The Sportage has been an SUV favourite for some time but the latest model adds to the driving fun. With production moved from Korea to Europe, to reduce shipping times and delivery levels of CO2, the Sportage has been given a Euro ‘make-over’ to improve driving dynamics. With the new range expanded to 10 models, with the addition of two wheel drive versions, Kia expects to sell around 6,000 units a year in the UK. The introduction of the front wheel drive only versions is Kia’s answer to customers buying patterns and tastes. The front-wheel-drive model has better fuel economy and CO2 emissions figures than its comparable four-wheel-drive counterpart. A diesel automatic transmission is also being offered for the first time as standard on two-wheel-drive diesel versions of the Sportage.Kia is not afraid to make change where it is merited. For the 2008 model year, the Sportage gains body-colour bumpers as standard, larger door mirrors to comply with new EU regulations, a revised front grille, black-bezel headlamps and new designs of 16-inch alloy wheels (XE and XS versions). In isolation they may appear to be small changes, but they add an extra veneer of class to a car that continues to appeal because of its genuine 4x4 styling. With a choice of three engines – a 2.7 litre V6, a 2 litre petrol and a 138bhp 2 litre diesel, it’s the last of these that’s likely to be the default choice. The front-wheel-drive-only diesel Sportage is only available with a four-speed automatic transmission.
Ergonomically, the Sportage pays great attention to detail. Major and minor controls are placed exactly where the driver needs them, with the digital clock, CD audio system with MP3 player and air conditioning controls stacked neatly in the centre fascia. The steering column has tilt adjustment and the driver's seat is multi-adjustable, allowing owners of different build to find a perfect driving position. Five adults can travel in reasonable comfort, and Kia also claims to have reduced noise levels with better sunroof seals and clever sculpting of the wing mirrors. The 60/40 folding rear seats are rather cunning. When they’re lowered, the seat squabs slide forward and down into the footwall so the seatbacks can fold flush with the floor. Another nice touch is the separately opening rear window, which allows you to chuck small items into the boot without having to open the tailgate. The current Sportage has regularly been one of the UK's seven best-selling SUVs. With the addition of two-wheel-drive models and the introduction of diesel automatics, Kia is confident of increasing annual sales from an average of 4400 to 6000-plus in 2008.
