Kia Sportage 2007 Review

What we liked
>> Cabin space, looks and comfort
>> Responsive CRDi engine
>> Price and fit for 2WD model

Not so much
>> Suspension too soft
>> Vague steering
>> Body roll

Overall rating: 2.5/5.0
Engine/Drivetrain/Chassis: 3.0/5.0 (diesel)
Price, Packaging and Practicality: 3.0/5.0
Safety: 2.5/5.0
Behind the wheel: 2.5/5.0
X-factor: 3.0/5.0

OVERVIEW
Kia has a few good reasons to strengthen Sportage. Adding two-wheel drive and turbodiesel models to the local line-up provides much-needed alternatives to the previously standalone V6 offering, and while SUV sales show little sign of slowing, it's the compact SUV segment that's really flourishing.

C-SUV sales have steadily increased all this year -- up around 20 per cent for the past three months -- and more makers are coming to market with new models. Jeep (with Patriot and Compass), SsangYong (Actyon) and Land Rover (Freelander 2) all introduced diesel models this year. On the petrol front, we're also due for Nissan's all-new Dualis model (more here) later this year.

Kia's not about to sit back and let Hyundai take all those buyers turned to high-riding wagons, either. Cousin under the skin to new Sportage LX, the two-wheel drive Tucson City is credited with helping the nameplate increase its overall sales position in the compact SUV segment this year. Before Sportage LX, Tucson City had the game to itself (like Ford's Territory did in the medium SUV segment until Toyota introduced Kluger 2WD -- and Hyundai went pull-only on the Santa Fe 3.3).

Kia also has the opportunity to pip those, namely Japanese, manufacturers "without a business case" for a turbodiesel compact SUV for Australia. While Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Suzuki Grand Vitara and Nissan X-TRAIL are available as oilers overseas, at least one maker we can name is adamant Australians don't want a diesel option.

Kia admits diesel C-SUV sales Down Under are an unknown, safe betting on sales of 25 per cent for Sportage EX CRDi, and over 50 per cent for the two-wheel drive LX.

Option packs including safety and equipment extras will be available after October. The upgrade for the LX 2WD includes ESP, and side and curtain airbags for $1600.

The CRDi can be ordered with side and curtain airbags, leather interior trim and sunroof, for an extra $3000. The EX V6 model's "Limited" pack includes the above plus ESP, for $4000. The CRDi comes standard with ESP.

All models come standard with 16-inch alloys, ABS, air-conditioning, power windows, roof rails, leather steering wheel, front passenger dash grab handle and rear cargo cover.

Sportage CRDi comes with the EX V6's side sill mouldings and six-speaker, double DIN CD system in place of the LX's four-speaker, single DIN player.

MECHANICAL
The entry-level front-wheel drive Sportage LX is equipped with the Cerato's 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing, rated at 104kW/184Nm. It uses 8.2lt/100km and is Euro III compliant.

The LX is available with a four-speed auto with manual shift mode, or standard with a five-speed manual transmission.

The Sportage CRDi is equipped with a 2.0-litre common rail turbodiesel engine, rated at 103kW/304Nm, with maximum torque available from 1800-2500rpm. The Euro IV-compliant engine uses 7.1lt/100km.

The diesel unit uses a Garrett variable geometry turbocharger and features a self-cleaning exhaust particulate (soot) filter from Engelhard that Kia says doesn't need servicing and is designed to last the life of the vehicle. The common rail injection system is sourced from Bosch.

Sportage CRDi is offered with a six-speed manual only, as preferred in European markets. Kia says it's unlikely to bring an auto any time soon because the maker "doesn't have the combination available globally". The model is also nearing update so development focus is centred on the next generation expected here some time in 2009.

Sportage uses a conventional independent suspension set-up, incorporating MacPherson struts with coil springs at the front and dual link rear suspension. All models get front ventilated and solid rear disc brakes.

The carryover V6 and new CRDi models use Kia's "intelligent" part-time four-wheel drive system. Usually sending drive to the front wheels, the system detects loss of traction and will allocate torque to the rear wheels, to a maximum 50:50 split front-to-rear. The system can be manually activated to 4WD Lock mode via a dash-mounted control for a fixed 50 per cent split, up to 30km/h.

PACKAGING
Sportage has a ground clearance of 195mm, with approach, departure and rampover angles of 28.8, 28.9 and 18.8 degrees respectively; all figures around the same as the 'more serious' of the small softroaders, Nissan X-TRAIL.

Sportage's cabin uses a variety of materials including cloth, 'leatherette' and brushed aluminium that are complementary and felt durable. Large, easy-to-read HVAC controls are well-positioned for both front occupants.

Sportage features fold-flat seating for rear cargo, via a convenient flip and 'dive' arrangement where the seats roll under the interior floor level. The front passenger seat also folds flat, like those offered in the Jeep models, but Sportage's version incorporates a tough plastic seat back that doubles as workspace or a desk up front.

Rear cargo space is 667 litres with the 60:40 split-fold rear seats up and 1886 litres when the seats are folded. The tailgate window can be opened separate to the hatch.

Towing capacity is rated at 1500kg and all models come with a full-size spare wheel.

The new Sportage line-up introduces updated exterior colours, including body-coloured bumpers for the V6 and CRDi models in 'Cherry Black', 'Clear Silver' and 'Smart Blue' duco. Sportage LX is fitted with pewter grey-coloured bumpers and side sills.

SAFETY
All Sportage models come with front passenger airbags standard. The aforementioned option packs include side and curtain airbags, and ESP for LX and EX V6. Only the CRDi model gets ESP standard.

Sportage's four-wheel disc brakes include ABS on all models.

Sportage has three-point seat-belts for all passengers and ISOFIX child seat mounting points. The front passenger seatbelts have pretensioners.

COMPETITORS
The LX Sportage is up against Hyundai Tucson City on spec and price but undercuts its cousin in upgraded form. Nissan's Dualis is also in contention if it arrives as a two-wheel drive model.

Segment rivals with a turbodiesel option include Jeep Patriot and Compass and SsangYong Actyon. Sportage CRDi is cheapest by over $1000.

There's also Hyundai Santa Fe CRDi, though it's debatable whether it belongs in the compact SUV class. The TDI Freelander 2, meantime is in a different price league.

ON THE ROAD
The two-wheel drive LX model is quiet and comfortable on highway runs, like most wagons for the price but with an SUV's standover view to boot.

The 2.0-litre four-cylinder is an adequate match for the light duties this particular Sportage is up for, but lacks urge under pressure, likely toiling with the big wagon's bulk. The LX model's kerb weight is not indicated as yet but we expect it's somewhere around Tucson City's 1467kg heft.

The front-wheel drive LX can pick up an orderly pace when punted, nonetheless, and is even quite nimble through corners.

Both five-speed manual and four-speed 'tiptronic-style' auto transmissions for the LX are fuss-free but the manual's 'throw' is quite long and the shift is located low in the console which forces a forward driving position. Driver ergonomics are further compromised by tilt-only adjustable steering and standard seat adjustment.

The CRDi is strong off idle and has a great midrange but soon runs out of revs. Conking at around 4000rpm it requires plenty of gear-swapping to keep it on song. As this Sportage comes with six-speed manual only it's good news that the engine/gearbox combination is well matched.

At cruise speeds the turbodiesel is quiet and smooth, but like the Santa Fe's 2.2-litre version, noisy at start up.

The four-wheel drive CRDi's steering suffers the same traits as big brother Sorento: mostly lightweight before loading up and then going light again... Odd, and not the most pleasant of experiences.

Average steering, combined with more noticeable body roll and pronounced understeer when even slightly provoked betray the AWD Sportage's overall amenity.

Suspension ride is on the soft side for all Sportage models and while this is suited for the city-bound LX, the CRDi wallowed over dirt track dips and only small undulations in sand.

We found Sportage's brakes wanting in traffic situations too. The test LX we drove needed plenty of pedal before any real retardation took place. A verdict on whether this is typical of the breed or a symptom of a hard day at the office for this LX will have to wait until we drive one over our normal test routes.

Road noise is minimal unless over coarse bitumen which turns up tyre roar.

The Sportage trio offer good passenger space throughout, especially up front for foot and headroom. Vision outward is relatively unobstructed front, side and rear, but the roof fix-point for the three-point centre seatbelt means the straps cut into the view.

Despite Kia's sales estimates -- and our own criticisms of its driving dynamics -- we'd still choose the turbodiesel over either of the petrol models.

To our way of thinking, there are better compact conventional wagons available that don't exhibit the handling foibles of a high-riding quasi SUV. Holden's Astra, for one... On the other hand, if all-wheel drive is important to you, the CRDi delivers better overall performance without the V6's thirst.

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