Risk a big lip - the Kia Sportage (2016) in the test

Hipsters come to mind immediately. Fashion victim, possibly also. The new Sportage is KIA's answer to reserved SUVs, the Sportage is everything - just not subtle anymore. This is ensured by its distinctive snout with the conspicuously thick lip.

Driving report: Kia Sportage

Fat lip risked, and otherwise?

There are these conservative SUVs, like a VW Tiguan or a Seat Ateca, that want to convince with a beefy appearance - but don't overdo it. And there are those bluntly playful ones, like the Nissan Juke, which, especially since it is located in the B-segment, has completely removed itself from the off-road look. The latter includes the new generation Kia Sportage. In addition to the new design, the Korean now also offers more space and various technical updates - the Sportage has become a modern compact SUV, as a two-week test in the editorial team of mein-auto-blog showed.

Stramber Max

Were the predecessor models rather staid, so the current Sportage has developed into a tough guy. From the front, the Hochbeiner now looks more expressive, on the one hand by the shaped in the style of the radiator grille, on the other hand, that the light pulled backwards lights are now positioned further up and the hood is more contoured. Overall, the Sportage is more heavily modeled and looks more dynamic and less rounded. With the design, he wants to distinguish not only from his more conservative-drawn group brother Hyundai Tucson, but especially from the segment-Primus VW Tiguan.

The 2,0-liter diesel installed in the test car (from 29.190 euros in the third equipment level "Vision") is heartily lively. Its 136 HP and 373 Nm torque are absolutely sufficient in everyday life, but you shouldn't expect too much temperament from the diesel. In addition, he runs out of breath at higher speeds (Vmax: 186 km / h). The diesel should consume 4,9 liters, in the test it took a little over six liters. The fact that the Sportage was only powered via the front wheels certainly helped to save fuel. All-wheel drive is only offered in combination with the more powerful engines and is only available in series with the most powerful diesel.

Gentle companion

The combination of the comfortable diesel, the long shift travel of the 6-speed manual transmission and the rather comfortable chassis tuning don't really go with the sporty look - here the Sportage is completely SUV. The Korean is a car for long journeys. Among other things, the well-functioning Lane Keeping Assist contributes to this. He doesn't catch the vehicle with hectic steering intervention just before it threatens to drive over the line, but usually keeps the Sportage right in the middle of the lane. The SUV even drives through motorway bends so confidently while the driver has his hand loosely on the steering wheel. In addition, the Korean can be equipped with other current assistance systems (also subject to a surcharge), for example cross traffic warning, traffic sign recognition, blind spot warning or autonomous emergency braking assistant.

In order to complete the chapter assistance systems perfectly, the Sportage lacks an attractive helper: the adaptive cruise control, which keeps not only the speed but also the distance to the car in front. From the second equipment level, although a simple cruise control series, the complex, not only for frequent travelers very practical adaptive system is not available.

Also, the many buttons on the optional multifunction steering wheel and in the center console do not seem quite as thoughtfully distributed, as one would expect in the otherwise positive impression. In addition, the Sportage allowed in the interior no fags: Sachlich-simple decor with a few silver-colored details aufgehubscht (optional is more chic in it), easy-to-read, analog instruments, comfortable seats and plenty of room in the second row. This is attributable to the increase in length of four centimeters to 4,48 meters, which also the trunk volume has grown to 503 liters (maximum 1.492 liters).

Even the basic version "Attract" is equipped acceptably. If you order at the alluring price of 19.990 euros - Kia has lowered the price by around 600 euros below the 20.000 mark - you will not be able to do without a design. However, only the 1,6 liter entry-level gasoline engine with 97 kW / 132 PS and front-wheel drive is available in this configuration. Air conditioning, radio, 16-inch alloy wheels, electric windows and exterior mirrors are always on board. The leather steering wheel, which is adjustable in height and width as standard, together with the driver's seat, which is also always height adjustable, helps to find a really comfortable driving position. Also practical: You don't have to book a separate rear seat and the backrest that is adjustable in incline. Disadvantage: Optionally, no extra requests are available at all, you don't have to use seat heating or a hands-free system.

Comprehensively equipped is the version "Spirit", which in combination with the entry-level engine but about 9.000 Euro costs more than the base model. The average diesel engine tested in the test is only available in the medium version "Vision" and the higher option "Spirit". A good compromise between comfort and calculation offers "Vision", which with 29.190 Euro good 4.000 Euro is cheaper than the next higher equipment line, but still has important extras on board: heated seats front and rear, handsfree, sat nav with 7-inch monitor, Multifunction steering wheel, cruise control and reversing camera. In addition, some assistance systems series such as high beam assistant, traffic sign recognition or the above-mentioned very comfortable lane assist with steering intervention. In addition, you can combine "Vision" with various equipment packages.

And finally ...

The Kia Sportage may look a little strange, but it does a lot of things right. With his modern approach, he is a serious candidate for established bestsellers in the competitive environment - even if there is still some room for improvement. And the forecast is also positive for resale: the market observers from Bähr & Fess forecast a residual value of 58,5 percent for the tested diesel SUV in three years, more than a comparable Nissan Qashqai, for example.

Mommy's desire for an SUV.

Looks different

Alternative to: Nissan Qashqai, Ford Kuga, Mitsubishi ASX
Match with: Safety-conscious SUV buyers who do not need four-wheel drive.
That convinces: Stunningly good workmanship and choice of materials meanwhile.

All technical data of the Kia Sportage at a glance:

The vehicle registration document for the Kia Sportage 2.0 crdi 2WD

All photos: Diana Habegger