by Tushal Bhadang
WHAT GOOD IS AN SUV THAT CAN’T GO anywhere its pointed towards? People have come to expect the moon in terms of performance from an SUV and to an extent their demands are justified followed by a very high price tag too. The Kia Sportage started life in 1995 as a not so large 4x4 option from Korea. With a puny powerpack under the hood, it was more of a kerb-climber than a hill-climber. Over the years, Kia has matured, in terms of overall quality, trims, features and with a host of new engines to plonk into brand new models.
It even looks good now, with flared wheel arches and creased bonnet lines for the metro-sexual look. Many of its models also feature high on the J D Power satisfaction ratings and the EuroNCAP safety ratings. The Sportage we had for the test belched out 175 ps @ 6000 RPM from a 2.7 litre V6 all-aluminium DOHC VIS (Variable intake system) powerplant. It’s the torque output that kept me firmly in the drivers seat, at 241 Nm @ 4000 RPM, managing to propel the heavy-weight (1696 kg) scampering into the horizon with a time of 11.3 seconds from 0 to 100kmph. The torque didn’t come in like ice cream scoop dollops but climbed up the graph in a smooth latte fashion (very likeable). Mated to a 4-speed shiftronic (H-matic) auto tranny, the gearshift was satisfyingly quick and let the engine have its way. Not many 4x4s do this, shift and kickdown lag too is acceptable.
Testing it off the tarmac at our favourite spot, the all-wheel independent suspension is
tuned to absorb all the rut, pits and rocks that are thrown at it. In 4x4 mode, when attacking a roughly 35 degree incline (though the brochure only states 28 degrees) and with ESP and TCS activated, it took the challenge with aplomb. As much as 50 per cent of the power is diverted to the rear wheels when the situation demands. It gripped well even on side slopes at 30 degree side angles even on soft sand. The 215/65R16 tyres are not very large but do the job well providing a good ground clearance of 195mm.
On the black, the Sportage’s road dynamics change significantly. The soft gas-charged suspension turns mushy and the car skitters when taking corners, road noise is acceptable but it tracks straight and true. The Koreans have always been nifty at providing near to perfect ergonomics. A lot of attention has been paid to make all the controls and switches within easy reach of the driver. Clever fold-in cargo hooks are provided in the front foot well and rear doors. A push button sun-roof for those sunny days is tinted for comfort. The steering column is adjustable for rake and reach and cruise control stalk is well placed. Single disc CD system with 6 speakers and excellent sound output. The rear loading bay is comfortably low, a cargo chute (in the form of glass panel) saves the hassle of opening the whole boot lid. A powerful aircon is efficient but loses performance when in 4x4 mode. The speedo console has an intelligent trip computer display for outside temperature, mileage, economy and other info. The Kia sports driver and passenger airbags, a stronger and stiffer body structure, all-wheel disc brake system with ABS, ESP and TCS. Which makes it one of the best in safety for its occupants.
Last word
Kia is the second largest Korean car manufacturer, they have learnt from their mistakes and are today at par with Japanese counterparts in many ways. As a package, the Kia Sportage will not disappoint, not all SUV drivers are boy racers and will hardly push the car to its limits. But it is reassuringly good and feels solid under everyday driving conditions. Yes, the soft suspension does tend to bottom out, the steering wheel lacks feedback but then we’re not nitpicking, its capable very capable. Sportage is also available in lower trims, a smaller 2 litre engine and also in 2 wheel drive version.
Rating 4/5
Car supplied by A.A. Bin Hindi, Kingdom of Bahrain.
It even looks good now, with flared wheel arches and creased bonnet lines for the metro-sexual look. Many of its models also feature high on the J D Power satisfaction ratings and the EuroNCAP safety ratings. The Sportage we had for the test belched out 175 ps @ 6000 RPM from a 2.7 litre V6 all-aluminium DOHC VIS (Variable intake system) powerplant. It’s the torque output that kept me firmly in the drivers seat, at 241 Nm @ 4000 RPM, managing to propel the heavy-weight (1696 kg) scampering into the horizon with a time of 11.3 seconds from 0 to 100kmph. The torque didn’t come in like ice cream scoop dollops but climbed up the graph in a smooth latte fashion (very likeable). Mated to a 4-speed shiftronic (H-matic) auto tranny, the gearshift was satisfyingly quick and let the engine have its way. Not many 4x4s do this, shift and kickdown lag too is acceptable.
Testing it off the tarmac at our favourite spot, the all-wheel independent suspension is
tuned to absorb all the rut, pits and rocks that are thrown at it. In 4x4 mode, when attacking a roughly 35 degree incline (though the brochure only states 28 degrees) and with ESP and TCS activated, it took the challenge with aplomb. As much as 50 per cent of the power is diverted to the rear wheels when the situation demands. It gripped well even on side slopes at 30 degree side angles even on soft sand. The 215/65R16 tyres are not very large but do the job well providing a good ground clearance of 195mm.
On the black, the Sportage’s road dynamics change significantly. The soft gas-charged suspension turns mushy and the car skitters when taking corners, road noise is acceptable but it tracks straight and true. The Koreans have always been nifty at providing near to perfect ergonomics. A lot of attention has been paid to make all the controls and switches within easy reach of the driver. Clever fold-in cargo hooks are provided in the front foot well and rear doors. A push button sun-roof for those sunny days is tinted for comfort. The steering column is adjustable for rake and reach and cruise control stalk is well placed. Single disc CD system with 6 speakers and excellent sound output. The rear loading bay is comfortably low, a cargo chute (in the form of glass panel) saves the hassle of opening the whole boot lid. A powerful aircon is efficient but loses performance when in 4x4 mode. The speedo console has an intelligent trip computer display for outside temperature, mileage, economy and other info. The Kia sports driver and passenger airbags, a stronger and stiffer body structure, all-wheel disc brake system with ABS, ESP and TCS. Which makes it one of the best in safety for its occupants.
Last word
Kia is the second largest Korean car manufacturer, they have learnt from their mistakes and are today at par with Japanese counterparts in many ways. As a package, the Kia Sportage will not disappoint, not all SUV drivers are boy racers and will hardly push the car to its limits. But it is reassuringly good and feels solid under everyday driving conditions. Yes, the soft suspension does tend to bottom out, the steering wheel lacks feedback but then we’re not nitpicking, its capable very capable. Sportage is also available in lower trims, a smaller 2 litre engine and also in 2 wheel drive version.
Rating 4/5
Car supplied by A.A. Bin Hindi, Kingdom of Bahrain.
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