Kia Sportage: Our Fleet Test Drive - 3rd Report
Date:
22 March 2011
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Author: Tony Rock
Cabin
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Category: | Small 4x4 | P11D price: | £20,300 | Key rival: | Nissan Qashqai | |
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It's official - the Kia Sportage has passed the partner test.
Ever since our Nissan Qashqai+2 was returned around springtime last year to Nissan, my partner has been pining for a vehicle with similar qualities.
In particular she has missed the high-up driving position - which, the Sportage replicates - presumably because it provides a better view of road conditions and makes her feel 'safer'.
Unfortunately, though, the better view of the road is partially compromised by chunky A-pillars that can block sightlines when turning at a junction, and can make looking out for cyclists/pedestrians problematic.
As well as being high up, the seats are also comfortable, and haven't caused any 'numb bum' on extended journeys. They are also black, the colour that dominates the cabin, with only odd patches of chrome-effect details - door handles, on the steering wheel - to brighten up appearances. However, with the huge amount of glass around, including the panoramic sunroof, that lets in natural light, one really can't moan about the interior feeling gloomy.
Kia Sportage 1.7 CRDi 2 | Mileage | 1152 | Claimed combined consumption | 54.3mpg | Our average consumption | 36.8mpg | P11D price | £20,300 | Model price range | £17,015-£25,745 | CO2 (tax) | 135g/km (19%) | BIK 20/40% per month | £64/£129 | Engine size/power | 1685cc/114PS | Top speed/0-60mph | 107mph/11.9secs | Why we’re running it | Can it genuinely take on Nissan’s Qashqai? | Positive | High-up driving position helps visibility | Negative | Chunky A-pillars hamper visibility |
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