Kia Sportage Reviews

AUSTRALIAN motorists love compact SUVs which have taken over as the new family vehicle. The segment is one of the few experiencing growth and it's no wonder with 25 models available with a range of variants with diesel power, manual and automatic transmissions, plenty of cargo space and room for a family of five and even their pooch.Today every maker needs a compact SUV in their range. Over at Volkswagen Australia managing director Anke Koeckler says:. "The Tiguan is one of the volume sellers in our plan to become a significant player in Australia."The current Tiguan's about to be replaced by a second-generation model and is in short supply as is the Toyota RAV4 so they couldn't make this comparison of five compact petrol-powered automatic SUVs that includes top sellers, a European and the two emerging Korean models.We asked the Tranter family - Ross and Julie and their children, Joshua, 7, and Samantha, 5 - to come with us for a drive through city traffic, highway touring, rural roads and a picnic in the country in our full-day comparison test. They own a Mazda2 and admit that in a couple of years they will look at an upgrade, possibly to a compact SUV.VALUEPricing and feature fit-out is keen in this highly competitive category. Our five vehicles are mid to high spec, according to what was available from the manufacturer, but they only vary in price by $5000 from the Hyundai ix35 at $35,490 to the Subaru Forester at $40,490 which comes with a comprehensive info/navigation/entertainment system with reversing camera.The Renault Koleos is listed at $36,990, but our test vehicle was fitted with a leather package ($2500) that includes black leather seats, electric driver's seat, heated front seats and quick-release rear folding seats. It also comes standard with a built-in Tom Tom navigation system, auto wipers, front and rear parking sensors, and a chilled glovebox.The top-spec Kia Sportage Platinum is fitted out at similar levels to the Hyundai. It costs an extra $1230 but adds rain-sensing wipers. Both have rear parking sensors, sunroof, rearview camera, auto headlights, fog lamps (front only on Kia) and heated side mirrors.In the middle is the X-Trail at $38,490 with roof rails, auto climate control and cooled/heated cup holders.All come with what are considered essentials in a family car these days - remote locking, cruise control, comprehensive stereo connectivity for Bluetooth phones and iPods, fog lights and climate airconditioning.Resale values are similar, but slightly better for the Renault and Subaru at 54 per cent and the lowest was the X-trail at 50 per cent.TECHNOLOGYAt the heart of all these models are four-cylinder petrol engines of similar capacity. Even though the Hyundai and Kia share a 2.4-litre engine compared with the 2.5-litre units in the others, power and torque are almost the same across the group.Power varies only 5kW from 125kW in the X-Trail to 130kW in the Koreans and torque 9Nm from 226Nm in the Koleos and X-Trail to 235Nm in the Forester. All models also offer a diesel variant which are worth considering for economy if you're doing long distances and for their driveability. The Forester transmission is an old-fashioned four-speed auto, while the Koreans have six-speed torque-converter automatics; the X-Trail and Koleos have continuously variable transmissions with six selectable steps.Most are front-wheel drive switching to all-wheel drive when they sense rear-wheel slip, while the Subaru is permanent all-wheel drive. All have hill descent control and hill-start assist, but only the Renault, X-Trail and the Koreans have a locking diff function.Economy is fairly close across the group but interestingly the X-trail is the best at 9.1 litres per 100km compared with 9.5L/100km in the Koleos which runs the same engine, but weighs about 80kg more. The Koleos also requires 95Ron fuel.If towing is important, the X-Trail and Koleos have 2000kg capacity compared with 1600kg in the Koreans and 1400kg for the Subaru.DESIGNThe group can be split into two on styling - the boxy Nissan and Subaru versus the more curvaceous Hyundai, Renault and Kia. It comes down to taste, but the Tranters liked the "modern" look of the ix35."I like a car with a lot of curves," says Julie.To us the X-Trail and Subaru are starting to look a little old-fashioned, even though both have had major makeovers only a couple of years ago. Of the "rounded" models the Kia has a little more pizzazz with LED daytime running lights and coupe-like rear roofline.Statistics for cargo space never give a real-world indication of how much luggage can be fitted, but with picnic baskets, esky and our photographer's kit bags loaded, all seemed to hold a fair bit of gear. The Renault is the only model with a split rear tailgate which Ross liked, but Julie thought it would make it more difficult to reach luggage items at the back of the cargo area. However she liked the underfloor storage area with slide-out tray in the Nissan."I'd probably use it as a permanent storage area for sunscreen, the kids' hats and snacks," she says.The X-Trail's cargo floor was the only one in the group not carpeted, a virtue according to Nissan for outdoor types. In the cabin, the Nissan again looked a little tired, while the others appeared modern and fresh, although the Renault is a little quirky and difficult to get used to all those knobs and controls. The Tranters found cabin space good in all but praised the Subaru for having the best legroom space in the rear for the kids in their booster chairs.SAFETYAs a fire and rescue officer, Ross Tranter places a strong emphasis on safety."There are things I've seen at crash scenes that I'd rather forget," he says.The Tranters own a Mazda2 and bought the top spec just for the extra airbags in the back, so they were impressed that all models, except the XTrail, get a five-star safety rating with full-length curtain airbags and stability control.They also commended all for their good forward visibility and praised the Kia and Hyundai for their reversing camera conveniently located in the centre mirror. There was high praise, too, for the high driving position of all, which at least gave them a feeling of safety.All vehicles come with three anchor points in the rear, but the Tranters found the Subaru was the only vehicle that was easy to fit the seats as the belt clasps were not spaced wide enough in the others. On the theft safety front, the Subaru also has Data Dot protection.DRIVINGIt was the Tranters' ninth wedding anniversary but they enjoyed our test loop through Brisbane city and out into the country for a picnic, then later McDonalds for the kids. Stepping up from their Mazda2 to the compact SUVs was easy for the Tranters who commented that they liked the high seating position and good forward visibility of all models.They liked the Subaru: easy to drive, plenty of room in the back for the kids, a big boot and a quiet and comfortable ride. They found the Hyundai a bit noisy on some surfaces, comfortable with a lot of extras they enjoyed but they didn't feel it was as stable as the Nissan in the dirt. Praise came for the Renault's handling and steering feedback."I didn't feel like I wasn't in total control at any time. It's not wanting for power either. I could put my foot down and it was there when I wanted it," Ross commented. Julie found the Renault's quirky controls a bit confusing to start with. And Ross didn't like the Kia's seat. "It has good support down low but not up high."We found the Koreans' automatic gearboxes had to work hard to keep things humming along, while the Forester, Koleos and X-Trail felt more lively and responsive, even the Subaru with its four-speed box. We're no great fans of continuously variable transmissions, but the CVT boxes in the Renault and Nissan are among the best we have driven and kept the revs in the sweet spot for difficult terrain.Most of these will tackle a rough bush track and even a beach, but be aware they are not meant for heavy duty off-roading. Subaru is fitted with Yokohama Geolanders which we have found the best compromise between highway and track. The Forester also has the best ground clearance at 220mm while the Koreans have the lowest at 170mm (Hyundai) and 172mm (Kia), but you should take into account a load and passengers will reduce these clearances.VERDICTIf rough country roads were on our agenda, we'd pick the Subaru or X-Trail as both vehicles not only handled the terrain with poise but also gave a feeling of being solidly built and reliable. The Renault has the same X-Trail underpinnings and urges you to have a go at the rough stuff thanks to a pretty slick engine/transmission combination and slightly more compliant suspension. It is a much under-rated vehicle with only 310 sold fo far this year.Most of the vehicles in this class are suburban run-arounds doing the grocery, school and sports ground circuit. Here, the modern styling of the French and Korean models look the part. For the record, the Tranters liked the style of the Hyundai but when it came to family practicalities their vote unanimously went for the Subaru for its space, comfort and quiet ride.SUBARU FORESTER 2.5 XS PREMIUMPrice: $40,490Engine: 126kW/235Nm 2.5L 4-cyl petrolTransmission: 4-speed auto, AWDBody: 5-door wagonThirst: 9.3L/100km  CO2: 220g/kmSafety: 5 stars, 6 airbagsTowing: 1400 (braked), 750kg (unbraked)Warranty: 3-yr, unlimited kmService: 12,500 or 6 mnthsResale: 54%NISSAN X-TRAIL ST-LPrice: $38,490Engine: 125Kw/226nM 2.5L 4-cyl petrolTransmisson: CVT, 4WDBody: 5-door wagonThirst: 9.1L/100km  CO2: 214g/kmSafety: 4-stars, 6 airbagsTowing: 2000 (braked), 750kg (unbraked)Warranty: 3-yr/100,000km, roadside ass.Service: 6 mnths/10,000kmResale: 50%HYUNDAI ix35 2.4 HIGHLANDERPrice: $35,490Engine: 130W/227Nm 2.4L 4-cyl petrolTransmission: 6-speed auto, AWDBody: 5-door wagonThirst: 9.2L/100km  CO2: 219g/kmSafety: 5 stars, 6 airbagsTowing: 1600 (braked), 750kg (unbraked)Warranty: 5-yr, unltd kmService: annual or 15,000kmResale: 52%KIA SPORTAGE 2.4 PLATINUMPrice: $36,720Engine: 130kW/227Nm 2.4L 4-cyl petrolTransmission: 6-speed auto, AWDBody: 5-door wagonThirst: 9.2L/100km  CO2: 221g/kmSafety: 5-stars, 6-airbagsTowing: 1600 (braked), 750kg (unbraked)Warranty: 5-yr/unltd kmService: 1-yr or 15,000kmResale: 52%RENAULT KOLEOS DYNAMIQUEPrice: $36,990 ($40,290 as tested)Engine: 126kW/226Nm 2.5L 4-cyl petrolTransmission: CVT, AWDBody: 5-door wagonThirst: 9.5L/100km  CO2: 228g/kmSafety: 5 stars, 6 airbagsTowing: 2000 (braked), 750kg (unbraked)Warranty: 5-yr/unltd km, roadside assistService: 1-yr or 10,000kmResale: 54%SHOWROOM SUCCESSSALES success in the highly competitive compact SUV category is fickle, changing every month. Nissan X-Trail was the leader in June, Hyundai ix35 in May, Subaru Forester in February, April and July, Toyota RAV4 in January and March.So far this year Subaru Forester is the top seller with 7574, even though sales are down 13.1 per cent on last year. This repeats its top-selling success in the category since 2008. The new Hyundai ix35 was second with 6806, RAV4 third (6472), X-Trail fourth (6430) and Dualis fifth (5156). Despite the Renault Koleos being a Nissan X-Trail with French dressing, it has sold only 310 so far this year to rank 20th out of 25 models in the category.The compact SUV segment is one of the few recording growth with an increase of 2.1 per cent so far this year while the SUV category is down 2.9 per cent and the total new vehicle market is down 5.9 per cent. The only faster-growing categories are luxury SUVs (317.4 per cent) and utes (6.2 per cent).SAFE AND GREENOWNERS of any of our tested vehicles can rest assured they are safe and green. They all have six airbags, stability control and anti-skid brakes as a minimum, while some have more driver aids such as Hyundai's Vehicle Stability Management which adds steering assistance in low-traction situations. All get a five-star crash rating from the Australian New Car Assessment Program, except the X-Trail which was last tested in 2007 and scored four stars.The Australian Green Vehicle Guide gives all vehicles better than average scores for greenhouse air pollution and economy. The Kia and Hyundai score closely because they basically have the same drivetrain. The Hyundai scores 6 greenhouse rating out of 10 and 8.5 for air pollution gaining four stars. The Kia scores a 5.5 greenhouse rating because its CO2 levels are 2g/km higher. Next is the Subaru with 6 for greenhouse emissions, 6.5 for air pollution for 3.5 stars and Koleos with 5.5, 6.5 and 3.5 stars. There are no results listed for the X-Trail.Most of these models have been around for a while in some shape or form and are good buying second-hand. Subaru Forester and Honda CR-V are the only used compact SUVs rated as a "safe pick" by the Automobile clubs of Australia. In their recent annual buyer's guide to used car safety ratings, they gave five stars to the Forester (02-08) and CR-V (02-06). Four stars were awarded to the Kia Sportage (98-03), Toyota RAV4 (06-09), Ford/Mazda Escape/Tribute (01-06), CR-V (97-01), Forester (97-02), Suzuki Grand Vitara (99-05) and RAV4 (01-06).

While this back-raked and crouched wagon makes some of today's rivals look a tad dowdy, it also offers a real challenge to the big names in terms of driving dynamics - on and off the tar.This is the third generation of a Korean machine that until now has been, for all its honest virtues, a bystander in the biggest game in town.Compact SUVs are hot in today's marketplace and the herd continues to grow, especially now there's the option of two-wheel drive machines alongside all-wheel drive variants in many marques.And this time around Kia's Sportage offers a choice of drivetrains, transmissions and powerplants, starting at $25,990 and running through to $38,990. All wrapped up in a good-looking and most usable wagon, an urban warrior with dirt road credibility.  We've been out and about in the Sportage SLi diesel which sits in the middle of the new pack.At $10 shy of $35,000, the SLi diesel with six-speed auto offers a fair range of equipment, style and space. SLi's carry dual zone air conditioning, reversing camera alongside the usual host of today's comfort and convenience features; it misses for little and outdoes some rivals in this class. The engine/transmission package plus Australian-tuned suspension adds to the inherent value here, as does a full-size spare wheel.As one of the newest of the bunch, the SLi Sportage carries a swag of the latest gear, including rollover sensor, downhill brake control and hillstart assist alongside speed-sensitive steering, stability control, ABS and all-wheel drive. There's the rear view camera, automatic headlights and a six-function trip computer. The sound system features CD player plus MP3, USB and iPod connectivity.This is a bigger Sportage than before - longer and wider, albeit lower in the roofline. It takes Kia's cheeky new grin up front, a clamshell bonnet, raked-back front screen and narrow windows for a sporting approach to the SUV business. Sleek but muscled-up.This new-found style carries through to an accommodating cabin, it's a decent size for four adults while the interior layout is both usable and attractive ahd the cargo area is a reasonable size for a compact wagon.  And the Sportage is more than just dynamic in style; Kia spent time on designing a chassis to suit Australian conditions.The Kia Sportage scores a maximum five stars in the Euro-NCAP ratings.  Among passive safety aids there's attention to body structure and strength plus six airbags and active head restraints.  Then there's a raft of active technology, including ABS, stability control, a rollover sensor and hillstart assist. There's all-wheel drive available and, on SLi and Platinum models, a tailgate-mounted rear view camera.While the Kia Sportage is an easy town car, keeping the traffic honest and easily slotting into the local shopping centre parks it is at its best as an enthusiastic tourer, willing to take on the lumps and bumps of backroads with composure and willingness.Ride and handling is well-balanced, suspension soaking up rougher roads without losing traction when pushing along. Visibility, driver comfort and the chassis's sure-footedness are added safety and fun features on the open road.  There is the smallest hesitation at the steering wheel before the Kia turns in with authority and grip; just a small protest from those front tyres in tighter corners taken at speed, spiced with a hint of body roll.But there is a confidence here that (without the family aboard) allows for press-on motoring over mountain roads; all within the speed limits but at decent A-to-B pace.Much of this exuberance arises from the Kia powerplant and six-speed transmission, willing participants in chasing down the kilometres. For best results use the gearbox's manual mode to keep the 135kW diesel beyond 2000rpm; sometimes this means dropping back as low as third for best effect.All this fun-running didn't do a lot for fuel consumption, the best was 8.2 litres per 100km through the hills; around town that ran up to 9.5 litres per 100km.  The Sportage tracks fine down a dirt road, loose surfaces rarely unsettling the balance. For more difficult tracks the drivetrain can be locked into a 50:50 split, the let-down here are the tyres, rubber more suited to bitumen (or beach) than a bush track.  Ground clearance at 172mm could be an issue for some.The Kia Sportage is among the best of compact SUVs. Perhaps not everyone will agree with the rakish style, perhaps some prefer a more cubed machine for this type of cross-over vehicle.Yet the sleekness of the Kia's body style does not hamper the wagon's versatility as a family carrier; the smartness of the interior does not deter from its practicality.  On top of all that there is a well-behaved chassis driven by an excellent engine-transmission combination. All wrapped in a safe, and value-packed, package.

Kia has lifted its game amazingly in the last five years with new models like the KM Sportage.

Australia is a growing priority for Kia of Korea. Success downunder is now seen as a potential pointer to the brand's efforts in other countries, particularly as it battles to make an impact against the senior partner in Korea's biggest motoring juggernaut, Hyundai.Carsguide has already tested the Hyundai ix35 and rates it as one of the best new SUVs of 2010, but now we have time with the Kia Sportage and it's better. The two family haulers are twins under the skin but Kia has its own body and, crucially, its own suspension and steering for Australia.The changes sound minor, and they are in a car with tens of thousands of individual parts, but they make enough difference to sway a   potential buyer. The latest Sportage - and remember the nameplate has been around since 1993, long before the Hyundai takeover - is a huge advance over earlier models and is now worthy of serious comparison with a Honda CRV and a Toyota RAV4 and the other Japanese compact SUVs.No-one can criticise the value at Kia, and the Sportage kicks a big goal with prices that are $1000 below an equivalent ix35. That means the price spread is $25,990 to $38,990, running from a front-drive Sportage Si with a 2-litre petrol engine and manual gearbox up to the all-wheel drive Platinum diesel with six-speed auto.There are six models in total and all are five-seaters with a body that's sized right for the class and everyday family work. Even the Si starter car comes with air-con, alloys and the usual electric assists, but you only have to move up to the SLi to get leather trim, a trip computer, cruise control, reverse camera and a bunch of other fun stuff.The Platinum pack at the top end provides a sunroof, LED daytime lights, a thumper sound system and a 'smart key' with start button. But the value is hit a little by short supplies of the diesel engine, which means a wait for delivery. "Diesel is in short supply, and it's the same for Hyundai. Europe is eating up all the engines. But Kia will have it's own factory by April, so things will ease then," says Kia spokesman, Kevin Hepworth.The new Sportage is bigger than the outgoing model and has a bunch of extra space inside, as well as a totally new mechanical package. The three engines - two petrol, one diesel - with a spread from 122-135 kiloWatts and 197-393 Newton-metres - are configured in a series of logical steps.The 2-litre petrol comes on both front and all-wheel drive models with either five-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearboxes, but as soon as you step up to the 2.4 petrol and 2-litre turbodiesel it's all-wheel drive auto only. The Sportage also has a unique four-wheel drive system, from Magna in Austria.It is called Dynamax and is more suitable for off-road work than the one in the ix from Hyundai, even if it doesn't have low-range gears. Kia claims improved efficience and refinement and that's not hard, given the step-change development of the Sportage and the way the brand has been able to run-off from the basic engineering already done by Hyundai. Most obviously, the suspension has a unique tune for Australia - using parts already developed for Europe - and a different steering system to the ix35.The easiest way to pick between a Kia and a Hyundai is - just like the   Volkswagen Group - by the dash lights. Kia is red, Hyunda is blue, a   reflection also of their corporate colours.The overall design of the Sportage is down to Kia's superstar Peter Schreyer, who is aiming to give the brand a more edgy and youthful look than Hyundai. And let's not forget he's also looking to have the Kia crew stand out from Japanese contenders in every class, particularly the SUV group.So the Sportage is modern from the front and muscular from the sides.   The interior is same-same mostly with the Hyundai, apart from the   detailing, but you get that on shared projects because doing a unique cabin is very very costly.As expected, the Sportage has front-side-curtain airbags as well as ABS brakes and ESP stability control. But the brakes also benefit from   brake assist and brakeforce distribution. New systems in the car respond to rollover threats and help with hill starts and downhill descents on gravel, which have been commonplace on Japanese rivals for a while now. Kia says the Sportage is a five-star NCAP performer thanks to everything from a basic body with more rigidity through to active head restraints to help prevent whiplash injuries in a crash.The Sportage looks good and the SLi test car is surprisingly plush, down to the leather seats and a rear-view camera with a display that's   neatly integrated into the rear-view mirror. But at first it seems like a (slightly) cheaper twin of the Hyundai ix35.Then I hit the road and the cushiness in the ride, and the lack of kickback through the steering, proves that Kia has gone the extra kilometre - and more - with some Australian tuning. The work has been done by suspension wizard Graeme Gambold and it's impressive. The car feels like it's sitting in the suspension, not just perched on top of the springs, and the unique Kia steering is without the kickback of the Hyundai.It's still not a sports car, and there is some drone from the Kumho tyres, but it is better than the ix35 and better that I expected. The diesel engine has good punch, the six-speed auto works well, and the car is a nice spot for any trip. It's also good value and that is important with so much competition in the SUV class. The Sportage is not at the very top of the class but it is an impressive effort and Kia promises ongoing improvements through the life of the vehicle.The Sportage looks good and has very comfrotable seats, both very important to me. It also drives well. I'm surprised at how well it gets away from the lights, with a real zoom from the diesel engine. I really like the rear-vision camera, partly because the rear window is very small and limits visibility.In traffic I also feel the need to double-check myself while changing lanes, but I guess that's the price for the streamlined style. Switching to the price, it's pretty good value. You get a lot of equipment, lots of boot space, and lots of room in the back seat.It's good to have leather at this sort of price. It might be nit-picking, but our test car has a water leak on the   driver's side and there is a bit of excessive noise on the freeway which might be down to the door sealing. I like the Sportage and, even if the equivalent Hyundai seems to have more gadgets, the price advantage is a winner.Anything that tops the Hyundai ix35 is going to be a winner, and the Sportage does. 8/10 

Car clichés die hard, but if there’s one to incinerate that old chestnut about ‘Korean equals drive away then chuck away’, Kia’s third generation Sportage could be it.The signs have, of course, been there for all who can see beyond their comfort zone. Not for nothing did Hyundai’s i30 diesel manual win Carsguide’s 2007 Car of the Year. This year an offering of its sister company could at the very least be in the running.In terms of its execution alone, the Sportage softroader transcends its country of origin in that while it’s built in Korea, it happens to be designed by an Italian based in California and – just as importantly – has been re-adapted to meet Australia’s uniquely challenging road conditions.The Sportage is longer, wider, lower and an altogether slicker package than the model it replaces. Of course, it could hardly be otherwise, the old one being more of an inducement to take public transport.But then it has to be up to formidable line-up in the ever-growing compact SUV segment, including Volkswagen’s Tiguan, Nissan’s Dualis, Hyundai’s ix35, Holden’s Korean-made Captiva, Mitsubishi’s new ASX and the stalwart Toyota Rav4 and Honda CR-V.Derived from the Kue concept, the visually striking Sportage is designed by Massimo Frascella and features the corporate grille and accents that have become increasingly familiar under the direction charted by chief designer Peter Schreyer.The high beltline and proportion of glass to metal are meant to evoke a coupe. From the rear three quarters you could almost be looking at a premium hatchback. At any rate, it is light years removed from the slab-sided dullard it replaces.As pert and no doubt fashionable as that back end may be, vision is compromised to say the least by that slot of a rear window. No sooner have you overtaken a car than it almost disappears. Vast wing mirrors, intended to compensate, combine with almost thigh-thick A-pillars to restrict the front view.Unprecedentedly, the Australian version of the Sportage receives a suspension a set-up adapted from the British version and refined over 1700km of testing by a team including former Toyota dynamics guru Graeme Gambold. Its steering calibration is unique. The mid and top spec versions receive a new AWD system from Magna Dynamax that uses electro-hydraulic sensors to activate a coupling which in turn feeds up to 40 per cent of the torque to the rear wheels more or less instantly.It’s this dynamic package that primarily distinguishes the Sportage from it virtual sibling, Hyundai’s ix35. Kia’s Australia CEO MK Kim said Sportage is the “first of our new generation cars to benefit from the determination to deliver Australian flavour. It will not be the last.”The front-wheel-drive Si manual with its 122kW/197Nm 2.0-litre starts at $25,990 for the five speed manual. The six speed auto adds $2,000. It’s no stripper, with equipment including 17-inch alloys, front fog lamps, and the full safety package including six airbags.The mid-spec SLi runs a 130kW/227Nm 2.4-litre petrol engine ($31,990) or a 2.0-litre turbo diesel ($34,990) through a six speed auto. Its gains on the Si include chrome accents, leather trim, rear view camera and roof rails. The Platinum uses the same drivetrains (petrol $35,990; diesel $38,990) and adds full leather, daytime running lights, smart key and ventilated driver’s seat.All get a full-size spare. Back seats, which easily accommodate a couple of six foot blokes, can be dropped with the flick of a switch.Against that, all trim levels equal, if not better, the obvious rivals. It’s not so long ago that ventilated driver’s seats were optional in top end Euro luxury cars; this decadent leather finished pew comes standard on the $36K Platinum.The launch roads around Queenstown in New Zealand’s south island, while glaringly superior to much of the corrugated bitumen found in the bigger island to the west, make a good case for Kia’s big talk about getting it right for Antipodean punters.Equally, it’s hard to enthuse about the only manual, which, it’s rapidly apparent, is there only to provide an attractive price point. The 2.0-litre engine is simply inadequate, especially with four on board, whining ineffectually around 3200rpm in top gear at 110km/h. Though the bigger engine of the SLi has more weight to shift, it does so far more convincingly. The petrol-engine auto’s tall sixth gear has it spinning 1000 revs under the lesser model at freeway speed. The need for neck-wringing removed, this model is far more likely to achieve its claimed fuel consumption.The SLi petrol version is the sweet spot in the line-up. Apart from the surety of all-wheel-drive, it feels altogether more planted and secure, highlighting the light but evenly weighted steering. For the likely user (that’d be urban families whose driving gets not a lot more adventurous than picnicking with their 2.5 offspring) the ride/handling compromise seems pretty much perfect. While that 2.4 fizzles out at 6000rpm, there’s enough useful performance beneath that. Not until it’s pushed hard do you remember this is a soft-roader first, a car second.It’s hard not to love the class-thrashing 392Nm of the 2.0R diesel. Even more than most such things, it packs a knockout mid-range punch, reducing overtaking exposures to a safe minimum and making it the obvious candidate for towing. But it requires more diligence through the tight stuff, turning in sharply but rapidly requiring more lock as the heavier front end pushes determinedly wide.Again, though, it’s a matter of asking the right questions. And if you’re asking for a family-friendly, smartly-presented, sharply-priced soft roader, this Kia answers in the affirmative.    

It took just 1700km of local test driving for Kia to decide Australia wouldn’t like the new Sportage’s suspension. And to set about finding a different one.  When they did, it already had an Australian flavour.Having judged the suspension of the test Sportage sent out here in March as unsuitable, the Aussie Kia team set off with their ideal set-up on paper to match it with the components available in other markets.After some benchmarking, they settled on the UK suspension set-up – to which Kia Australia had originally contributed in the planning stages.  The steering was given similar attention with a calibration specifically our market.And Kia believes those local touches will be key for the popularity of the new Sportage, which will face strong competition in the growing compact SUV category.Pricing and variantsKia expects to sell about 300 per month, and to try and ensure there’s something for everybody, the Sportage has both two-wheel and all-drive versions, with three engines and two transmissions.  Prices start from $25,990 for the Si 2WD 2.0-litre with five-speed manual transmission ($2000 extra for auto).The mid-spec SLi AWD auto-only versions are $31,990 for the 2.4-litre petrol and $35,990 for the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel, while Platinum spec adds extra equipment to each of those for an extra $3000.Base models get a solid list of features including MP3-compatible six-speaker audio system, 17-in alloy wheels and foglights, with safety covered by six airbags, anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist and force distribution to help out in extreme situations, stability and traction control, plus hill-start assist and downhill brake control that slows the Sportage to 8km/h on steep slopes.Mid-spec adds extras like a rear-view camera, auto headlights, dual-zone climate control for the airconditioning and a swag of cosmetic and trim upgrades.  The Platinum bags you 18-in alloys, rear parking sensors, leather upholstery – ventilated on the driver’s seat – and daytime running lights among its extras.There’ll be some latecomers to the equipment list, with Bluetooth and the reach-adjustable electronic steering arriving in November, with Kia choosing to launch now rather than wait for them.While it’s based on the same platform as the Hyundai ix35, the styling is more conservative, with Kia saying their focus clinics voiced unanimous support for the Sportage styling over the ix35’s more detailed creasing and character lines.  It retains the sharply sloping windscreen and A-pillars of the Kia Kue concept show car, with a high belt-line pushing the coupe image.It looks lower than it actually is – and is already lower, wider and longer than the previous Sportage (by 60mm, 15mm and 90mm respectively) – with black protective cladding adding off-road hints and slimming the side profile.With that, there’s ample legroom front and rear, but headroom is compromised by that sleeker roofline, although it probably contributes to the more slippery body (and lighter weight) that help keep fuel consumption respectable.  But you can still carry 740 litres of luggage, stacking that up to 1547 litres with the rear seats folded.The base model’s 2.0-litre petrol engine develops 122kW of power and 197Nm of torque, getting to 100km/h in an official time of 10.4 seconds with the manual transmission and 10.6 seconds with the auto.  The 2.4-litre gives you 130kW and 227Nm, with slightly better acceleration showing in the 0-100km/h time of 10 seconds and the faster top speed of 188km/h.The diesel is the 2.0-litre version of Kia’s ‘R’ unit, offering 135kW and 393Nm, with the extra urge getting you to 100km/h in 9.6 seconds.  The AWD versions get an on-demand system with slip detection that can send up to 40 per cent of torque to the rear axle as needed, with a lockHowever long Kia spent tweaking the Sportage steering for Australia, it’s been time well spent.  And it took just a couple of minutes behind the wheel of the AWD for the better feel and response to prove itself. It’s a big move forward for Kia, but they forecast it’s just the start of more local specification in their cars.And it benefits from being partnered with the quite decent suspension - McPherson strut front, multi-link rear -- with the UK tuning.  The 2.4-litre petrol engine we briefly tested struggled slightly on steep slopes but was otherwise sprightly, although more so with the transmission slotted into faux manual mode.The advantage of more torque meant the diesel performed better, but the base model 2.0-litre petrol made harder work of most driving and is better suited to those who primarily want a city car.It also seemed to be noisier than its higher-spec siblings – suggesting that the levels of damping may be different in the variants. But otherwise, the cabins were quiet apart from wind rush around the wipers and wing mirrors.The mirror wind noise is due to their large size, but you’ll be grateful for that when you try reverse parking, with the elegant letter-box of a rear windscreen and the massive rear pillars making visibility a chore unless you’re up to the reversing camera spec.  Another annoying factor was the steering column being tilt but not reach, but Kia says this will be added when the electronic steering arrives in November.Hard plastics are here and there, but otherwise the cabin fit-out is sensible and pleasant – and we preferred the sporty black tricot upholstery over the slippery leather. The fabric seemed to fit better with the Sportage’s overall personality: sensible, comfortable and practical.

Most of the time it was the front wheels doing all the driving, it was only when wheel slip was detected at the front that drive was directed to the rear, up to a maximum of 50 per cent.  At its peaks the double overhead camshaft V6 engine was putting out 129 kW at 6000 revs and 241 Nm at 4000 revs.The suspension was independent at both ends, the brakes were disc all round and supported by ABS, and the steering was power-assisted rack- and-pinion.The Sportage had a host of standard features, including air, remote central locking, immobiliser, power mirrors and windows, six-speaker CD sound system, fog lamps and 16-inch alloy wheels.In the shopAs the quality of Korean cars has improved so too has their reliability, and carsGuide receives little in the way of complaint about Korean cars in general, and the Kia Sportage in particular.  Owners appear content with their cars and little of a serious nature goes wrong with them.When checking a car for purchase make the usual checks for crash repairs, make sure it's been regularly serviced, and inspect the underbody for signs of extensive offroad use.  Sportage owners are unlikely to have driven their cars offroad, but it's worth taking the time to check underneath.On the roadThe KM Sportage, while not sporty, was a decent driving car with secure handling and a comfortable ride on most surfaces.  While the V6 engine was a good performer, the overall performance was dulled a little by the wide spread of ratios of auto 'box.In a crashThe Sportage suffered from the same dull dynamics most, if not all, SUVs suffered from. The handling was secure without being sporting, but that came with the SUV territory.Standard ABS and traction control, and all-wheel drive helped on the active safety front, while dual front airbags and seatbelt pretensioners gave decent crash protection.At the pumpKia's lab rats claimed an average fuel consumption of 10 L/100 km for the KM Sportage, 13.0 L/100 km when driven in town, and 8.2 L/100 km when outside the city limits.  Road testers of the time of the Sportage's launch reported an average of 11.5 L/100 km in real world driving conditions.Look forPleasant SUV styling . Lots of standard gear . Decent performance . Secure handling . Comfortable ride . Improved build quality . Robust and reliable . Value-for-moneyThe bottom lineWell-built, reliable, comfortable wagon should be on family shopping lists.Rating75/100

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.

There are now a couple of ways into the Sportage, the soft-roader compact from Kia.The latest of these Korean wagons offers two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive versions plus the choice of petrol or diesel engines for the four-wheel drive machines. And these revamped packages have some style and value appeal in a crowded part of the market.More than 1.5 million Sportages have been sold worldwide since the launch in 1992; 16,000 of those have been sold into Australia since 1997.But while the original machines were more a rival to Suzuki's four-wheel drive Vitaras, the new generation has eschewed the two-speed transfer box and full chassis. So today's Kia Sportages are more a competitor for the likes of Honda's CR-V, more the soft-road option where it once had some off-road 'heritage.'Around here the turbocharged, diesel-powered, four-wheel-drive version with six-speed manual is considered the best, and most versatile, of today's Sportages.But even that machine, held in first gear, runs a bit too quick for any semi-serious paddock crawling; it likes its engine revs and the gearing is a bit tall so for meandering through serious ruts a bit of clutch-slip may be neededThat's a pity because the original Sportage; with its low range was handy enough for a small four-wheel drive.No, this diesel-engined Sportage prefers more open, faster country; dirt, tar or sand.Indeed, the 2-litre Sportage EX CRDi wagon is a compact flyer and much fun to push along through the traffic, down a country road or over a mountain range.It is forever willing; with maximum power of 103kW arriving at 4000rpm and best torque of 304Nm at 1800rpm it works almost like a small petrol motor; second gear starts are out. And this CRDi is available only with the six-speed manual, which helps contribute to the engine's driveability.Kia's been in the diesel-engine business for some time (primarily on commercial vehicle applications) so have a reasonable head start on some others when it comes to producing refined oil-burners for passenger cars.This one is a little gem and features common rail direct injection plus variable geometry turbocharger where the vanes close a little to increase exhaust pressure, and then more turbo boost, at lower speeds.The torque is available from 1800rpm through to 2500rpm so there's a fair bit of flexibility here. Kia claim it should deliver 7.1l/100km but pushing it around can see that consumption run out closer to 9l/100km.And all this is done with a fair degree of fun, especially at a starting price of $32,490 for a machine of some sophistication.Ride comfort is good and this diesel four-wheel drive Sportage has a decent amount or road balance and grip to match that engine's eagerness.These days the four-wheel drive versions run front-drive until the electronics detect wheel slip and send up to 50 per cent of drive to the rear. For rough-roading at speeds up to 30 km/h the Kia system can be locked in 50:50 four-wheel drive with a dashboard switch.The current generation Sportage is maybe not as distinctive as the first. Most automotive stylists (leaving aside the Chrysler boys and girls for the moment) appear to have taken on this ubiquitous look for the compact SUV class and the Kia effort is more of the same (even if some of those lines toward the rear are contradictory).So after all that fun and excitement, the two-wheel drive LX version with two litre engine and the optional four-speed automatic was not quite the same.This Sportage wagon is happy enough doing the shopping chores, not so much the tourer.Pushed around, the front-drive Kia tends to understeer and kneel at the front in corners; the diesel version appeared to be better-balanced at the front; perhaps the extra weight of the diesel helps here. And with the petrol engine the automatic transmission takes the shine off most press-on drives.It is a compact, well-kitted machine. All Sportages arrive with today's usual list of airconditioning, power windows and mirrors plus ABS for the four-wheel disc brakes plus driver and passenger front airbags.The cabins are well-sorted with no real ergonomic complaints. The rear seats are reasonable for this size and style of vehicle where there is a decent amount of rear cargo area.But while that diesel, four-wheel drive version of the Kia Sportage has some value virtues, the two-wheel drive Sportage may not find as much custom.

The Australian market for anything that remotely resembles an SUV is booming, with sales up 10.9 per cent on last year.And the compact segment of that class is almost double that with a 18.6 per cent increase and the likelihood of more than 90,000 sales by the end of the year.So it’s no wonder Kia has been concentrating on plugging the holes in its SUV line-up.That's why Kia has released diesel and V6 petrol variants of their mid-sized Sorento, and they’ve followed that up this week with the launch of two new variants of the compact Sportage – a two-wheel drive four-cylinder petrol and a turbodiesel.The pair will flank the V6 petrol Sportage that has been in the market here since 2005, but has notched up sales of about 1000 a year since it arrived.Kia Australia’s director of sales and marketing, Bill Gillespie, says the company is being conservative about sales forecasts for the two new Sportages, but believes 160 diesels will leave the showroom by the end of the year, and about 500 in 2008.The manual-only CRDi has the V6’s electronic 4WD mated to a common-rail direct-injection engine with variable geometry turbocharger, which adjusts boost to give more torque at low revs and more power as the revs climb. The $32,490 price equips you with single CD audio that can play MP3 discs, airconditioning, cloth trim with leather on the steering wheel and shifter, power windows and mirrors, 16-inch alloy wheels with full-size spare, rear cargo cover, cruise control, twin front airbags and anti-skid brakes. It also includes ESP as standard, and a $3000 premium gets you the Limited pack that adds side and curtain airbags, leather upholstery and sunroof.The front-biased 4WD system automatically engages when sensors detect a loss of traction to the front wheels, sending up to 50 per cent of the torque to the rear. But the system can also be locked into 4WD via a dash button, with the torque sent to the back then gradually decreasing after your speed hits 30km/h until at 40km/h you’re back in front-wheel mode.Like the V6, the newcomer can handle a braked towing capacity of 1500kgs.The appearance of the Sportage is largely unchanged, except that some of the V6 and diesel paint choices offer colour-matched bumpers and side sills, and there has been a minor brush-up in the cabins.Despite being classed as a compact, the SUV offers plenty of room except for longer-legged rear seat passengers. Cargo space is fine for a couple of large suitcases even without any of the seats being folded, but with all except the driver’s down you can increase the capacity from 667 litres to a hungry 1886. There’s the extra utility of the passenger seat having a hard 'table’ back when you fold it, so there’s no worry about a long object piercing the upholstery.The Sportage hasn’t been crash-tested here, but Kia expects it to achieve the same five-star rating it was awarded in American tests, although those were down on a model with standard side curtain airbags.The 2.0-litre diesel fared much better all round. With 103kW at 4000rpm and 304Nm on offer between 1800-2500rpm, it took a more workmanlike approach to hills.The engine has a top speed of 176km/h, and with a completely unscientific timing method, we estimated it takes more than 12 seconds to get up to 100km/h, but the payoff is in a fuel figure of 7.1L/100km.The compliant suspension was excellent over rougher roads and even smoothed over some very threatening potholes, while the all-wheel drive system helped in heading the SUV where you pointed it.A bit of mock rally assault on a twisting bush track and a short stint through soft deep sand proved no problem, as long as we kept the revs up in the diesel’s torque comfort zone to feed the turbo.But while the 195mm ground clearance and the undercarriage geometry, a breakover angle of 18.8 degrees and approach and departure of 10 more, were useful off the bitumen, venturing too far into the wild would probably be asking for trouble.And the 4WD system’s electronic sensors became confused for the occasional second, seemingly shutting off when it couldn’t quite work out what was happening underneath the wheels.But that was under the most challenging stretch of wet ruts and potholes we threw at the Sportage, and while most of them are unlikely to see that sort of action, the combination of capable engine, reasonable equipment and affordable price makes it a decent proposition.