#63 Kia Sportage - The Korean Eye Popper

The Kia Sportage has never been one for small evolutionary changes. Originally a cheap, poorly made penalty box followed by a solid, yet utterly forgettable bargain-price SUV, today's Sportage is a stylish and well-rounded compact crossover SUV. While the previous generation might be a cost-effective and uninspired used car choice, the current Kia Sportage stands out from the crowd in more ways than just looks.

Kia Sportage 

Looks

Inspired by the 2007 Kue Show car, the Kia Sportage is a modern urban crossover which marked a departure from the previous generation model’s off-road characteristics. The aim of Kia designers was to create a sleek, dynamic design with a global appeal, while reinforcing the brand’s design language. Sitting below the central bonnet-mounted badge, the trademark ‘tiger’ face sweeps out to frame the grille before broadening out and encompassing the crossover’s large and piercing headlamps to create a distinctive and powerful visage.

Headlamp with daytime LED

The strength of this countenance is reinforced by the clamshell bonnet and its contours that run into raised shoulders as they flow down to meet the headlamps. The Kia Sportage’s athleticism is reinforced by its rakish windscreen angle, which sweeps seamlessly into the low roofline. The Kia Sportage’s athleticism is reinforced by its rakish windscreen angle, which sweeps seamlessly into the low roofline.

Large windscreen 

Mirroring the large headlamps up front, the rear of the Kia Sportage features prominent taillights that flow across the tailgate and into the car’s broad rear shoulders. Raising the rear spoiler-topped hatch reveals a large, deep, and regular-shaped cargo bay. A raft of details such as the ribbed roof, the chunky door handles, the roof-rails, the raised ride height and the large exterior mirrors, serve to further reinforce the Kia’s go-anywhere credentials.

Striking profile 

Power

Striking Kia Sportage offers impressive sporty performance from a selection of two power units: The 2.4-litre and 2.0-litre ‘Theta’. The 2.4-litre ‘Theta II’ petrol unit incorporates dual CVVT (Continuously Variable Valve Timing) to deliver a maximum power rating of 130kW (174hp) and 227Nm of wheel spinning power. Press the accelerator pedal and the Kia Sportage will hit 100km/h in just 10 seconds. Maximum top speed is recorded at 185km/h. Paired with the 2.4-litre ‘heart’ is a smooth shifting six speed automatic.

Rear light 

The All-Wheel Drive Kia Sportage comes fitted with the 2.4-litre as standard. The minute 2.0-litre Theta II power plant delivers 122kW (166hp) and 197 Nm of torque, impressive for such a small engine. The power unit performs as well, with 100 km/h being achieved in 10.4 seconds (with a 5-speed manual) and 10.6 seconds (with a 6-speed automatic).

First Generation Model

Top speed for this particular power plant is rated at 184 km/h. The Kia Sportage rides on a compact MacPherson Strut suspension and a multi-link, fully-independent rear suspension system. A new hydraulic power steering system delivers precise vehicle control. Stopping power is provided by an all-disc braking system that incorporates ventilated front discs and solid rear discs.

Kia Kue concept 

Lounge

Inside the Kia Sportage, the styling echoes the dynamic aesthetics created by the exterior appearance. The wide body shell and longer wheelbase, plus the extra interior width offer all occupants with a spacious cabin. The Kia Sportage is significantly quieter and more refined than its predecessor thanks to the use of high tensile steel in body construction.

Front seats 

Driver comfort is enhanced by the incorporation of a floor-hinged accelerator pedal, which allows for smooth control of the throttle. The thick-rimmed four-spoke steering wheel and the ‘three-cylinder’ instrument cluster, with clear graphics, are visible at the cockpit. The Kia Sportage’s interior comes trimmed in black leather as standard, while dual climate control is fitted as well.

Infotainment system

A tailgate-mounted reversing safety camera, with interior mirror display monitor as well as a Smart Card (for keyless entry, together with an engine start/stop button) is some of the numerous standard features available with the Kia Sportage.

Rear seats 

With the rear seats upright, the boot space measures at 740 litres. The space increases to 1547 litres when the rear seats folded down. Storage space within the cabin includes the larger glove box (with cooling function), centre console, and four door pockets. Two large cup-holders are located between the gear selector and the centre console, while the folding centre armrest in the rear seat has twin cup-holders.

Rear design 

Verdict

Thanks to its excellent build quality, stronger performance, and generous array of features, it's far and away the most appealing Kia Sportage yet. Prices for the Kia Sportage Crossover start at Kshs 4.2 million.