Utilitas Maximus
There is a lot of car physically when you look at the Kia Sportage. From an enormous boot that swallows everything but the kitchen sink, to the larger than life nose that is just a joy to look at, and even the shaped upper part of the windshield. It is a very good looking.
Power drives the front wheels (ah yes, this is not a 4WD you should bring mud plugging, but a civilised urban utility vehicle), and comes from a 2.0 naturally aspirated engine, with variable valve timing, mated to a fluid, well ratioed (though a little slow at times) 6-speed transmission. Maximum torque is an acceptable 192nm at 4,000rpm, while the maximum power delivery of 152bhp comes at a lofty 6,200rpm. Fuel figures return a combined 12.7km/L, which is considered rather high these days.
Moving off from the lights, you can tell that the Sportage does not like to be rushed. Pushing the engine anywhere past 3,000rpm causes it to become vocal, and slightly rough. Often though, you will find yourself hitting 3,500rpm to keep abreast with traffic. Allowing the car to cruise lets you enjoy a cushy ride while the long-travelling suspension does its job of soaking up the bumps, allowing the car to give a tofu ride, and wafting along with tofu glide.
The steering can come across as a little vague, but there is sufficient road feel communicated through. Light braking is easily controllable, but the brakes are not as progressive as its Japanese counterparts. Braking the car harder requires a lot more input after the brakes initially begin biting. This provides a few hairy moments during jams along the highway, when the vehicle in-front brakes hard.
Drive-modes include Economy, Normal and Sport, allowing drivers to adjust the shift times of the transmission, but in most cases, it is just best to leave the car in Normal mode.
As for a car this high, you would experience some body roll when cornering, but the suspension does lose it a little when you hit any irregularities going round a bend. This car is no “ducky shincracker” over uneven roads. You will find that you will need additional steering input to get the car corrected. All of which is manageable with Kia’s Vehicle Stability Management, keeping things in check.
Apart from automated headlamps, the Sportage comes with daytime running lights, adding to greater visibility on the roads. Other safety features include hill decent control, which helps brake the car when going down steep slopes. Try rolling the car down a HDB carpark ramp, without hitting the brakes, and you will be able to see the system kick in, braking the Sportage hard, keeping it under control.
Why would this be a worthy car for the family? For the price that you are paying, there are a few options which are of similar value. Where the Sportage shines is really in the versatility and size of its cargo space, the styling makes it a head turner and the ride quality for all occupants extremely comfortable.
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