Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GD - Derry Motoring with Jim Mc Cauley
The new Kia Sportage adopts a more confident look with significant advances in its front and rear end styling. This distances it from its predecessor, now heavier in image with the side panels pleasantly sculptured to tease the eye away from the overall form.
Running lights sweep down from the upper wing and point inwards towards the grille leaving the compact LED headlights to go almost unnoticed. The grille has been enlarged to bring the Sportage’s appearance into line with the all-electric models now featuring in the brand’s line-up. The taillight clusters have been rethought and the indicators are now sensibly located in the main light cluster at the car’s waistline.
This is the fifth generation of Kia’s legendary bestselling vehicle in the UK, Europe and globally. Although the range offers hybrid versions, test choice is the 1.6 litre petrol model, driving the front wheels through a 7-speed automatic gearbox.
Power source is the company’s award winning turbocharged T-GDi engine which produces 147bhp, giving a 0-62mph time of 9.4 seconds with a given top speed of 119mph.
On road, and the auto box provides the relevant smoothness, well in tune with engine revs. Our local roads highlight the need for compliant suspension and the Sportage absorbs the challenges well on its 18” wheels while maintaining its composure. Manoeuvring is aided by an excellent steering lock guided by an annoyingly shaped steering wheel which offers no advantage to instrument view.
For the driver, the default ‘Normal’ setting on the steering wheel button can be switched to ‘Eco’ for increased economy or ‘Sport’ for sharper gearchanges and weightier steering, with the instruments changing their background colour as an added incentive. Dash layout is linear and level, presenting the horizontal instrument screen with its twin 12.3” panels for driver information and infotainment.
Front seats in this mid-range ‘GT-Line’ trim provide excellent thigh and lumbar support with heating. The steering wheel is also heated.
Unsurprisingly for the size of the vehicle which has grown marginally from its predecessor, rear seat space is excellent with a rethink on traditional features. This includes the rear of the front seat headrests sculpted to provide a mini hanger, and a recessed hook lower down the backrest.
There are four USB-c charge points. Upholstery is a durable black / white suede and leather combination. Adjustable rear seat backrests drop in a one-touch operation providing a flat load area with level access over the rear sill. However, the manual tailgate is relatively heavy.
A comprehensive suite of driver assistance packages includes Downhill Brake Control, Drive Mode Select, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Hill-start Assist. Front and rear parking sensors with reversing camera are standard. The new model is also equipped with ‘Kia Connect’ giving the ability to download and install the latest software updates automatically.
In terms of running costs, this 1.6 petrol Sportage automatic has a combined fuel consumption of 40.4mpg and in a week’s driving on local roads, I recorded 36.8mpg. CO2 emissions of 207mg/km result in a 37% BIK rate for business users. Kia led the industry when it introduced its seven-year / 100,000-mile warranty which is transferrable on sale. As tested, this model in ‘GT-Line’ trim is priced at £35,085 OTR and is in Group 20E for insurance purposes.