First Drive: Kia Sportage

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Kia’s Sportage is back, bigger and more efficient than ever writes Geraldine Herbert

What is it? Accounting for almost forty percent of all Kia Sales the fourth generation Sportage is a welcome addition to the range.

First impressions of the new Kia Sportage?  The exterior has been given a  fresher look and while it doesn’t look significantly different from the current model the changes to the front, particularly the headlights have certainly given it a more sporty and aggressive look while the tiger nose grille makes it instantly recognisable as a Kia.

What about the interior?
 Overall the interior is a lot more classy and the increased space is immediately apparent and means passengers will have nothing to grumble about particularly those in the back where space is very generous. The boot is also huge with more than 500 litre capacity.

And on the road? We had an opportunity to test drive the 1.7 litre diesel with 2WD;  there is also the option of a 2.0 litre diesel and later this month a 2.0-litre diesel with all-wheel-drive (AWD) joins the range

Kia Sportage and the city:  Ride comfort has improved over the previous model and while there is a little body roll the Sportage handles well and holds the road comfortably.
Kia Sportage and the open road:  On the motorway it is reasonable quite but the engine noise is noticeable and it feels a tad under powered when overtaking.

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How Much?  It comes in three grade levels: LX  priced from €27,995 and EX from €29,995 with a fully-loaded top-of-the line GSE priced from €34,495.

How Safe? Reassuringly the new Sportage scored a maximum five-star safety rating in the Euro NCAP crash performance tests and comes equipped with an even stronger bodyshell then before,  a wide  range of passive safety equipment and the latest active safety and autonomous hazard avoidance technologies.

What about my options? Standard equipment on the entry level LX includes 16 inch Alloy, Auto Headlights, Leather Steering Wheel & Gearshift, Roof rails, Cruise control, Bluetooth and Rear parking sensor. The EX trim is well equipped and comes with 17” Alloys, Sat Nav & Reversing Camera, Drivers Power Seat, Half Leather Seats,  Speed Limit Info, High Beam Assist and Lane Keep Assist. The top of the range GSE adds 19” Alloys, sunroof,  full leather, heated seats, power passenger seat, smart key and xenon flights

3 words to describe the Kia Sportage: Smart; Safe; Spacious

For more information check out Kia Ireland or the Kia Ireland Facebook page.

 

Geraldine Herbert

2nd February 2016

 

 

Author: Geraldine Herbert

Motoring Editor and Columnist for the Sunday Independent and editor of wheelsforwomen. Geraldine is also a regular contributor to Good Housekeeping (UK), EuroNews and to RTÉ, Newstalk, TodayFM, BBC Radio and Vigin Media. You can follow Geraldine on Twitter at @GerHerbert1

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