Since its introduction in 1994, the Sportage has been a pillar of the Kia range in Europe. It is in particular thanks to this model that the constructor has become (re)known, at a time when small ‘4x4s’ not necessarily equipped with four-wheel drive have become a trend – same story for cousin Hyundai’s Tucson. Technically, the Sportage and the Tucson often shared their technical components. That is still the case today, despite the fact that they look very different.
Bodywork and dimensions
Apart from the common windshield (and optional panoramic roof), the Kia Sportage differs markedly from the Hyundai Tucson† Kia’s stylists have given some of the styling gimmicks of the recent EV6 – the V-shaped front and rear headlights, the concave tailgate and the ‘floating’ roof – in an SUV sauce. In terms of dimensions, the Sportage is slightly longer (+ 3.5 cm), wider (+ 1 cm) and higher (+1 cm) than its predecessor, while it is even a few millimeters longer than its Hyundai cousin (+ 15 mm). ). At 4.51 m, it is now exactly the same size as a Volkswagen Tiguan and sits between a Peugeot 3008 (4.45 m) and a Toyota RAV4 (4.6 m).
>> Length: 4515 mm – width: 1865 mm – height: 1645 mm
Interior and trunk space
The new Sportage raises the bar a few notches in terms of quality impression. You can get in with the key in your pocket as standard and the seats offer good support. The uncluttered dashboard is built with fine materials and is topped by a huge curved screen that encompasses the instruments and the infotainment and navigation system. Below the central display, a row of touch-sensitive keys acts as a common control bar for the main menu or climate control.
Instead of many buttons, Kia has opted for multi-function displays and buttons. For example, the volume knob on the radio – which thank God is still real – turns into a thermostat when you switch from the main display to the air conditioning screen. However, all this only applies to the middle version or the top version of the Sportage, because the basic versions (Pure) are only entitled to a simplified instrument panel, manual air conditioning and a small central LCD screen… The Sportage’s case is almost 70 liters increased and now offers 562 liters behind a bench with reclining backrests.
Specifications and Performance
Under the hood of the Sportage we find the familiar Tucson powertrains and therefore also the two hybrids, regular or rechargeable, good for 230 and 265 hp respectively. In addition to the standard four-wheel drive, the Sportage Plug-In Hybrid offers an electric range of 62 km (WLTP). For the real frequent drivers, the 1.6 CRDi (diesel, 115 or 136 hp) remains on the program, just like the 1.6 T-GDi petrol engine with 150 hp, of which a Mild Hybrid variant is also available. Mild Hybrid? A rather pompous term for a soft electrification system based on an additional 48-volt battery connected to a controlled starter-alternaror.
With that alone the Sportage can’t move forward, but a small electrical contribution when starting or during strong acceleration is exactly what the engine needs to become smoother. A manual 6-speed gearbox is still standard, a robotized seven-speed dual clutch (DCT) gearbox is an option (2,000 euros). All-wheel drive is reserved for the highest trim levels, while all Sportages are now equipped with a selector for three driving modes: Eco, Normal or Sport, which controls the throttle response curve, gearbox control, driver assistance systems and even certain equipment (such as the air conditioning or instrument panel). ) to influence.
Driving behaviour
The 1.6 T-GDi 48V DCT appears to be a convincing package after our test. Well behaved and relatively discreet, it shines with both its creaminess when you accelerate just a little and its lively character when you pick it up. The new Sportage has also made great strides in terms of chassis. The suspension is (for an SUV) a bit stiff when deflecting on speed brakes, but on bad roads the damping is silky smooth, while the body is solid, but not too much supported. A special mention to the front axle train that not only handles pulling power on its own, but offers guidance with an accuracy worthy of a car with a much lower center of gravity.
Good points also for the braking system, which is sufficiently gradual and powerful to make you almost forget the curb weight of 1,580 kg. The Sportage is also equipped with the latest driving aids, the most notable of which is undoubtedly the blind spot monitor (included in the DriveWise Park Pack for 800 euros), which continuously monitors the traffic around the car via cameras located under the rear-view mirrors and displays the images. on the instrument panel (when you activate the turn signal). A good way to avoid being surprised by something in your blind spot when changing direction.
Belgian price Kia Sportage
Kia has confidence in its products and so no longer gives them away cheaply. Proof? From now on you have to cough up a minimum of 33,390 euros for a well-equipped Sportage 1.6 T-GDi Pulse (with manual gearbox)! Of course, the Kia dealer can always offer you a cheaper Pure version (base version) for 30,990 euros, but then you will be disappointed by the lack of equipment. It is precisely the wealth of its equipment that distinguishes the Sportage from its competitors.
As for the 1.6 T-GDi, we have more doubts about the 48-volt version (MHEV) which should provide a better efficiency… Given the average consumption of 8.5 l/100 km that we recorded during this test, in any case, we wonder whether the system has worked properly. For a little more money (only 1,600 euros for the Pulse version), the real Hybrid version (230 hp) is certainly more convincing on that point.
>>> Overview Belgian prices Kia Sportage
Kia Sportage – verdict AutoGuide
The fifth generation of the Kia Sportage is a bull’s eye. Although the design remains its most attractive asset, the Korean confirms that it now has all the qualities to become a bestseller in its category: a chassis that meets all expectations, up-to-date drivetrains, excellent comfort and even a level of equipment that exceeds the top of the range. the category has nothing to envy. The only downside is that this Sportage is not exactly cheap…
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