Kia Sportage 2.0 CRDi review

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Kia Sportage 2.0 CRDi First Edition 4WD Road Test

Test date 06 August 2010 Price as tested £20,777

For Sharp looks, Ample standard equipment, Spacious cabin, Cushioning ride

Against Engine refinement, Average economy, Inert steering, Body control

You can question the purpose of the SUV-hatchback crossover but you can’t doubt its success. It is one of the most lucrative segments of the market and everyone wants a slice of it. The ever-increasing number of models entering it proves that most manufacturers are getting one.

The new Kia Sportage is the latest to join their ranks, although if you’re familiar with the previous Sportage, you may wonder where the crossover element comes from.

Kia’s well-priced compact soft-roader is still exactly that, only it has been given the attention-seeking looks and marketing blurb to put it in Nissan Qashqai territory.

Initially, the car is available in only the 2.0-litre, turbodiesel, four-wheel-drive, First Edition trim shown here. But by December the full complement of models will be on sale, including new 1.6 petrol and 1.7 turbodiesel motors, and so the Sportage tested here will become the range-topper.

A six-speed auto will be offered on all models, but expect four-wheel drive to be limited to diesel power and front-wheel drive to be available with the two smaller-capacity units.