Kia Sportage SLi CRDi 2012 Review

Kia Sportage SLi CRDi: Mid-sized SUV Test

Kia’s engineers don’t appear to have much faith in drivers, either, with the Sportage’s stability control chiming in way too early for our tastes. On a number of occasions, when trying to keep pace with the test pack, the Kia’s stability control system momentarily cut engine power in situations where its rivals cruised through without intervention.

That’s a real pity because the Kia is otherwise dynamically impressive, with good body control through corners providing the driver a real sense of confidence in its handling. Well-judged spring and damper rates, along with reasonable suspension travel, mean the Sportage feels quite refined.

This dynamic prowess is backed by a super-strong (135kW/392Nm) 2.0-litre turbodiesel that delivered plenty of thrust to overcome a kerb weight that’s second heaviest in this group (1705kg). The engine is mated to a conventional six-speed automatic transmission that responded quickly and effectively when asked to downshift.

Under hard braking the Sportage sat nice and flat, although its brake pedal didn’t inspire over-confidence, thanks to a long travel before the brakes bit. On our rudimentary icy-bridge brake test it skated through unrestrained, where the Captiva stopped noticeably better.

The downside of the Kia’s punchy diesel is in both fuel economy and exhaust emissions. Official figures suggest Sportage is second only to the Holden Captiva in its thirst, with a combined consumption figure of 7.5L/100km and CO2 emissions of 198g/km.

Standard features include a full-size 17-inch alloy spare, smart key with push-button start, heated side mirrors, cruise control, trip computer, dual-zone climate control, auto driver’s side window, three 12V power outlets, Bluetooth telephony and audio streaming, auxiliary audio and USB ports with iPod compatibility, and an MP3 compatible, single-CD six-speaker audio system.

Add to this six airbags, active front headrests, antilock brakes, stability control, traction control, hill descent control and hill-start assist, and you have a pretty complete compact SUV that not only offers the gear most people want, but looks classy into the bargain.

The Kia stands a first examination without any cringe factor whatsoever. The overall presentation is slick, neat and not without a certain degree of class.

One of the few things that might draw criticism is the lack of soft-touch materials on the dash – although the general presentation is such that you wonder how much it would really benefit.

Otherwise, everything – switchgear, handles, cubby lids – worked well and features such as the durable-looking seat coverings provided confidence that this Kia would be holding together well a few years down the track.

Despite a low overall height the Sportage’s interior dimensions were among the roomiest here. Rear-seat legroom and headroom equal the Mazda CX-5, conceding only to the Skoda Yeti and VW Tiguan. It was no paragon of virtue in terms of rear shoulder room, but at least allowed rear-seat passengers to get in and out easily.

The wetsuit-style seat trim got the nod from judges as being well suited to the SUV application, offering ease of cleaning plus firm and comfortable anatomically-designed cushions.

Passengers sit low, lending the Sportage a distinctly ‘sporty’ feel, while the dash appears positively funky, especially compared to some of its more conservative rivals. The steering wheel is thick-rimmed and handily proportioned, only let down by its slippery vinyl covering.

Behind the rear seat, Sportage offered reasonable space, with a wider load area than most (aircraft hangar-like X-TRAIL aside) and a tailgate that provided sufficient elbow room for effective loading. Not best in class in this regard, but not the worst either.

Likewise, the lack of rear vent for the air conditioning was seen as a negative, but other cars in the group also lack this feature.

Unlike the Europeans and the Japanese, the Sportage makes do with a 60:40 split-fold rear seat that swings down onto the single cushion and doesn’t offer any rake adjustment. The full-size alloy spare is a plus, as is the handy underfloor storage space available around it.

Otherwise there’s plenty of useful gadgetry to keep the owner occupied, including the full suite of entertainment facilities, the audio system with its power bass, and the ergonomic and stylish switchgear. The car is arguably one of the best-presented in the group with its appealing style, neat interior and low-slung road stance.

This is a category where design approaches vary considerably. Only the Sportage and Mazda CX-5 show signs of belonging to the latest contemporary school of styling and packaging. If that means the two share the plaudits of being the best-looking and most appealing in the group, so be it…

Price: $35,720 ($36,120 as tested)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel
Output: 135kW/392Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Wheels/Tyres: 17x6.5-inch / 225/60
Fuel/CO2: 7.5L/100km / 198g/km