The Sportage's recent facelift has improved the ride no end. There's revised dampers and a tweaked power steering system for better urban handling. The ride is firmer than before and should you chuck it round corners, body roll is well contained. The new Kia Sportage stands up well to adverse weather conditions, and even in the wet manages to keep a firm grip on the road. On the outside the styling is chunky and masculine without becoming butch. The seating has been re-worked and Kia's Fold and Dive system means the seats can be dropped to create a completely flat, squared off area for cargo. Entry level Sportages use a standard two wheel drive setup, and more expensive 4x4 models send power to the front wheels until slippage is detected, and re-directs power for enhanced grip.

UK buyers can choose between two engines, a 2.0 litre petrol unit or a 2.0 litre CRDi diesel. Power-wise, it's the petrol that wins out with 140bhp to the diesel's 138bhp, however the CRDi unit feels much more muscular than the petrol, which delivers 184Nm at 4,500 rpm. In terms of fuel efficiency there isn't much between the two, a four wheel drive petrol will return 34.4mpg and you can expect to get around 39.8mpg from the diesel.

Even entry level XE models have a good level of kit, with 16" alloys, a CD stereo, remote central locking and front, side and curtain airbags. The range is topped by the four wheel drive Titan, with an electric sunroof, heated seats and privacy glass.