The Sportage comes as a 5-door SUV with a choice between two- and four-wheel drive models. There are a number of diesel and petrol engines to choose from and a number of transmissions which include 6-speed manual, automatic and 7-speed dual clutch options.
Engines
The Sportage offers 4 options in either petrol or diesel. Entry level is the 1.6 GDI petrol engine. Among the other choices the 1.7-litre CRDi diesel, 2.0-litre diesel and 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol – reserved for the GT – are all attractive options.
Trims
There are quite a number to choose from, and they are divided into categories of either two- and four-wheel drive, each offering its own features, depending on the trim you choose. Those offering two-wheel drive come as the Sportage 1, 2, 3 and 4; the four-wheel drive options on the other hand are called the KX-1, KX-2, KX-3 and KX-4.
- Entry-level trims get cruise control, DAB radio and air-con, 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, heated door mirrors and a leather-trimmed steering wheel.
- For the 2’s you can add touchscreen sat-nav., rear view camera, rear parking sensors, roof rails, cooled glove box and powered lumbar support for the driver seat.
- The 3’s benefit from the addition of reversing cameras, heated front and rear seats and upgraded speakers.
- The 4’s come with great safety features such as cross traffic alert, blind spot detection and emergency braking. Other features include keyless entry and start, LED rear lights and bi-xenon headlights.
- The sporty GT has 19-inch alloy wheels and black leather interior styling. It actually falls within the 2 and 3 categories for styling and specification.
Size and Space
The Sportage is 4,480mm long and 1,855mm wide. Three people are seated comfortably at the back; the boot space is average for its class at 491 litres but still reasonable in terms of the needs of the smaller family.
Safety
In terms of Euro NCAP’s requirements the Sportage received a 5-star rating and scored well in all categories of protecting passengers. All models come with Trailer Stability Assist and Downhill Brake Control.
Verdict
The fourth generation 2017 Kia Sportage is right up there with the best small SUV’s and certainly holds its own when compared to its immediate competition, the likes of which include the Nissan Qashqai, Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi ASX, Hyundai Tucson and Ford Kuga. The seven-year warranty (or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first) makes the Sportage one of the leading names in its class. The new Sportage is a solid improvement upon the old model and a worthwhile upgrade for many. If you already have a Kia and would like to switch up, you can sell you existing model at www.thecarbuyinggroup.co.uk
