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2012 Kia Sportage: crossover 4×4 adds style to substance

The Kia Sportage is one of the best-selling models in this new class of vehicle

by Marcus Dubois

Once upon a time, the car shopper was faced with a simple enough set of choices designed for their needs. Starting out on the road? Buy a Mini. Got a small family? Plenty of saloons to choose from. Need more room? Get the estate version. Want something more prestige? Then buy a nicer saloon from the big German three. Fancy something racy to pick up your date in? A convertible should do the trick. And if you’re living in the countryside, then a good old agricultural 4×4 was all the car you’d ever need.

Yet in the last few decades major car manufacturers have set about expanding their ambitions beyond cars as simple “tools” that meet a basic need. And as such, the “lifestyle crossover” market came about as the answer to a previously unthought-of question. Namely, how do you combine the cool, chunky looks of a 4×4, but with the light weight and driving feel of a family car and the practicality of a MPV?

The Kia Sportage is one of the best-selling models in this new class of vehicle, a sector which has proved extremely popular with British buyers. Having first appeared in 1993 and resembling a Jeep Cherokee in size and style, this new third generation of Sportage is more car-like than ever.

Dressed to impress

Much of the buzz around the new Sportage emanates from the design which certainly turns heads. German designer Peter Schereyer is the man whose pen conceived the original Audi TT, and here he brings an equal dose of glamour to the “crossover” sector. The look challenges its nearest rival the Nissan Juke for sheer road presence, with swooping light clusters and a low rakish roofline.

If that all sounds a little bling for most tastes, then thankfully the interior is business as usual. A sensibly laid-out dashboard means all buttons are easily within reach, while quality has improved from previous Kia offerings. There’s less plastic on offer and more soft-touch elements to a dashboard which echoes the lines of the Sportage exterior. The level of standard kit is generous with all models feature air-conditioning, cruise control and a leather steering wheel. And buyers who order the “3” model will enjoy leather trim and individually heated leather seats.

On the road


Diesel engines are always popular for our purpose and caravanners have two to choose from in the Sportage. Serious towers may choose to avoid the 114bhp 1.7 diesel, which is front wheel drive only and offers little in the way of pulling power. The 134bhp 2.0 is quicker, offers more power across the range and comes with an electronically controlled four-wheel drive for greater traction. Petrolheads who like to work the gears should find the 1.6 a willing enough unit.

With 564 litres of carrying space the Sportage is a practical choice for families, and offers an impressive 1, 353 litres with the rear seats folded flat. Those in the rear get plenty of legroom and headroom, while generous door bins will happily swallow all oddments. The full spectrum of safety kit is included – while front, side and curtain airbags contribute to the maximum 5 star Euro NCAP crash test rating.

If you’re in the market for a lifestyle car which can perform both family duties and harder work, then the Kia rivals the Nissan Juke, Honda CRV and Hyundai IX35 for style and space. A further attraction for buyers is the class-leading seven year warranty offered across all Kia models. And with the latest style redesign already proving popular, perhaps it’s back to the drawing board for the Sportage’s rivals.