10 things we learned about the Kia Sportage
Date:
05 May 2017
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Category: | Crossover | Key rival: | Nissan Qashqai | Model tested: | 1.7 CRDi 2 | Price as tested: | £22,300 | | |
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Kia's sales are in the ascendency, but can its Sportage crossover hit the high notes, wonders Al Suttie
1 - Looks are subjective, but the Sportage seems to divide opinion down the middle like few other cars I've tested.
2 - For what it's worth, I like the more SUV approach to the crossover sector, even if this 2 trim does without all-wheel drive.
3 - No 4x4 is a good thing when it comes to economy and emissions as this 116hp 1.7-litre turbodiesel offers 119g/km.
4 - Compare that to other Sportage variants and it's significantly better, and this engine still offers decent low-end shove.
5 - Granted, 0-60mph in 11.1 seconds isn't ball of fire stuff, but it suits the easy-going nature of the Kia.
6 - Couple that to 61.4mpg combined economy and this driver will take this figure over getting to 60mph a second quicker in the 136hp version.
7 - In 2 trim, there's touchscreen sat-nav, a much needed reversing camera, parking sensors, lane keeping aid, and auto wipers and headlights.
8 - That's good value for the money in a comfy, spacious SUV-alike with a decent, though not class-leading, boot.
9 - Gripes? Well, the engine could be quieter when going about its business and the ride and handling are not as polished as a SEAT Ateca's.
10 - Owt else? With my nitty-picky hat on, there are too many buttons for the ventilation when a couple more rotary dials would suffice.
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