The All New KIA Sportage Sparks Interest.
The latest Kia Sportage has so much technology onboard that you could think you were in the cockpit of a Fighter Plane. But nothing superfluous has been added; it is to keep you and the car's occupants safe and then entertained. Jeremy got one for the weekend from Fine Cars Kia of Lee on Solent and spent plenty of time behind the wheel.
The all-new Kia Sportage has four models within the range and several powertrain choices, so you will find one to suit your driving style and requirements. I drove the Hybrid GT-Line, which starts at £29745.
It is a mid-sized SUV competing with the Nissan Qashqai, Seat Ateca and Skoda Karoq, so it has to stand out to grab sales. Kia has undoubtedly put a lot into the new Sportage externally, internally and with the engine performance.
The 2022 Sportage comes with a 4.2" Supervision Colour Cluster Display and a 12.3" Display with Navigation for Drivers and passengers to see everything. Your journeys will be comfortable with Quilt Leather Suede Seats and Driver Lumbar Support. You have all information ideally located, and the ergonomic layout of the cabin means you can operate all controls comfortably and efficiently.
Interior space is ample for what is considered a small SUV, and even when all three rear seats are occupied, the passengers are not squashed in. They all had good legroom, and the seats were as comfortable as the front two. You get 93 centimetres of boot length, so around 3 feet in old money, plenty for shopping, sports kit or in my case some tree saplings.
For efficiency, which we are all seeking, mainly due to recent fuel costs increasing, the Sportage model I drove has engine cut off when static, and due to its hybrid power below 50 mph, the car runs on electric power. Superb for urban driving and meant for the entire time I had the Sportage; I never visited a fuel station even though I racked up around 270 miles. Depending on the model you choose, there are several powertrains available.
Petrol / Diesel
1.6 Turbocharged Petrol or 1.6 Diesel engines
2WD Manual
113 - 148 bhp
Mild Hybrid
1.6 Turbocharged Petrol or 1.6 Diesel engines
All-wheel drive or 2WD
7-speed DCT Automatic
Battery capacity: 48V
134 or 148 bhp
Hybrid Electric
1.6 Turbocharged Petrol engine
All-wheel drive or 2WD
6-speed automatic
1.49 kWh battery
Combined 226 bhp