Kia launched the first generation Sportage in 1993. A successor arrived in 2004 and
key third generation model in 2010. This third-generation car changed both the image of the vehicle itself and public perception of the company.
The man responsible was Peter Schreyer. One of Audi’s (subsequently VW’s) top designers he is most notably linked to the Audi TT coupe. He’d been responsible too for a number of remarkable concept cars shown at motor shows around the world.
In 2006 Schreyer received an offer from Euisun Chung, then head of the Kia brand,
to become Chief Design Officer at the company. The brief was to transform design at
Kia and make it world class. Hitherto, the cars had been decent enough but bland.
key third generation model in 2010. This third-generation car changed both the image of the vehicle itself and public perception of the company.
The man responsible was Peter Schreyer. One of Audi’s (subsequently VW’s) top designers he is most notably linked to the Audi TT coupe. He’d been responsible too for a number of remarkable concept cars shown at motor shows around the world.
In 2006 Schreyer received an offer from Euisun Chung, then head of the Kia brand,
to become Chief Design Officer at the company. The brief was to transform design at
Kia and make it world class. Hitherto, the cars had been decent enough but bland.
Schreyer’s philosophy was based on the “simplicity of the straight line” – a clean,
contemporary look based on getting the proportions right. This led to an elegant
finished product which set it apart. Schreyer went on to head up design at parent
company Hyundai in addition to Kia.
The third-generation Sportage was a huge success and its definitive style has been evolved and rolled out across the whole Kia range. It was a pivotal, game-changing moment for
the company. The fourth generation came in 2015 and was revised in 2019.
In 2021 a very different looking fifth iteration emerged, arriving here earlier this year.
As SUVs have come to dominate almost every sector of the new car market the
compact class (and smaller) has become heavily populated and very competitive.
‘SUV’ too has become a very ‘broad church’. SUV-like ‘crossovers’ dominate the
smaller segments and many do not even offer all-wheel drive (‘4x4’) as an option.
These are little more than five-door front-wheel drive hatchbacks relying merely on a
slightly elevated stance and driving position to pass muster. Kia does offer All
Wheel Drive (‘AWD’) on 11 variants of the 19 in the new Sportage range.
Basically the layout is front-wheel drive with automatic rear drive “kick-in” when slip
is sensed. The package includes hill descent control and a selectable front/rear
4x4 lock-in at low speed should conditions deteriorate.
That’s well up to the odd off-Tarmac venture and mud or snow – so, enough here to ‘qualify’ as an “SUV”.
Apart from the previous entry grade ‘2’ which has been dropped the model range
remains familiar: ‘3’; ‘4’; ‘GT-Line’; ‘GT-Line S’.
What complicates things is the engine range. Both petrol and diesel are based on a
1.6-litre, four-cylinder power plant. Petrol units range from a 150hp T-GDI
(Turbocharged-Gasoline Direct Ignition) MHEV (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle) via a
230hp Hybrid (HEV) motor to a 265hp PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle).
Diesel choice is reduced to either a 3-Grade CRDI 115hp front-wheel-drive with six-
speed manual gearbox or 136hp MHEV 7-speed DCT (auto 'box). The latter is also
offered as a 4-Grade seven-speed DCT but with AWD.
This could be the engine of choice for a compact SUV such as the Sportage – a
real pity it can’t be had as a manual which would be an even more attractive option.
(Petrol manuals too are restricted to FWD variants.)
contemporary look based on getting the proportions right. This led to an elegant
finished product which set it apart. Schreyer went on to head up design at parent
company Hyundai in addition to Kia.
The third-generation Sportage was a huge success and its definitive style has been evolved and rolled out across the whole Kia range. It was a pivotal, game-changing moment for
the company. The fourth generation came in 2015 and was revised in 2019.
In 2021 a very different looking fifth iteration emerged, arriving here earlier this year.
As SUVs have come to dominate almost every sector of the new car market the
compact class (and smaller) has become heavily populated and very competitive.
‘SUV’ too has become a very ‘broad church’. SUV-like ‘crossovers’ dominate the
smaller segments and many do not even offer all-wheel drive (‘4x4’) as an option.
These are little more than five-door front-wheel drive hatchbacks relying merely on a
slightly elevated stance and driving position to pass muster. Kia does offer All
Wheel Drive (‘AWD’) on 11 variants of the 19 in the new Sportage range.
Basically the layout is front-wheel drive with automatic rear drive “kick-in” when slip
is sensed. The package includes hill descent control and a selectable front/rear
4x4 lock-in at low speed should conditions deteriorate.
That’s well up to the odd off-Tarmac venture and mud or snow – so, enough here to ‘qualify’ as an “SUV”.
Apart from the previous entry grade ‘2’ which has been dropped the model range
remains familiar: ‘3’; ‘4’; ‘GT-Line’; ‘GT-Line S’.
What complicates things is the engine range. Both petrol and diesel are based on a
1.6-litre, four-cylinder power plant. Petrol units range from a 150hp T-GDI
(Turbocharged-Gasoline Direct Ignition) MHEV (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle) via a
230hp Hybrid (HEV) motor to a 265hp PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle).
Diesel choice is reduced to either a 3-Grade CRDI 115hp front-wheel-drive with six-
speed manual gearbox or 136hp MHEV 7-speed DCT (auto 'box). The latter is also
offered as a 4-Grade seven-speed DCT but with AWD.
This could be the engine of choice for a compact SUV such as the Sportage – a
real pity it can’t be had as a manual which would be an even more attractive option.
(Petrol manuals too are restricted to FWD variants.)
Apart from design, Kia’s priorities for the Sportage have been quality and value for
money. Compared to the competition equipment levels have been high. The latest
edition sees a further step up with a ‘premium feel) to much of the interior.
When it comes to dynamics the Sportage has been a competent drive if not class
leading. This is unlikely to be a priority for the majority of customers for whom the car
is sufficiently brisk and responsive. Ride quality has improved and the steering is
more ‘direct’ if still a touch light and ‘clinical’.
Built in Slovakia, the Sportage is a key model for Kia Europe and best-seller apart
from the broad Ceed/Proceed/Xceed family. The Sportage was fifth best-selling car
in the UK for January to July this year (SMMT statistics) and Kia’s top vehicle here.
Price Range: £33,150 - £45,350
Competition: Hyundai Tucson; Suzuki Vitara; SEAT/Cupra Ateca (these two are
strong dynamically – sharp and agile; Suzuki punches above its weight here);
Skoda Karoq; VW T-Roc; Nissan Qashqai; Audi Q3; Honda HR-V; Mazda CX-30.
Facts & Figures: Kia Sportage 1.6 ‘GT-Line S’ HEV 6-speed Auto AWD, £41, 000;
120-mph (max); 0-60-mph 8 seconds; 44.1-mpg (official combined); 42/43-mpg (trip
computer on test within a range of 42-45); CO2 146-g/km; Max Braked Trailer 1,650-
kg; Warranty 7-yrs/100,000 miles. Road Tax £510 Band H (Ist Yr £220 included in
purchase price); Insurance Group 25.
Conclusions: The appeal of the Sportage is easy to see and stands up to scrutiny.
The latest iteration is improved in almost all respects including, it should be said,
both performance and handling. A very good car although that “simplicity of the
straight line” might be a bit more difficult to discern these days.
By Huw Thomas
money. Compared to the competition equipment levels have been high. The latest
edition sees a further step up with a ‘premium feel) to much of the interior.
When it comes to dynamics the Sportage has been a competent drive if not class
leading. This is unlikely to be a priority for the majority of customers for whom the car
is sufficiently brisk and responsive. Ride quality has improved and the steering is
more ‘direct’ if still a touch light and ‘clinical’.
Built in Slovakia, the Sportage is a key model for Kia Europe and best-seller apart
from the broad Ceed/Proceed/Xceed family. The Sportage was fifth best-selling car
in the UK for January to July this year (SMMT statistics) and Kia’s top vehicle here.
Price Range: £33,150 - £45,350
Competition: Hyundai Tucson; Suzuki Vitara; SEAT/Cupra Ateca (these two are
strong dynamically – sharp and agile; Suzuki punches above its weight here);
Skoda Karoq; VW T-Roc; Nissan Qashqai; Audi Q3; Honda HR-V; Mazda CX-30.
Facts & Figures: Kia Sportage 1.6 ‘GT-Line S’ HEV 6-speed Auto AWD, £41, 000;
120-mph (max); 0-60-mph 8 seconds; 44.1-mpg (official combined); 42/43-mpg (trip
computer on test within a range of 42-45); CO2 146-g/km; Max Braked Trailer 1,650-
kg; Warranty 7-yrs/100,000 miles. Road Tax £510 Band H (Ist Yr £220 included in
purchase price); Insurance Group 25.
Conclusions: The appeal of the Sportage is easy to see and stands up to scrutiny.
The latest iteration is improved in almost all respects including, it should be said,
both performance and handling. A very good car although that “simplicity of the
straight line” might be a bit more difficult to discern these days.
By Huw Thomas
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