A comfortable smaller 4x4 car review
07/01/13
By Peter Hayward
Driving Force
THE Kia Sportage 4x4 that was sold here until 2011 is funky and fun and much more comfortable than other smaller off-roaders.
It’s also reasonably agile through the corners within the limits of its high stance.
This family sized five door hatch is powered by either a 2.0-litre 139bhp petrol or a 2.0-litre turbo diesel with either 111bhp or later, 138bhp.
There was also a 2.7-litre V6 petrol in earlier cars but 24mpg economy is not much fun in these days of sky high prices at the pumps.
The four wheel drive models (some are two wheel drive) are all hugely capable off-road, with the ability to keep going long after most drivers have lost their nerve.
I know because I have pushed them to the limit on a number of occasions and never found them lacking.
They are proper 4x4s, with permanent four wheel drive and low ratio gears.
Interior
The smaller size makes them easy to manoeuvre and they are also quick enough to keep up with other traffic.
All get six airbags, CD/MP3 stereo, aircon, electric windows, remote locking, traction control and alloys.
FAST FACTS
Kia Sportage
Price: Pay about £6,540 for an ’07 07-reg XE, or £12,300 for a ’10 10-reg XS
Mechanical: 138bhp, 1,997cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving four wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 110mph
0-62mph: 11.9 seconds
Combined mpg: 39
Insurance group: 22
CO2 emissions: 187g/km
Main rival: Suzuki Grand Vitara
Motors.co.uk value verdict:
