KIA SPORTAGE 1.6 GDi 2

The Sportage has long been a favourite of mine, it’s a well made and refined SUV that combines plenty of internal space with above average road manners, and of course Kia's 7-year, 100,000 mile warranty.

First introduced back in 2010, the Sportage remains as popular as ever, and this fourth generation model that was launched in 2016, despite the odd refresh back in 2018, still looks as fresh as a daisy, which is thanks to ex-Audi designer Peter Schreyer who remains in charge of design at Kia.

With news of a new fifth generation Sportage fast approaching, I wanted to give it one last good going over, and so I asked for a base spec ‘2’ model with AWD.

On the road

It may not be the quickest model in the line-up, but with 174bhp from the 1.6 litre petrol engine and a slick 6 speed manual gearbox with AWD, it certainly brought out the hooligan in me, this thing really does grip!

On the open road the ride is firm, yet comfortable, if that makes sense. The electric steering set-up is quick and offers you plenty of feedback, which is great when you’re having a bit of fun on twisty lanes. The suspension and chassis really do work well together, in fact, all combined, the Kia Sportage remains a fun and very accomplished SUV, and in my opinion is one of the best in its segment and only being pipped at the post by Mazda’s CX5.

Fuel wise, after a week of different types of driving it achieved 33.5mpg which isn’t that far off the official combined figure of 36.2mpg.

Another positive is that unlike some other more expensive vehicles, cruise control in the Sportage will keep you at your desired speed no matter how steep descent is that your driving down.

Off Road

I’ve always said that Kia should shout about their 4x4 ability more, it’s really pretty good. On one particular green lane with a steep incline covered with lose stones of varying sizes, in normal drive the Sportage scrambled up, never losing traction, but it was working hard to maintain grip. Reversing back down and engaging ‘4x4 Lock’ on the centre console, the Sportage climbed with much more grip and less fuss.

You see, like most AWD vehicles these days, the all-wheel-drive system normally delivers 100% of engine torque to the front wheels, but when things become sticky or slippery, the torque can be redistributed up to a maximum of 60:40 front-to-rear. This works seamlessly both on roads and off them. If you’re going further off the beaten track, like I do, then you can manually press the ‘lock mode’, which gives a 50:50 torque split at speeds of up to 25mph.

Obviously, sitting up to its sills in mud isn't the Sportage's natural habitat, but we found ourselves in that position once, not by choice I might add, and by engaging ‘4x4 Lock’ with a little toing and froing we managed to escape a potentially embarrassing situation.

Interior

Plain, simple yet classy and functional. There are some good sized spaces for phones, mints, sunglasses, and underneath the 8” infotainment screen there’s a clear bank of buttons for heater controls, and two dials for temperature control.

The design of the infotainment screen and how it’s integrated into the dash is pleasing to the eye and works really well. Other manufactures should take note (ahem VW), there’s no need to fit a 15” screen in the middle of the dash - no need!

Despite being Grade 2, and bottom of the rung when it comes to interior spec, it still packs a decent punch. Cruise control & speed limiter, Bi-Function halogen headlights, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto with voice control, reversing camera, Lane Keep Assist and heated front and rear seats are amongst the many luxuries included.

If I have any complaints it’s that on this version, not certain about higher spec models, there’s only one USB socket up front, and a another one in the back. You do have two 12v sockets either side of it.

My only other complaint is that the driver's head restraint leans too far forward, so after a while both Muddy Madam and I ended up with sore necks.

It was the same with the Jeep Compass I wrote about last month - hope it isn’t becoming a ‘thing’ on modern cars.

Returning to the positives, visibility all around is great, seat are comfortable and supportive, legroom in the back is also good - it’s just a nice and comfortable car to spend time in.

Engines ‘n’ Transmissions

The lineup consists of a 1.6 litre petrol with either 130bhp or 174bhp. The 130bhp 2WD model comes with the 6 speed manual gearbox, while the other models are available with the manual ‘box, or a 7 speed dual-clutch auto transmission (DCT).

The 48v mild hybrid diesel offers 134bhp in both 2WD and AWD, both the auto and manual is available for the 2WD, but only the 7 speed auto for the AWD.

Conclusion

Although the Sportage isn’t what you’d call a proper 4x4 with long travel suspension and a low box, I’ve taken a few of them along some pretty gnarly tracks in the past, and as I wrote earlier, Kia should advertise their off-road credentials more.

Overall the Sportage is a good all-round SUV, yes, some of its competitors might be sportier whilst others have a bigger boot, but it’s a well equipped and practical SUV that remains a favourite here at Muddy Towers. As I mentioned at the beginning, there’s an all new Sportage due out soon, and it has a lot to live up to, hope Kia can do it justice. No pressure…

price: from £24,785

more at » www.kia.com/uk