The compact soft-roader segment has come a long way since the 1990s, when the Toyota RAV4 popularised the breed.
While it may seem like the segment is being dominated by the likes of Subaru, Nissan and Toyota, Kia was one of the brands who was there from the start with its thoroughly ordinary model - the Sportage.
Entering its third model generation, this entry level Kia off-roader has matured, ditching the primitive basic design of an SUV and replacing ordinary looks with a sheet metal that keeps up with metropolitan tastes.
The latest Sportage to land here is the 2.0-litre CRDi variant which joins its petrol counterpart, boosting the Korean brand against more fancied oppositions like the upcoming Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and the Mazda CX-5.
Exterior
The Sportage has been on the market for more than a year now but it still looks fresh, all thanks to a distinctive design.
It's pitched at the more car-like end of the crossover scale and the slit-like side windows take crossover design in a new direction.
While it may seem like the segment is being dominated by the likes of Subaru, Nissan and Toyota, Kia was one of the brands who was there from the start with its thoroughly ordinary model - the Sportage.
Entering its third model generation, this entry level Kia off-roader has matured, ditching the primitive basic design of an SUV and replacing ordinary looks with a sheet metal that keeps up with metropolitan tastes.
The latest Sportage to land here is the 2.0-litre CRDi variant which joins its petrol counterpart, boosting the Korean brand against more fancied oppositions like the upcoming Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and the Mazda CX-5.
Exterior
The Sportage has been on the market for more than a year now but it still looks fresh, all thanks to a distinctive design.
It's pitched at the more car-like end of the crossover scale and the slit-like side windows take crossover design in a new direction.
Viewed from afar, the Sportage is big and high enough to get the attention from other drivers and casual observers but it doesn't require occupants to climb in, allowing for easy ingress/egress.
Comparing it to the petrol variant, minor changes were made. Up front, harpoon-shaped fog lights deck the lower front bumper, replacing the vertical ones seen in the petrol model.
This extra pair of eyes complements the famous 'Tiger Nose' grille and enhances the menacing stance of the car.
Together with a sleek and clean-cut silhouette that stretches all the way to the back, the Sportage looks every bit of a handsome SUV.
Comparing it to the petrol variant, minor changes were made. Up front, harpoon-shaped fog lights deck the lower front bumper, replacing the vertical ones seen in the petrol model.
This extra pair of eyes complements the famous 'Tiger Nose' grille and enhances the menacing stance of the car.
Together with a sleek and clean-cut silhouette that stretches all the way to the back, the Sportage looks every bit of a handsome SUV.
Interior
The Sportage's interior is stylish and well equipped, with a bold and modern design that elevates it above most of its competitors. Silver door handles and steering wheel highlights team up with chrome bits, giving the interior more contrast and texture, livening up the otherwise dark interior.
Sporting a dark orange illumination, the instrument panel and dials, which are encased within a finely textured dashboard with piano-black trims, provide clear details of important vehicle information.
Space is adequate in the front quarters, and the driving position gives a good vantage point. However, the lack of a memory seat function may limit the convenience of the driver.
The Sportage's interior is stylish and well equipped, with a bold and modern design that elevates it above most of its competitors. Silver door handles and steering wheel highlights team up with chrome bits, giving the interior more contrast and texture, livening up the otherwise dark interior.
Sporting a dark orange illumination, the instrument panel and dials, which are encased within a finely textured dashboard with piano-black trims, provide clear details of important vehicle information.
Space is adequate in the front quarters, and the driving position gives a good vantage point. However, the lack of a memory seat function may limit the convenience of the driver.
There is enough room for three adults to sit comfortably at the rear while the panoramic sunroof helps to create a bright and airy ambience by filling the greenhouse with more light. There's also plenty of useful storage space, thanks to deep door bins, central storage armrest, cupholders and a large glove compartment.
While overall quality is a step forward over its predecessor, you may spot some bits of hard plastics upon looking closely, but it's not enough to detract from the interior's surprisingly upmarket feel.
While overall quality is a step forward over its predecessor, you may spot some bits of hard plastics upon looking closely, but it's not enough to detract from the interior's surprisingly upmarket feel.
The Drive
The 2.0-litre CRDi engine under the hood provides for 185bhp and 392Nm of torque, which allow the diesel-powered Sportage to hit the century mark in 9.9 seconds.
This diesel powerplant packs adequate punch and helps in overtaking manoeuvres on our sardine-packed roads. More notably, we managed 12.3km/L (with a heavy right foot) which isn't far off from the claimed figure of 13.8km/L.
The downside, however, is the lack of feedback from the steering wheel. It does feel a bit numb on the twisty bits but it doesn't make you feel like the vehicle is out of control.
Unlike its petrol brethren, the Sportage Diesel is fitted with an intelligent four-wheel drive system that comes with an easy-to-use 4x4 lock switch that will help with traction when needed - something that's relatively useful for those who prefer off-road adventures.
The 2.0-litre CRDi engine under the hood provides for 185bhp and 392Nm of torque, which allow the diesel-powered Sportage to hit the century mark in 9.9 seconds.
This diesel powerplant packs adequate punch and helps in overtaking manoeuvres on our sardine-packed roads. More notably, we managed 12.3km/L (with a heavy right foot) which isn't far off from the claimed figure of 13.8km/L.
The downside, however, is the lack of feedback from the steering wheel. It does feel a bit numb on the twisty bits but it doesn't make you feel like the vehicle is out of control.
Unlike its petrol brethren, the Sportage Diesel is fitted with an intelligent four-wheel drive system that comes with an easy-to-use 4x4 lock switch that will help with traction when needed - something that's relatively useful for those who prefer off-road adventures.
Conclusion
The Kia Sportage is great to look at and accommodating enough for the needs of most families. At the price of $173,999 (as of 21 Feb 2013), it costs enticingly lower than the Mazda CX-5 and the Honda CR-V too.
Yes, it may not be the most refined or engaging car in its class but the Sportage Diesel is well worth considering if you're looking for a pleasant SUV that doesn't burn a hole in the pocket in the long run.
