WHAT IS IT?
The Sportage is a familiar nameplate for Kia, first being launched in South Africa in the 1990s as a proper little 4x4 with low range and everything. As times and buying trends have changed, so has the Sportage and it is now a premium mid-size SUV for the family. And a good one at that!
WHY THIS?
This is an award winner, that’s why! In South Africa it has been given multiple accolades on the theme of "best mid-size SUV", while overseas it has won similar awards as well as having been named best family car and, interestingly, best interior.
OUTSIDE
I was surprised at people’s reactions to the Sportage’s exterior – I thought everyone would love it, but words were uttered along the lines of "looks too modern", "tries too hard" and "will get old quickly". I don’t agree with any of these – it’s a fantastic-looking, ultra-modern design that stands out among a cookie-cutter crowd. Yes, it’s definitely bold with its boomerang LED headlights and grille that stretches from ear to ear, but surely it’s better to be bold than to die wondering?
INSIDE
The spacious cabin is probably my favourite part of the Sportage. I loved the way the entire cabin feels oriented towards the driver, and how the screen curves towards that person. Somehow the designers have managed to make a highly modern, almost futuristic, interior feel both premium and intimate, and that takes some doing. The curved 12.3-inch touchscreen is a standout feature, not only for the curve itself but also for the clarity of the display. Below that, though, is a hint of ingenuity that will make you grin every time you use it. At first glance it’s just a panel of climate controls, with buttons and knobs. But press the up arrow on the panel and everything changes – it’s suddenly the media controls, and the knobs have changed from temperature to volume/track controllers.
Safety news is that in addition to the standard six airbags, every model in the Sportage range now comes with advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) technology, which means lane follow assist and lane-keeping assist as well as forward collision-avoidance assist (FCA).
THE DRIVE
Two turbocharged engine options, both 1.6-litre in capacity, have been used in the Sportage. The first is a diesel that produces 100kW of power and 320Nm of torque, as opposed to the petrol engine, which produces 132kW and 265Nm. Both are paired with a smooth and entertaining seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Of the two engines, the turbodiesel makes the most sense, thanks to both the extra torque and the frugality, but neither would disappoint. The drive itself is composed and comfortable and befitting the vehicle.
FINAL WORD
The Sportage is Kia’s best-selling model globally, and that can’t be ignored. It is a fantastically capable car with a great engine, loads of tech inside, space and a shelf in the garage with trophies galore.
GO GET IT
The Sportage range starts at R637 995 and heads north to R798 995. This is fair value when the engine/gearbox combination and the length of the list of standard features is taken into account. The price includes a five-year/unlimited km warranty and a six-year/90 000km service plan. Visit www.kia.co.za for more.
Gallery
