Used Kia Sportage review: 1996-1999
By Graham Smith · 28 Jan 2009
Korean carmakers used a simple philosophy when they began their assault on the Australian market. They might all look the same, but not all four-wheel drives, or SUVs if you prefer, are the same. Korean carmakers used a simple philosophy when they began their assault on the Australian market. It made great sense when they were trying to prove themselves to a sceptical market. It worked a treat for Hyundai when it arrived on these shores and has proved successful for other Korean carmakers that have followed since.Kia was no different when it launched the Sportage four-wheel drive wagon in 1996. The Sportage was remarkably well equipped given its price, which comfortably undercut its rivals in the compact four-wheel drive segment.There was just the one Sportage model. Unlike some other Kia models of the time, which were developed with the help of Mazda, the Sportage was designed and developed in-house.Its styling was clean without being in any way challenging to the eye. The shape was a simple box on wheels typical of a wagon, the edges were soft and rounded and there was little in the way of curves to break up the expanse of panel work.Colour matching of the bumpers and outside rear view mirrors gave it an upmarket look, while chrome door handles and other bright work was a classy touch.While many compact offroaders aren’t really meant to go too far from the black top the Sportage promised the capability to plunge much deeper into the bush.Short front and rear overhangs meant there was less chance of damaging the body when negotiating dips or banks, while the whole thing was built on a separate chassis like bigger and tougher offroaders.Other compact offroaders were mostly built using unitary body construction, which doesn’t employ a separate chassis. Traditionally a separate chassis was regarded as necessary to survive in the bush, which put the Sportage ahead of its rivals, but unitary construction makes for a stiffer, more responsive vehicle that’s more at home when on the black top.Motivation for the Sportage was provided by a fuel-injected double overhead camshaft 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that produced 94 kW at 5300 revs and 175 Nm, which was competitive in its class at the time.On the road its respectable torque meant it wouldn’t be left gasping at the lights, but it became rather harsh and noisy if revved high and hard.Kia buyers could choose between a five-speed manual gearbox and an optional four-speed auto. Drive went to all four wheels, and there was a low ratio transfer case that gave the Sportage a distinct edge when it went bush.Inside there was roomy accommodation for five adults. Those in the front had plenty of head and legroom, while those consigned to the rear still had good headroom but were a little cramped for leg space.The rear seat could be split and folded as needed for carrying whatever load was needed to transport.Power windows and mirrors were standard, along with remote central locking, an immobiliser and height adjustable steering column. Missing were features like a rear window wiper and a driver’s footrest.Air-conditioning, alloy wheels, front nudge bar, antilock brakes, and the auto transmission were available as options. Metallic paint was available at no cost.Because of the Sportage’s capability to beat around the bush it’s important to check underneath for damage to the underbody, exhaust and other vulnerable mechanical components.Look for bent or broken brackets, fittings, lines and hoses, dents and splits in the underbody itself, and dents to exposed areas of the engine and gearbox.Splits in rubber boots can result in damage to vital driveline components from dust and water intrusion so check steering and drive line carefully.Offroad use can also be detected by scratches on the paintwork from rubbing against shrubs and trees along the edges of bush tracks. Look for damage to bumpers, rear view mirrors, and other external body hardware.It’s probably best to avoid vehicles which have been used offroad, but heavy offroad use can be used as a lever to negotiating a better price if you’re happy to gamble.Diane Coleman liked the look and size of the Sportage when she bought her 1998 model new. She says it handled well on road and offroad on the many times she ventured into the bush and she’d happily have another one. In the five years she owned the Sportage she clocked up more than 200,000 km, and apart from a broken timing chain, which caused serious internal carnage at 60,000 km and was fixed under warranty it was very reliable. Her only criticism was the operation of the turn signal switch which would cancel at awkward moments when turning right.The Sportage isn’t listed in the recent used car safety survey, but it’s safe to say that its crash performance is likely to be average or less than average given that it’s not a unitary body construction, doesn’t have air bags, or height adjustable front seat belts.• Attractive styling• Roomy interior• Good performance from DOHC motor• Capable offroad performanceCapable compact offroad wagon with good looks and long list of features at an affordable price.
