Car Detail

The Kia Sportage is a compact 4x4 that displays surefooted confidence both on the road and off it. Its main environment is tarmac, where its easy-going driving characteristics and light steering make it agile in town and relaxing on longer journeys.

The high level of safety equipment and generously appointed, airy cabin belie the competitive nature of the Kia Sportage’s pricing. The practical cabin also offers useful versatility and exhibits a solidity of construction for which Kia’s are renowned.

To back up that reassuring sense of durability, the Kia Sportage benefits from an industry-leading seven-year/100,000-mile new car warranty as standard.

The five-seat Kia Sportage offers a versatile cabin that includes 60:40 split rear seats, which fold flat with a one-touch operation. The front passenger seat can also be folded flat to accommodate long loads.

Trim levels are comprehensive and straightforward: XE and top-grade XS. Externally, XE cars have alloy wheels, roof rails, tinted glass, electrically adjustable door mirrors and remote central locking with an alarm. Inside, they feature air conditioning, a four-speaker CD/radio sound system and four electric windows.

XS specification includes black leather upholstery, climate control, a six-speaker sound system, automatic lights, cruise control and heated door mirrors.

Kia makes safety a priority and the Kia Sportage’s comprehensive equipment list reflects that. Every model has ABS anti-lock brakes with EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution), which enables stable stopping power and the ability to steer while braking. Many Kia Sportage models also have the surefooted, all-weather security of four-wheel drive.

In addition, all Kia Sportage models are equipped with twin front airbags, side airbags and full-length curtain airbags. The front seatbelts feature pretensioners and there are ISOFIX child seat mounting points in the rear, as well as child locks on the rear doors. Every Kia Sportage features an alarm for added security.

Environmental concerns are addressed by similar emissions from both the petrol and diesel models. The petrol version emits 190g/km of CO2 in two-wheel-drive form and 194g/km with four-wheel drive. The diesel, meanwhile, is rated at 187g/km in four-wheel-drive trim.

Most Kia Sportage models are diesel powered and these variants offer a choice between four-wheel drive and two-wheel drive. The four-wheel-drive models use a six-speed manual transmission, whereas the front-wheel-drive versions are fitted with a four-speed automatic gearbox.

In either case, they employ a 2.0-litre diesel fitted with a variable geometry turbocharger and variable valve timing to maximise engine response at both low and high revs. As a result, the full extent of its 305Nm of pulling muscle is available between 1800rpm and 2500rpm for readily accessed response in everyday driving conditions, backed up by peak power of 138bhp at 4000rpm.

This 2.0 CRDi turbodiesel engine brings 110mph performance to the Kia Sportage in four-wheel-drive manual guise and 108mph in two-wheel-drive automatic form. It’s also a fuel-efficient engine. The manual four-wheel-drive 2.0 CRDi has official combined average economy of 39.8mpg, with the auto two-wheel-drive model rated at 35.3mpg.

There’s also a fuel-efficient 2.0-litre petrol engine, available with two-wheel drive, which offers an identical 35.3mpg combined economy. This four-cylinder engine, like the diesel, deploys variable valve timing to optimise its power delivery. Its 139bhp and 184Nm of pull translate into 111mph performance and the five-speed manual gearbox endows it with the sprinting ability to reach 62mph from standstill in 10.4sec.

Despite the high level of standard equipment, the Kia Sportage ownership starts at just £13,995 for the 2.0 XE 2WD petrol model. The diesel variant, the 2.0 CRDi XE 2WD, is priced at £15,395, or £16,395 with four-wheel drive. The range is topped by the £19,195 2.0 CRDi Titan.

Prices are based on manufacturer's recommended retail price. Check out our Offers section for some great special offers.