The all-new Kia Sportage was drastically improved but some felt that it didn't quite stack up to its many impressive competitors. They reckon it's hard to stand out in a segment where players do things exceptionally well.
But I beg to differ.
The 2010 Kia Sportage could just be better than some of its oppositions when it comes to quality and specification levels. The fresh looking Sportage is a great value within its class. Not only does it boast quality materials, its driving dynamics gives it an edge that rival leading SUVs strive to achieve.
But one thing is for sure - the latest generation of Kia's compact SUV has landed on our shores and style is top of the agenda.
Exterior
On first impression it has a presence closer to a car than a lofty off-roader. However, the Kia Sportage does tend to blend into the background with a shape that's definitely dated. It's neither a stunning looker nor an abomination, but there are a few highlights that will gain your attention and interest.
Personally, the Sportage gets good marks for a clean and functional exterior look that will not offend anyone and yet it has a beguiling look that belies the perception of its low cost. And it's not entirely a bad thing, as the Kia Sportage was already doing pretty well on the front.
The distinctive curvaceous bonnet gives the SUV an almost organic look, with a get-up-and-go attitude while the stretched headlamps with LED daytime running lights and the relatively large new grille design complete an aggressive look on the fascia.
But I beg to differ.
The 2010 Kia Sportage could just be better than some of its oppositions when it comes to quality and specification levels. The fresh looking Sportage is a great value within its class. Not only does it boast quality materials, its driving dynamics gives it an edge that rival leading SUVs strive to achieve.
But one thing is for sure - the latest generation of Kia's compact SUV has landed on our shores and style is top of the agenda.
Exterior
On first impression it has a presence closer to a car than a lofty off-roader. However, the Kia Sportage does tend to blend into the background with a shape that's definitely dated. It's neither a stunning looker nor an abomination, but there are a few highlights that will gain your attention and interest.
Personally, the Sportage gets good marks for a clean and functional exterior look that will not offend anyone and yet it has a beguiling look that belies the perception of its low cost. And it's not entirely a bad thing, as the Kia Sportage was already doing pretty well on the front.
The distinctive curvaceous bonnet gives the SUV an almost organic look, with a get-up-and-go attitude while the stretched headlamps with LED daytime running lights and the relatively large new grille design complete an aggressive look on the fascia.
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Situated under the headlamps are the usual fog lights and despite its uncommon rectangular shape, it feels like they aren't taking away the good aura from the car - something we need to thank the designers at Kia for.
From the side, the Sportage looks simple and practical despite the flared wheel arches which help establish what Kia calls a 'strong visual presence'. But my personal favourite is still the big, convex mirrors that compensate for any blind spots because nothing is worse than driving a big car without having the confidence to switch lanes.
Round the back, the Sportage's athleticism is reinforced by the prominent red rear lamps that flow across the tailgate and into the car's broad rear shoulders. And while it seats with a purposeful stance when motionless, it gives some credence to the word 'sport' in its name and the overall chunky yet fierce-looking rear of the SUV certainly gets your attention.
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Interior
Like many cars in the Kia lineup, the Sportage surprises most drivers in its smartly designed interior.
The new Sportage's interior comes trimmed in black leather for the EX model and tan leather for the higher-specced SX. As generous as Kia is, I was being offered the SX model for the review and the first thing that caught my attention was the tan leather interior which gives an impression of comfort and durability. Praise is given for intelligently taking the attention away from the extensive use of black plastic, allowing for a well- balanced cabin.
The Kia Sportage may not look as big from the outside, but the interior has plenty of headroom and legroom, both in the front and the back, with three adults being able to squeeze into the rear seats with no problems. The driver power seat, on the other hand, is firm yet it gives enough to keep the driver comfortable, which is why I reckon the Sportage beats some of its rivals hands down in these areas.
Like many cars in the Kia lineup, the Sportage surprises most drivers in its smartly designed interior.
The new Sportage's interior comes trimmed in black leather for the EX model and tan leather for the higher-specced SX. As generous as Kia is, I was being offered the SX model for the review and the first thing that caught my attention was the tan leather interior which gives an impression of comfort and durability. Praise is given for intelligently taking the attention away from the extensive use of black plastic, allowing for a well- balanced cabin.
The Kia Sportage may not look as big from the outside, but the interior has plenty of headroom and legroom, both in the front and the back, with three adults being able to squeeze into the rear seats with no problems. The driver power seat, on the other hand, is firm yet it gives enough to keep the driver comfortable, which is why I reckon the Sportage beats some of its rivals hands down in these areas.
Speaking of space, the Kia Sportage is actually pretty good. The SUV measures nearly 4.5 metres and can be decked out in ways your heart desires. Due to its increased dimensions, a commendable 564 litres of boot space is available with the rear seats up. Drop the back seats and the trick is neatly done, forming a completely flat loading area of a massive 1,547 litres of available space.
While it certainly isn't going to dazzle you with the dual temperature controls and Aux-In option, it certainly feels and looks classier than you think. The dashboard and centre console are modern and sleek in design with basic features.
Idiot-proof controls and displays maintain Kia's reputation for excellent ergonomics, while audio settings on the three-spoke steering wheel and available Bluetooth synchronization for your cell phone reinforce Kia's luxury and practical positioning.
While it certainly isn't going to dazzle you with the dual temperature controls and Aux-In option, it certainly feels and looks classier than you think. The dashboard and centre console are modern and sleek in design with basic features.
Idiot-proof controls and displays maintain Kia's reputation for excellent ergonomics, while audio settings on the three-spoke steering wheel and available Bluetooth synchronization for your cell phone reinforce Kia's luxury and practical positioning.
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Drivetrain
The Kia Sportage is not by any stretch of the imagination fun or engaging to drive. But as a car that cruises comfortably and takes you from point A to point B in a fuss-free manner, the car is better than many.
Although the acceleration isn't mind boggling (which causes overtaking to be a little tough), I reckon it's adequate for the size of the vehicle and it's suitable for its target audience. After all, transporting families will be the Sportage's main priority and endangering the lives of your passengers by speeding will be the last thing on your mind.
Regardless of the relatively large 18 inch alloy wheels which come standard on the 2.0-litre SX model, road and wind noise are reasonably well suppressed. But a small complain though - apart from the body roll (due to its size), over-light steering makes the drive merely average. It communicates through the lacklustre steering to let you know not to push it too far.
Apart from these quibbles, which I'm sure Kia will surely address, the Kia Sportage is a competent SUV overall. It scores high marks for its long list of standard safety gear, a comfortable cabin and a reasonably sporty exterior.
The Kia Sportage is not by any stretch of the imagination fun or engaging to drive. But as a car that cruises comfortably and takes you from point A to point B in a fuss-free manner, the car is better than many.
Although the acceleration isn't mind boggling (which causes overtaking to be a little tough), I reckon it's adequate for the size of the vehicle and it's suitable for its target audience. After all, transporting families will be the Sportage's main priority and endangering the lives of your passengers by speeding will be the last thing on your mind.
Regardless of the relatively large 18 inch alloy wheels which come standard on the 2.0-litre SX model, road and wind noise are reasonably well suppressed. But a small complain though - apart from the body roll (due to its size), over-light steering makes the drive merely average. It communicates through the lacklustre steering to let you know not to push it too far.
Apart from these quibbles, which I'm sure Kia will surely address, the Kia Sportage is a competent SUV overall. It scores high marks for its long list of standard safety gear, a comfortable cabin and a reasonably sporty exterior.
Conclusion
Sportage is a huge and mainly pleasant surprise from Kia.
Although the vehicle had to be returned to Kia the following day, the experience was a positive one in general. It's not the best in all aspects, but its overall balance, cabin quality and adaptable sound system are definite pros.
At first glance, you might be forgiven for thinking that the new Kia Sportage is not a great deal different to its previous model. However, there is definitely more going on than meets the eye.
At the price of $108,999 (as of 19 August 2010), I'm not at all convinced that most people think Koreans can't build cars properly. The real issue here is that we need more incentives to drive a vehicle with the Kia badge on the boot lid. The pride of ownership is about the deal we need. And for me, that's good enough.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Sportage is a huge and mainly pleasant surprise from Kia.
Although the vehicle had to be returned to Kia the following day, the experience was a positive one in general. It's not the best in all aspects, but its overall balance, cabin quality and adaptable sound system are definite pros.
At first glance, you might be forgiven for thinking that the new Kia Sportage is not a great deal different to its previous model. However, there is definitely more going on than meets the eye.
At the price of $108,999 (as of 19 August 2010), I'm not at all convinced that most people think Koreans can't build cars properly. The real issue here is that we need more incentives to drive a vehicle with the Kia badge on the boot lid. The pride of ownership is about the deal we need. And for me, that's good enough.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
