ON THE ROAD- IAN LYNAS DRIVES THE NEW KIA SPORTAGE

The Sportage is a real gem in the Kia line-up; a global star for the South Korean carmaker as it is a best seller in a number of markets and it has been around since 1993 and now news of the fifth generation model. One of its key qualities down the years is that it has been able to deliver to a wide buying audience and it competes in a fiercely completive market, one for compact SUVs.

Throughout its history, I have been fortunate to drive at least one model from each of the generations and the Sportage has evolved to being, in my book, the best currently available in its sector. Recently, the opportunity arose for me to drive the latest model, which has been updated and designed very much with the European market in mind. Some may be pleased to know that the Sportage is not an EV (full electric); the company are staying with petrol power with this model.

The buyer has the choice of petrol or petrol hybrid and later plug-in-hybrid versions will follow. My drive opportunity was primality with the hybrid version. I found lively performance with rest to 100kph (62mph) in under ten seconds and a top speed of 193kph (120mph). The GT-Line with which I majored on had the optional seven speed dual clutch automatic transmission which delivered seamless changes. For those who prefer a manual transmission there is a six speed and moving to the flagship of the range, the GT-Line S, it has the 7DCT transmission and is the only Sportage which can be ordered with all-wheel drive, the rest of the range are front wheel drive.

With the latest version clearly much attention has been paid to ride and handling and certainly this shone through; for me this is the most significant aspect of the fifth generation model. Fully independent suspension on all four corners aids in delivering a firm, but yet comfy ride for all on-board. Body control is above what I have to come to experience with its many rivals and I would dare to say that there is a pleasing sporty feel to the newcomer. When it comes to ride and handling the European driver is much more demanding and rightly so. Looks are important and the latest Sportage is very much design wise in the same family as the EV3, EV4, EV5, EV6 and EV9 and the Kia’s baby the Picanto and the Sorento. There is a strong muscular design with LED Star Map lighting and a choice of eye-catching alloy wheels, with sizes ranging from 17 to 19 inch.

The interior is most inviting, with the use of high quality materials and an ergonomically sound design. A 12.3 touchscreen is available with all three grades and the shift-by-wire gear selector takes up less space than a traditional gear lever arrangement. All of the controls fall easily to hand and immediately I got on-board I appreciated the driving position with excellent forward vision. Technology abounds with this new Kia which no doubt will put a smile on many a face. One of the key winning points with a compact SUV lies with practicality and again no disappointment; the 40.20.40 split rear seats fold down giving 1,780 litres to play with and with the seats in the upright position, 591 litres and around the cabin a selection of storage spaces. Safety is a major concern for many and Kia deliver their latest Sportage with a raft of aids; both passive and active, ensuring that all on-board are protected. Summing up the new Sportage is a good all-rounder; much attention has been paid to making what was a very competent car even better and I have no doubt it will continue to keep its chart topping position.

Ian Lynas