Inside, the Sportage feels very modern Kia, with the top-spec models scoring a big twin-screen setup, and a dual-function bar beneath them that handles things like climate control, but also mapping and media and those kinds of functions. The cheaper models also get the same look, but swap the second 12.3-inch screen for a smaller driver display.

But there are a couple of downsides. I hate those constant reminders that you didn't spring for a more expensive model, and there are plenty of those in the lower-spec cars.

In the more expensive models, there are buttons alongside the gearshift, but in the cheaper cars, those buttons are still there, just blacked out and inactive. And even the cutout for the head-up display still exists in the cheaper cars, but of course, there's no head-up display.

The Kia Sportage is offered in four trim levels, but not all powertrains are available in every grade.

The range opens with the S, which gets 17-inch alloys, LED DRLs, power-folding mirrors and roof rails, while inside there are cloth seats, power windows, a smart key and push-button start and single-zone air-con with rear-seat vents. Tech at this level is handled by a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but no wireless charging, which pairs with a six-speaker stereo. The driver then gets a 4.2-inch screen to deliver driving info.

The SX then adds 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate, standard navigation and rain-sensing wipers.

The SX+ is feeling like a sweet spot, adding 19-inch alloys, LED fog lights, artificial leather seats, wireless device charging, a heated steering wheel and a better Harman Kardon sound system.

Finally, the flagship GT-Line gets the lot, with 19-inch black alloys, or 18-inch wheels in the hybrid, dynamic welcome lights, projection headlights, a twin-screen cabin which adds a second 12.3-inch screen for the driver, a powered driver’s seat and a head-up display.

The Kia Sportage is a five-seat mid-size SUV with ample backseat room (at least for my 175cm frame). Knee room is excellent, though the sporty roof line and the sunroof in the upper-spec models do eat into headroom a bit.

The entry-level engine option in the Kia Sportage is a 2.0-litre petrol producing 115kW and 192Nm, which pairs with a six-speed automatic, and drives the front wheels. The other pure petrol option is a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol unit that produces 132kW and 265Nm, paired with an eight-speed auto and powering all four wheels.

Then comes the diesel, which is a 2.0-litre unit making 137kW and 416Nm. It pairs with an eight-speed automatic and powers all four wheels.

Finally, there’s a hybrid option, now with two- or all-wheel drive. It pairs a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine and a six-speed automatic with an electric motor and a 1.49kWh lithium-ion battery to produce a total 173kW and 367Nm.

Kia hasn't reported official zero to 100km/h times for the Sportage, but we would estimate the somewhere between eight and 11 seconds, depending on the engine you choose.

All pure ICE Kia Sportage models are fitted with 54-litre fuel tanks, while the hybrids get 52-litre tanks. But the hybrids more than make up for it when it comes to fuel efficiency, with the FWD sipping a claimed 4.9 litres per hundred kilometres on the combined cycle, while the AWD drinks 5.3 litres.

The diesel is the next most-efficient, using a claimed 6.3L/100km combined, while the turbo-petrol needs 7.5 litres, and the 2.0-litre petrol requires 8.1 litres.

Our calculations suggest that, taking the fuel claims at face value, a 2.0-litre petrol Sportage should carry you 666kms on a full tank, while a turbo-petrol will take you 720kms. The diesel should deliver 857kms, while the FWD hybrid (1061kms) and AWD hybrid (981kms) will take you the furthest.