First launched almost thirty years ago the Kia Sportage is now in its fifth generation and is designed and developed especially for the European market but it is the brand’s best-selling model globally.
Built using 100% green energy at Kia’s Slovakian production facility, this latest model is built on Kia’s brand-new ‘N3’ architecture which sees it 30mm longer, 10mm wider, and 10mm higher than before with a 10mm longer wheelbase.
DriveWise advanced driver assistance systems created to seamlessly support the driver during everyday driving situations and parking manoeuvres feature alongside a sleek yet muscular exterior design which comes with the option of nine colours.
Inside, the cabin features high quality materials and is very modern especially if you go for a trim which features the twin 12.3-inch touch screens with curved panoramic display. One convenient feature which I am seeing on many Kia models now is the integrated hanger-type headrests which, until you have them, you didn’t know you needed.
The boot is sizable and capable of over 590-litres of luggage space but lower the split folding rear seating and you get up to 1,780-litres of van-like ability. This new model offers greater headroom, legroom, and boot space than the outgoing Sportage.
Technology and safety are in abundance thanks to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone compatibility as standard. Forward collision avoidance assist (FCA) includes sensors for city, pedestrian, cyclists, and junction covering on all models.
Highway Driving Assist (HDA), Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go functionality, and paddle shifters standard on all automatic versions. Lane Follow Assist (LFA) and Lane Keep Assist (LKA) included on every Sportage. Front and rear parking sensors and reversing camera system standard on all versions.
Free seven-year Kia Connect subscription services on all models ‘GT-Line’ and above. Advanced connectivity software allows users to connect with their vehicle remotely via the Kia Connect smartphone app. Easy-to-use Kia Connect app gives peace of mind to owners, allowing to check that the doors are all locked and even the location of where the car is parked.
Starting from £29,375 is a Kia Sportage ‘2’ which features a 4.2″ TFT cluster, 12.3″ navigation display, LED headlamps, LED daytime running light, parking sensor, forward collision-avoidance assist (FCA) – city/pedestrian/cyclist/junction, auto temperature control, rain sensor, and leather trimmed steering wheel.
Starting from £31,875 is the Kia Sportage ‘GT-Line’ which features 4.2″ supervision colour cluster display, 12.3″ display with navigation, quilt leather suede seats, driver lumbar support, engine start/stop button with smart entry system, rear privacy windows, smart cruise control, forward collision-avoidance assist (FCA) – city/pedestrian/cyclist/junction, and lane follow assist (LFA).
Finally, and starting from £32,875 is the Kia Sportage ‘3’ as tested which features 12.3″ supervision colour cluster display, 12.3″ navigation display, cloth & leather seats, heated seats, heated steering wheel, driver lumbar support, smart cruise control, highway drive assist, engine start/stop button with smart entry system.
Engine wise, there are four options available as follows: Kia Sportage Petrol, 1.6 turbocharged petrol, available as two-wheel-drive with manual gearbox only. Kia Sportage Mild Hybrid, 1.6 turbocharged petrol, two-wheel-drive with 7 speed DCT automatic ‘box and battery capacity: 48V.
Kia Sportage Hybrid Electric, 1.6 turbocharged petrol engine, all-wheel-drive or two-wheel-drive, 6-speed automatic ‘box, 1.49 kWh battery. Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid, 1.6 Turbocharged Petrol engine, all-wheel-drive, 6-speed automatic ‘box, 13.8 kWh battery.
Kia offers a 7 Year / 100,000 mile warranty (3 yrs/unlimited mileage), anti-perforation warranty (12 yrs/unlimited mileage), paint warranty (5 yrs / 100,000 miles), and Kia roadside assistance (1yr).
