Kia Sportage 2011 review

It wasn't so long ago that we used to draw straws to see who'd have to drive the next Kia.

These days, however, it's a completely different story. It's difficult to pinpoint just when it happened, but sometime in the past fews years the Korean company has discovered how to make not just good, but highly desirable motor vehicles. The Sportage, a compact five-seat SUV is a case in point.

It's the fourth vehicle to bear the name here but a far cry from any of the models that preceded it, both in conception and execution. The ladder chassis has gone, so too has low range four-wheel drive, to be replaced by an edgy, soft roader that's designed mainly for urban duties.

I confess to owning one of the first Sportages, a rugged little wheat-silver coloured off roader with a big heart and a 2.0-litre Mazda engine. It was excellent value for its time and, just like the first one, I wouldn't mind owning the latest models either - but for different reasons.

Design

The Sportage can hold its head high in any company. Not only does it look the goods, it's well built and rides and handles just like a BMW. There's a big call for you. Much of the cars success can be attributed to Kia's chief designer Peter Schreyer, who used to knock out new models for Audi.

Schreyer has headed up the design team since 2006, putting his stamp on a range that has improved in leaps and bounds in the past couple of years. But mention the name Kia and there is still some prejudice to overcome. Guys, you really need to get over it, because this is just not the case anymore.

Price

For $38,990 you get a compact, five-seat soft road wagon with a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine, six-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive and Australian-tuned suspension along with all the trimmings including a heated and cooled driver's seat.

Technology

The turbo diesel packs a wallop with 135kW of power and 392Nm of torque, and uses just 7.5 litres/100km. With a smallish 55-litre tank, that gives the diesel Sportage a theoretical range of about 730km. We've been getting about 7.7 litres/100km.

Driving

Kia spent some time tuning the suspension for Australian roads and it shows, with a smooth planted feel that's not unlike a BMW. The Dynamax all-wheel-drive system is the latest of its kind and more advanced than that in the ix35.

Inside you'll find leather upholstery and an eight-way adjustable driver's seat. There's also a six-stack CD changer and high end sound system with separate subwoofer, as well as two power outlets in the centre console with AUX and USB inputs.

The Platinum also gets fancy daytime LED running lights like the expensive Euros, larger 18-inch alloys with 235/55 rubber, tinted windows and a power operated sunroof. As long as you've got the key in your pocket the door will unlock automatically and its got keyless push button start too.

Gets my vote.