Sportage a stylish, practical SUV
ROAD TEST/ Fresh from an aesthetic touch-up and fitment of a new automatic transmission, the KIA Sportage mystique has grown, writes Phuti Mpyane
In such a competitive marketplace with near endless alternatives, KIA has certainly managed to hold its own and has come full circle from its origins of selling hohum but affordable cars, to now offering truly great buys.
Yet its story grows still more curious in the telling. The Sportage is KIA’s global bestselling vehicle, and has come to represent the brand’s most superlative device, if you discount the Stinger.
This top-line 2.0I Diesel EX PLUS 2WD is certainly not a half-baked effort but at R546,995, it and its direct segment rivals are creeping uncomfortably close to the entry level offerings from the premium league of BMW, MercedesBenz, Audi and Lexus.
This grade’s cabin is lined with fine cowhide and filled to the rafters with features. The cabin, which has now increased in overall length by a 30mm extension of its wheelbase from the previous generation, means the living quarters are massive, harmonious and, dare I say, indulgent. There is no geeky aspirational tech like head-up displays or gesture controls, nor does it toy with even the sim- plest of sensor-driven autonomous steering.
But it does simplicity in a refreshingly efficient and somewhat luxurious way. KIA has focused on the small but important matters, which are solid build quality, a superior drive feel and light inputs that make it an easy steer.
Our test car’s EX Plus grade has a full-on glass roof, keyless entry/start, an engine mood selector, cruise control, park distance control, USB ports front rear, wireless smartphone charging, Bluetooth connectivity and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. With satellite navigation and a panoramic roof, the 2WD Sportage is priced 13k higher than the 4WD variant which lacks these features.
And because profiled customers are more concerned about low running costs than chasing powerful German SUVs, no enthralling mechanical artistry is found within the engine bay. It’s a 2.0l diesel fourpotter that produces 131kW and 400Nm. It’s claimed to take 9.3 seconds to hit 100km/h and flat out it will reach 201km/h, ample enough performance to keep you on time.
There’s even a small degree of capability to drive off road thanks to its high-riding suspension. But this will be limited by the fancy set of low profile 245/ 45 R19 alloy wheels it rides on.
The recent facelift of the range now means this CRDi model is exclusively equipped with a new and sophisticated eight-speed automatic transmission. It smoothes progress and helps keep fuel economy figures to about 7.7l/100km as shown by its computer.
The gearshifts are satisfying, precise and perfectly judged until you activate both cruise control and Eco Mode at highway speeds. Here the transmission becomes less consistent in response as it starts hunting up and down for gears in a bid to maintain frugality.
The easy steering is one of the vehicle’s strong points, so is good overall damping, body control and the truly smart frontal looks which mimic a KIA Stinger, but one that’s wearing stilettos.
The now fashionable rear light connecting strip is a lovely touch. If you aren’t overly concerned about badge snobbery or about to chase after genuine 4x4 SUVs deep into forests, I rate this 2WD KIA Sportage diesel highly as a stylish and sensible urban family SUV.