Used Kia Sportage review: 2010-2013

Kia has come on gangbusters in recent years, the quality and refinement of its current cars has lifted it out of the value-for-money rut in which it was once stuck. No longer are cars like the Sportage the ones you punt on when you can't afford something better; they're now cars you can buy with confidence and pride.

New

The transformation of the Sportage, Kia's compact SUV, was complete with the launch of the third generation model in 2010.

Being a compact SUV the cabin is adequate rather than spacious, but it will carry five adults, even if the centre rear passenger will find it a little squeezy.

As an SUV that's going to be used around town the Sportage ticks all the boxes. It rides high for a good view of the road, has sufficient cabin space to cart an average family, and it has the rugged good looks that so appeals to today's townies.

Being a compact SUV the cabin is adequate rather than spacious, but it will carry five adults, even if the centre rear passenger will find it a little squeezy. The cabin is a pleasant place to be, the presentation is modern, the switches and controls are well placed and easy to use.

Each of the three models, from the base Si to the range-topping Platinum is well equipped with just about everything you could want. Bluetooth was one omission, but that was introduced in 2011.

The Si entry model was two-wheel drive only and it came with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a choice of five-speed manual or six-speed sports-shifting auto.

The SLi and Platinum had on-demand all-wheel drive, there was a choice of 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine or 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, but the only transmission you could have was the six-speed sports-shifting automatic.

On the road the 2.0-litre engine was adequate rather than thrilling, and the economy was average for the class. Being slightly more powerful the larger 2.4-litre engine performed a little better, but it was the turbo-diesel that was the best of the bunch with the strongest pull and the lowest consumption.

 It's not designed for heavy off-road use, and it is ultimately limited by ground clearance and suspension travel.

The ride and handling was best suited to town roads where most Sportages will see duty, but the on-demand all-wheel drive set-up is capable of handling bush roads. It's not designed for heavy off-road use, and it is ultimately limited by ground clearance and suspension travel.

Now

Kia's quality has come on leaps and bounds in recent years, which is reflected by the very low number of complaints. Most owners we speak to say they are happy with their cars, including the Sportage, and would happily recommend them to prospective buyers.

While there are few issues to report on the third generation Sportage it must be emphasised that it is still very early in the overall lifespan of the model, and it's always possible that issues could develop as the kays climb.

When buying think of the road ahead and check for a service record that shows your prospective purchase has been properly maintained. Servicing is the key to a long and reliable life for any car, but it's even more important with today's high-tech cars that are being built to ever tightening tolerances.

Kia specifies service intervals of 15,000 km or 12 months, which is pretty much industry standard, but grizzled old-timers would insist that's much too long. They would recommend intervals of 10,000 km.

The good news is that all Kia engines since 2010 have cam timing chains rather than pesky belts, so there's no call for regular belt changes.

Smithy says

Hard to fault, should be high on SUV shopper's lists.

Owners say

MARK BALL: Our 2011 Sportage SLi diesel has done 54,000 km and there's been no trouble at all. It's easy to drive and we like the comfort and the fuel economy. We chose the diesel because we tow a caravan and it handles that with ease. Our only concerns are with the blindspots caused by the thick A-pillars and rear-view mirrors, and the low mileage we got out of the brakes, which we had to replace at 53,000 km.

DAVID ANDERSON: We bought our 2010 Sportage Si 2.0-litre after having such a good run out of our 2001 Rio, and we think it is a fantastic car.

ROBERT ROSE: My Sportage is almost three years old and has done 62,000 km. It has done a lot of towing, it's been driven on bush roads going camping, and it has been faultless.