with.
 |  |
What the Sportage loses out is in its choice of materials. As a whole, the cabin feels less premium and pales in comparison to the Kuga's. However, it makes up for with the lively interior with a greater emphasis on utility.
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The Drive
Despite losing the paper chase for power, the Sportage feels eager with a linear and sprightly throttle response. From rest, it gets up and go with no hint of trouble, delivering its worth like a diligent workhorse.
Ford's 1.6-litre (left) uses turbocharging to push out 180bhp and 240Nm of torque while Kia's 2.0-litre naturally aspirated unit (right) manages 151bhp and 191Nm of torque
Thanks to technology transfer and parts sharing, the Sportage is the latest to inherit the Flex Steer - a steering system that allows three levels of variable steering assistance and feedback. This, no doubt, brings the driving experience up a notch.
Although the Kuga makes do without such an electronic trickery, it handles with more car-like manners. We genuinely like what it has to offer at the helm, and will go as far as saying the Kuga has one of the most rewarding drives in its class.
Despite losing the paper chase for power, the Sportage feels eager with a linear and sprightly throttle response. From rest, it gets up and go with no hint of trouble, delivering its worth like a diligent workhorse.
 |  |
Thanks to technology transfer and parts sharing, the Sportage is the latest to inherit the Flex Steer - a steering system that allows three levels of variable steering assistance and feedback. This, no doubt, brings the driving experience up a notch.
Although the Kuga makes do without such an electronic trickery, it handles with more car-like manners. We genuinely like what it has to offer at the helm, and will go as far as saying the Kuga has one of the most rewarding drives in its class.
On paper, the Kuga has a slight edge with more horses and stronger pulling power. However, as expected of turbocharged engines, it musters the might with some lag. The plant also dislikes to be revved hard. Instead, with most of its punch available at low revs, it works better without tugs at the accelerator.
The Kuga's four-spoke wheel (left) offers a sublime experience while Sportage's three-spoke (right) comes with the Flex Steer system for customisable steering feel
Conclusion
You may have heard (or read) this many times, but we have to credit the Koreans for their increasingly handsome offerings that are worthy compatriots to their European counterparts - as proven in this case.
We reckon buyers looking at SUVs are most likely not in the market for sharp performers. But all things being fairly equal (practicality, looks and performance), the Kuga, with its concise handling and rewarding drive, truly earns our vote.
 |  |
Conclusion
You may have heard (or read) this many times, but we have to credit the Koreans for their increasingly handsome offerings that are worthy compatriots to their European counterparts - as proven in this case.
We reckon buyers looking at SUVs are most likely not in the market for sharp performers. But all things being fairly equal (practicality, looks and performance), the Kuga, with its concise handling and rewarding drive, truly earns our vote.
Blessed with looks that could seemingly conquer unbeaten tracks and the capability to haul more than your usual shopping groceries and a family of five in comfort, SUVs have become one of the top dogs in motoring breeds.
And even in compact guise, these two cars still have the go-anywhere look. That said, we will urge you not to challenge the limits of their drivetrains as both of these cars weren't exactly conceived for hardcore off-roading.
And with on-road manners and fuel efficiency at the top of their priorities, these cars may just be the perfect match for our landscape.
Exterior
The Sportage, with its rounder, more bulbous wheel arches and greenhouse, looks the bigger of the duo. A quick glance at the numbers, however, reveals otherwise.
Standing at 4,524mm long, 2,086mm wide and 1,701mm tall, the Kuga boasts greater dimensions in all aspects compared to the Korean.
And even in compact guise, these two cars still have the go-anywhere look. That said, we will urge you not to challenge the limits of their drivetrains as both of these cars weren't exactly conceived for hardcore off-roading.
And with on-road manners and fuel efficiency at the top of their priorities, these cars may just be the perfect match for our landscape.
Exterior
The Sportage, with its rounder, more bulbous wheel arches and greenhouse, looks the bigger of the duo. A quick glance at the numbers, however, reveals otherwise.
Standing at 4,524mm long, 2,086mm wide and 1,701mm tall, the Kuga boasts greater dimensions in all aspects compared to the Korean.
On that point alone, we can safely conclude that the Kuga has done a good job in hiding its heft. But when it comes to on-road presence, it somehow loses out to the Sportage due to the lack of an aggressive demeanour.
What's worth mentioning is also how far Kia has progressed from its humble origins. The revolution in styling portrays a grown up feel that easily matches up to the Europeans - if not better.
What's worth mentioning is also how far Kia has progressed from its humble origins. The revolution in styling portrays a grown up feel that easily matches up to the Europeans - if not better.
Interior
Both cars come equally well-specced. The Kuga charms with HID headlamps, power tailgate with handsfree operating function, and parking assistant - which will come in handy for drivers who are less inclined in reverse manoeuvres.
The Sportage, on the other hand, is equipped with a reverse camera and ventilated driver's seat with electric seat adjustment - very well-suited for our hot and humid climate.
Venturing further into the cars, the Kuga takes on a gentler mood that is unlike its rugged exterior. There is expansive use of premium aluminium-look trims, providing a good contrast to the dark leather. The quality of trims also lives up to the mark of European automakers.
Both cars come equally well-specced. The Kuga charms with HID headlamps, power tailgate with handsfree operating function, and parking assistant - which will come in handy for drivers who are less inclined in reverse manoeuvres.
The Sportage, on the other hand, is equipped with a reverse camera and ventilated driver's seat with electric seat adjustment - very well-suited for our hot and humid climate.
Venturing further into the cars, the Kuga takes on a gentler mood that is unlike its rugged exterior. There is expansive use of premium aluminium-look trims, providing a good contrast to the dark leather. The quality of trims also lives up to the mark of European automakers.
On the downside, the buttons on the steering wheel feel tacky to the touch and isn't the most ergonomic to operate. The centre console, too, feels overly clustered with buttons.
The Kuga's experience is still very likeable. We found ourselves falling for the interchangeable ambient lighting, coupled with the full length glass roof that gives off a very lively mood.
The Sportage, too, comes with a panoramic sunroof - albeit split into two individual pieces by a centre beam. The infotainment system, with lesser buttons, is also easier to work with.
What the Sportage loses out is in its choice of materials. As a whole, the cabin feels less premium and pales in comparison to the Kuga's. However, it makes up for with the lively interior with a greater emphasis on utility.
The Kuga's experience is still very likeable. We found ourselves falling for the interchangeable ambient lighting, coupled with the full length glass roof that gives off a very lively mood.
The Sportage, too, comes with a panoramic sunroof - albeit split into two individual pieces by a centre beam. The infotainment system, with lesser buttons, is also easier to work with.
What the Sportage loses out is in its choice of materials. As a whole, the cabin feels less premium and pales in comparison to the Kuga's. However, it makes up for with the lively interior with a greater emphasis on utility.
The Drive
Despite losing the paper chase for power, the Sportage feels eager with a linear and sprightly throttle response. From rest, it gets up and go with no hint of trouble, delivering its worth like a diligent workhorse.
Thanks to technology transfer and parts sharing, the Sportage is the latest to inherit the Flex Steer - a steering system that allows three levels of variable steering assistance and feedback. This, no doubt, brings the driving experience up a notch.
Although the Kuga makes do without such an electronic trickery, it handles with more car-like manners. We genuinely like what it has to offer at the helm, and will go as far as saying the Kuga has one of the most rewarding drives in its class.
On paper, the Kuga has a slight edge with more horses and stronger pulling power. However, as expected of turbocharged engines, it musters the might with some lag. The plant also dislikes to be revved hard. Instead, with most of its punch available at low revs, it works better without tugs at the accelerator.
Conclusion
You may have heard (or read) this many times, but we have to credit the Koreans for their increasingly handsome offerings that are worthy compatriots to their European counterparts - as proven in this case.
We reckon buyers looking at SUVs are most likely not in the market for sharp performers. But all things being fairly equal (practicality, looks and performance), the Kuga, with its concise handling and rewarding drive, truly earns our vote.
Conclusion
You may have heard (or read) this many times, but we have to credit the Koreans for their increasingly handsome offerings that are worthy compatriots to their European counterparts - as proven in this case.
We reckon buyers looking at SUVs are most likely not in the market for sharp performers. But all things being fairly equal (practicality, looks and performance), the Kuga, with its concise handling and rewarding drive, truly earns our vote.
Photos by Low Fai Ming
Car Information
Ford Kuga 1.6 Titanium (A)
CAT A|Petrol|12.9km/L
Horsepower
134kW (180 bhp)
Torque
240 Nm
Acceleration
9.7sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Ford KugaKia Sportage 2.0 EX (A)
CAT B|Petrol|11.4km/L
Horsepower
113kW (152 bhp)
Torque
191 Nm
Acceleration
11.7sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Kia Sportage
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