Kia Sportage: Our Fleet Test Drive - 5th Report
Date:
10 May 2011
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Author: Tony Rock
Sportage on hill
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Category: | Small 4x4 | P11D price: | £20,300 | Key rival: | Nissan Qashqai | |
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Being an over-privileged long-term test writer, I'm used to driving cars that attract attention, usually by dint of their rarity on the road, but the looks directed at the Sportage aren't the typical inquisitive "what's that?" glances - these are admiring gazes of recognition.
How do I know? Several motorists have stopped to ask for my opinion on the car as they're seriously considering buying one, and have said one of the attributes catching their eye is the styling, which editor Barker "loves". Personally, while it's inarguable the appearance is distinctive and at least anecdotally seems to be working for Kia in the way the brand intended, it is a touch too bold for my taste.
Kia Sportage 1.7 CRDi 2 | Mileage | 1587 | 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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