The UK first saw the Sportage in 1995 and at a recent drive day, I had the opportunity to drive one such early model. It was fun to spend time with the car, if only to see how much not just the model but the brand too has improved.

Sportage is the biggest seller for the Korean brand in the UK and a quick look at the sales chart shows that it was the best-selling car in September and is in second place for the year thus far. Some 38,734 Sportage models have found their way onto UK driveways and there is still the last quarter to go.

I’m not sure there was much wrong with the existing model, but that hasn’t stopped Kia from updating the Sportage to keep it on top of its game. An invite to drive the new Sportage was gladly accepted, keen as I was to see what improvements had been made.

A few headline facts:
Priced from £30,885 for petrol models
Hybrid priced from £34,425
Simple 3 trim line-up: ‘Pure’, ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’
Front and all-wheel drive on HEV and PHEV models
Order books are open

Design

On the outside, the keen observer will notice the new front bumper and stacked LED headlight design, whilst the grille has been enlarged. The appearance is now much closer to other models in the brand’s line-up, such as the EV3, EV6 and Picanto. The side silhouette remains largely unaltered, but there is new side cladding and trim beneath the doors. At the rear, the tailgate has been given a more definitive profile and lights redesigned.

There was little wrong with the interior of the Sportage but of course there have been some improvements. The touchscreen now features Kia’s new connected car Navigation Cockpit, and new dual 12.3-inch screens. ‘Pure and ‘GT-Line’ models receive a 4.3-inch driver display.

The centre console loses the glossy piano black plastic, a fingerprint nightmare, and in its place there’s a rather swish brushed finish. A new two-spoke steering wheel is now fitted, with plenty of physical buttons and rolling switches.

As is the modern way, the updated Sportage boasts plenty of tech, some very useful, some perhaps a little less so. Welcome is the customisable Head-Up display (GT-Line S), Wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto on all models and a digital key. Entertainment packages are included, allowing customers to access Netflix, Disney+ and YouTube via the main infotainment screen when stationary. Of course there is a monthly cost, so don’t tell the kids and ignore I would suggest.

Engines and powertrains

Sportage buyers can now choose three powertrains across all three trim levels. At present there is a choice of the 1.6-litre T-GDi or 1.6-litre T-GDi Hybrid (HEV) petrol engines. The latter pairs a 1.49kWh battery pack with the combustion engine in order to maximise refinement and efficiency. The Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) will arrive in the UK shortly and will be much anticipated by fleet and company car users.

For those yet to embrace the convenience of two pedal driving, a manual six-speed gearbox can be chosen on the ‘Pure’ petrol engine model, whilst the rest of the range come with either a seven-speed dual clutch or six-speed automatic transmission. Rural dwellers can option all-wheel drive on HEV GT-Line S models. I suspect take-up will be small.

The drive

Settling into the comfortable driver’s seat, immediately apparent is the ease of operation. Press the start button, turn the rotary gear selector to the ‘D’ position and drive. I am not sure anyone considering a Sportage as their next family car will be overly concerned with the car’s dynamic qualities. However, on some of the twisty sections of the test route, the Sportage acquitted itself rather well. Safe and secure would best sum it up.

Ride comfort was mostly good, though occasionally the low-speed ride felt a little on the firm side, especially noticeable on sections of poor tarmac. Motorway driving was a relaxed affair, with wind and road noise well contained.

The hybrid drivetrain of my test car endowed the Sportage with an excellent turn of speed, especially when ‘Sport’ mode was engaged. However, brisk overtakes will see the engine revs soaring and the motor is not the most tuneful at full chat.

Kia quotes up to 50.4mph for the hybrid model and from my time behind the wheel, in mixed driving, I was able to record around 45mpg without trying too hard. Others will do better no doubt.
So, which model would I choose? The hybrid drivetrain makes sense and mid-spec ‘GT-Line’ offers all the equipment even the most discerning would want. Whichever version does appeal, new Sportage owners will have a capable family car with space aplenty for passengers and luggage, all wrapped up in a stylish and attractive bodyshell.

And let us not forget the ownership experience, likely to be second to none. A comprehensive seven-year warranty, first rate build quality, and an excellent dealer network are worthy of note.
Sportage, the next generation, another success story without a doubt and likely to continue to top the UK sales charts for a long
time to come.

Fast Facts as tested
Kia Sportage HEV GT-Line
Price £36,925
1,598cc petrol engine
1.49kWh Li-ion polymer battery
6-speed automatic transmission
235bhp & 265Nm torque
0-62mph in 7.9 seconds
Top speed 121 mph
Combined economy 50.4mpg
Emissions 128g/km CO2
Insurance group 23E
Towing limit 1,510kg (braked)
Luggage capacity 587 litres