USED CAR ROAD TEST: KIA SPORTAGE

Kia’s hugely improved third generation Sportage managed to steal sales from both Qashqai-like crossovers and RAV4-like compact SUVs.

With design flair matched to engineering sophistication, it proved to be a very complete – and very desirable – family car. But how is it as a used buy?

In 2010 with this third generation launch, dull functionality was replaced by a longer, lower, wider and lighter rakish package that was – and still is – arguably better looking than any other car in this class.

The interior too clearly had some attention spent on it even if your Sportage doesn’t feature the panoramic glass roof that’s standard on plusher variants.

Out back, the 564-litre boot is large and well shaped and is impressively big for a vehicle only 9mm shorter than a Vauxhall Astra.

Behind the wheel, this Kia offers a softer, more relaxed approach that balances body control, handling response and ride comfort aided by hi-tech multi-link rear suspension.

Entry-level 114bhp 1.7-ltre CRDi diesel and 133bhp 1.6-litre GDI petrol models feature two-wheel drive only: we’d recommend the livelier feel of the petrol variant, its rest to sixty capability of 10.7 seconds making it one of the fastest Mk3 Sportage variants you can buy. T op speed is around 112mph.

It’s hard to see how this Mk3 model Kia Sportage would disappoint. It’s well built, it rides well, there’s a strong range of engines, a choice of front or four-wheel drive and – the clincher for many – it looks great.