BETTER WITH AGE
THE NEW KIA SPORTAGE HAS GROWN, BOTH IN STATURE AND IN QUALITY.
The original Kia Sportage ranked as one of the worst vehicles to grace Canadian roads — perhaps only the Lada Sagona eclipsed it in this regard. However, successive generations have seen it grow, both in stature and in quality. The all- new fourthgeneration model is larger, more refined and has a host of new technologies.
The new Sportage’s outward design is eye- catching and it has a high- tech appearance that’s fronted by LED markers and available adaptive xenon headlights. The wheel base is 30 millimetres longer, which brings more legroom in all positions.
There’s also more cargo space. The new two-position load floor gives access to 798 litres when up and 868 L in the lowered position. This space, on the up- level models, is accessed through a “smart” tailgate, which senses the smart key and, after a couple of seconds, raises the tailgate automatically. The privacy cover stows in the trunk when not in use, which means it is always aboard when needed.
Inside, the refinement comes through clearly; the execution and materials take a big step forward, which makes for a more inviting environment. The level of equipment varies by trim, but all include air conditioning, cruise control, heated front seats and the usual power items. The top-line SX boasts premium leather seating, an oversized panoramic moonroof and an eight-inch touch screen with navigation, along with Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging and a solid Harman/ Kardon sound system. Regardless of trim, the redesigned seating is comfortable and the sightlines are uncluttered; the standard backup camera helps enormously.
The Sportage’s new platform is constructed of 51 per cent ultra- high- strength steel. This not only delivers a 39 per cent improvement in torsional stiffness, it gives the suspension a better base of operations.
On the highway, the ride was refined, yet when push came to shove in a hard and fast corner, the suspension effectively dialed out unwanted body motion. This is perhaps the single biggest step forward, as the outgoing model was marked by its marginal ride quality. The steering delivered decent feedback and better precision.
Where t he Sportage stands pat is in the powertrain lineup. The base engine is Kia’s 2.4- L four- cylinder, which produces 181 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. For the most part it gets the job done, although it takes a heavy boot to extract the best performance.
For the driver, the up-level 2.0- L turbocharged four is the only way to go, with a healthy 237 h.p. and 260 lb.ft. of torque. Key to its performance is that peak torque is generated at a low 1,450 r. p. m, eliminating turbo lag off the line and delivering better performance over a much broader range.
Both engines drive the f ront or all f our wheels through a six- speed automatic transmission. The Dynamax all- wheel- drive system, designed in conjunction with Magna International, is both sophisticated and smart.
Under normal circumstances it directs 95 per cent of the drive to the front wheels and five per cent to the rear. This split sees a smoother transition when more power is sent rearward and, as it constantly monitors driver input, it is proactive in its ability to prevent unwanted wheelspin. As such, it varies the split anywhere between 95/5 and 50/ 50, according to need. It also features a lock mode when the going gets slippery.
The smart aspect is found in the system’s ability to release the centre clutch in a tight cornering manoeuvre. This eliminates driveline wind- up and the crow- hopping it causes. The test proved the system to be completely seamless in all it does; short of installing tracks, it got the best out of difficult situations.
The driving characteristics can be tailored through Drive Mode Select. Eco emphasizes efficiency and tends to blunt performance ( read: forget it!) and Normal is the city mode. Sport puts the sport in Sportage: It firms the steering and stretches out the upshift points to wring the best out of the powertrain.
The Sportage’s l i st of available active safety features is lengthy and includes rollover mitigation, vehicle stability management ( it uses the electric steering in conjunction with the stability control system to counter under- and oversteer), blind- sport monitoring, cross- traffic alert and lane-departure warning. The SX also brings autonomous emergency braking to the affordable end of the market. This system looks for a potential impact and, if the driver does not take evasive action, it will stop the Sportage in an attempt to prevent the crunch.
The 2017 Kia Sportage was designed to be more than just another crossover; the segment is, after all, awash with competent rides.
The Sportage starts at $ 24,795 for the front- drive LX and $ 26,995 for the LX AWD. The range tops out at $39,395 for the full-zoot SX.