The first-generation Kia Sportage made its UK debut in 1995 in five-door form only, although three-door variants (even with a soft-top) were offered elsewhere from 1993.
A basic SUV based on Mazda mechanicals, it remained on sale until 2004, by which time Kia was ensconced within Hyundai. The second-generation model was based on the same platform as the Hyundai Tucson. Hence, both were replaced at approximately the same time with an even greater bias towards crossover than off-roader.
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.
This Kia Sportage was one of the last 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.
The engine line-up consists of two petrol – a 1.6 and a 2.0-litre option – and diesels of 1.7 and 2.0-litre capacity. The lower-powered engines come with Kia’s ISG (Intelligent Stop and Go) stop/start system, while the two 2-litres get four-wheel drive. Trim levels are simple: 1, 2, 3 and 3 sat-nav on the two-wheel drive cars and KX-1, KX-2, KX-3 and KX-3 satnav on the all-wheel drive models.
