Sporting plenty of space, a steadfast frame and equitable control, the strikingly sporty Kia Sportage is a powerful jack-of-all-trades for Kia enthusiasts everywhere. The car has spanned four generations and with 40,000 of the old-gen models sold in the UK alone in 2017, its facelift for 2018 was quite significant.
The acceleration on this SUV is perfectly adequate, with the car gaining speed at a fluctuating rate as it climbs through the gears. The car reaches 60mph in 11.4 seconds and carries on to a top speed of 112mph. Engines wise, the 1.6-litre petrol remains as the range’s standard unit and is joined by a 1.6 diesel. A 2.0-litre mild hybrid powertrain has also been introduced and hitting the accelerator behind the wheel of this delivers instant torque with an output of 182bhp and a top speed of 125mph.
When the Sport Mode feature is engaged, the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission changes gears with a focus on performance or economy and also allows the driver the option to manually select a gear.
A sloping roofline, new bumpers at the front and rear, and updated headlight signatures offer a smarter look and the interior has been kitted out. An abundance of leather makes it more sophisticated and added touches, such as stitching bordering the dashboard and a metallic chrome effect over the vents, give the car the essence of a German SUV. The infotainment system in the shape of an eight-inch touchscreen is available as an optional extra.
Kia’s brilliant and expansive panoramic sunroof available on the mid-trim 2018, Kia Sportage and standard on the turbocharged 2018 Kia Sportage SX, uniquely gives both front and back-seat passengers a taste of the outdoors. Already one of the most spacious vehicles in its class, the feeling of interior space is increased further with the window that lets in natural light. The sunroof can be covered by a sunshade, opened as a window or even slid back to let fresh air in.
Rear reclining seats allow passengers extra comfort in the back and a low central tunnel in the floor does leave more legroom and foot space for the individual to stretch their legs if needs be.
The car can stretch out too, with the doors opening fairly wide, allowing plenty of the space for the driver and passengers to slide into their seats.
Top-spec models come with high-tech features such as adaptive cruise control.
The practical SUV provides models like the Nissan Qashqai and Skoda Karoq with some healthy competition and at least one of the six different specs are bound to suit anyone’s needs.
Contact Lookers Kia for more information on the Sportage.
See for yourself in the video below:
