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The Kia Sportage was popular as a cheap alternative for generations. Meanwhile, the Korean has other advantages. At least the same number of them.
The Kia In the past, Sportage was mainly in demand as a bargain. But the temptingly low prices are now over. The fifth generation, launched in early 50.000, costs almost 2022 euros in the version we tested with a mild hybrid petrol engine, all-wheel drive, automatic and full equipment. The Koreans are priced at the level of a VW Tiguan. In return, however, you get a car that can also technically compete with its German competitors.
What's new?
The first thing that strikes you is that the new Sportage cuts a surprisingly good figure. Especially compared to its predecessors. These were perhaps pleasing, but always a little arbitrary. The new sports car, on the other hand, is a type with character and at the same time knows how to please with many fine details. No matter what angle you look from, the beads are in place and the proportions are right. Also inside. The space available in the four and a half meter long SUV is generous, both front and rear.
In terms of volume, the trunk of the electrically opening tailgate is even at the top level. Expressed in sober numbers: 562 to 1.751 liters can be stowed in the rear if necessary. There are additional storage compartments under the intermediate floor that is flush with the loading sill. Thanks to the remote unlocking of the rear seat backrest, which can be folded down in a 40:20:40 ratio, the storage space can be expanded in a jiffy.
The ergonomics at the driver's workplace are also pleasingly consistent. This sits well embedded in the vehicle and, in addition to the traffic, has everything in view thanks to the two 12-inch screens. However, the digital displays, which are elegantly framed in a slightly curved black panel, are reserved for the higher-quality equipment, as are the talented infotainment solutions. In our case it was the top version GT-line. Here the Sportage also pleases with impeccable workmanship, the choice of material on the contact surfaces looks mostly classy.
However, thin-walled hard plastic can also be found in many other places. Kia definitely overdid it with the black high-gloss surfaces, which are particularly wide in the tidy center console. A smart solution: under the large touchscreen there is a touch bar, which can either function as a control unit for the air conditioning or alternatively display direct selection buttons for the infotainment system. Apple and Android smartphones can be connected to the on-board system without any further antics. A quick press of the engine start button in the center console and turning the automatic transmission selector to D – and the Sportage is ready to go.
electric kick
The 1,6-liter petrol engine is supported by a small electric motor, which is supplied with power from a battery in the rear via the 48-volt on-board system. The engine duo works very smoothly in combination with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive. The extra torque of the small e-machine is pleasant, which gives the propulsion a bearish extra boost. If you take the plunge, you can sprint to 100 km/h in just nine seconds, with a maximum of a good 200 km/h.
For comparison: The VW Tiguan 2.0 TSI with 140 kW/190 hp, all-wheel drive and DSG sprints to 7,4 km/h in 100 seconds and reaches 214 km/h. Alternatively, the e-machine allows coasting again and again. Then the petrol engine pulls back and the electric motor, which otherwise often recuperates, keeps the pace. In practice, however, there are no miracles of efficiency. In our case, it was 8,2 liters of petrol, with journeys made primarily on the motorway at 130 km/h. If you want to be more efficient with the new Sportage, you should do without all-wheel drive and/or opt for a diesel or plug-in hybrid version.
Harmonious car
The new Sportage has taken a big step forward with the chassis. Compared to a VW Tiguan known for its balance, the Korean SUV looked rather awkward in the past. The new edition, on the other hand, is pleasingly harmonious. The chassis is pleasantly comfortable and binding at the same time. At high speeds, the SUV sits firmly on the road and doesn't show any weaknesses even when cornering at high speed. In any case, there is no uncertainty. This is also ensured by a wide arsenal of assistance systems that actively stay in lane and keep the distance to the vehicle in front or adjust the speed to the applicable limits.
However, progress also has its price at Kia. Previous generations of the Sportage were always significantly cheaper than comparable models from German manufacturers. The basic version with a 150 hp petrol engine now starts at a whopping 28.000 euros, and our mild hybrid petrol engine with automatic transmission and all-wheel drive even costs 10.000 euros more. It's another good 10.000 euros if you order the highest equipment GT-line and a few extras. If the chic panoramic glass sunroof comes on top, the fully equipped SUV is around 49.000 euros. VW demands only slightly more for a comparably equipped Tiguan.
Technical data
Five-door, five-seat compact SUV, length: 4,52 meters, width: 1,87 meters, height: 1,65 meters, wheelbase: 2,68 meters, trunk volume: 562 to 1.751 liters
1.6 T-GDI 4WD 48V: 1,6 liter four-cylinder petrol with direct injection and turbocharging, 132 kW/180 hp, maximum torque: 265 Nm at 1.500 to 4.500 rpm, seven-speed automatic (dual clutch), all-wheel drive, 0 -100 km/h: 9,0 s, Vmax: 201 km/h, average consumption: 6,0 l, CO2 emissions: 137 g/km (NEDC), test consumption: 8,2 l, efficiency class: A, emission standard: euro 6d, Price: from 37.990 euros
In brief
Why: because he is a jack of all trades
Why not: because a station wagon in the same segment is still a bit more ecological
What else: VW Tiguan, Mercedes GLA, BMW X1, Audi Q3, Jaguar E-Pace, Nissan Qashqai