There is no question that the new Kia Sportage stands out,
those boomerang LEDs are a statement, and they frame a front end style
that isn't a step forward - it's a world record long jump
and it's as confident as it is adventurous.
And also, it works.
In fact, the Sportage now works from every angle.
You know, I say long jump,
but this Sportage is really like jumping into a whole other universe.
There is really nothing that reminds you or references the last model Sportage.
It's not altogether a bad thing, even the Kia logo has changed.
But I tell you what if this new Sportage can match the previous model
for quality and value, then Kia are on to a winner.
The rear is especially sharp, literally.
Not a crease, it's a starched collar,
and inside is a boot that's nearly 100 liters bigger than before.
543 and you fold down those seats, they go flat
by the way too - 1849 liters.
And that bigger thing is important because as well as looking different.
the new Sportage is bigger in well, pretty much every single direction.
It's no longer a compact medium SUV.
It is now a full bore, medium sized SUV,
leaving the Seltos and Stonic to look after the smaller segments.
I was really keen to drive this new Sportage.
The only problem was there's only one right now at Giltrap Kia - this one,
and you've probably noticed by the sign writing it is the demonstrator.
So technically, this is a test drive on a couple of levels.
For all the gadgets and spec the thing that stands out most for me
right now is the refinement, the ride quality.
This thing is comfortable and quiet.
I'm doing 100kms an hour right now on the motorway -
and we're not in the top spec model.
This is the $34,990 LX. (pricing correct at time of publication - subject to change)
This is the entry level Sportage, that is truly impressive.
Now, I could've actually just spent ten minutes
reading out the the brochure for the Sportage, the range is enormous.
There's six speed automatic, seven speed dual clutch.
There's three engines, this two liter.
There's also the 1.6 liter turbo and the two liter diesel.
The range starts this $34,990 - I've talked about the LX - goes right (pricing correct at time of publication - subject to change)
up to the full spec diesel, which is $61,990, its an incredible range. (pricing correct at time of publication - subject to change)
This car is grown up in every single sense.
Along with all those engines and transmissions, there's also
the option of two and four wheel drive with a very cool terrain mode.
And of course, as you go up the model range, there's an option
of a 24 inch widescreen dash and infotainment.
Now, one point worth noting about the Sportage is safety
comes as standard no matter which model you opt for, and we're talking the lane
keep assist, driver attention warning,
blind spot warning - everything to stop you crashing
comes with this car, including trailer stability assist - now
while I'm talking about that, 1650 kilos
is the tow rating of the new Sportage.
You know, I reckon
Kia are
pretty sure of all the safety features because part of the warranty for this car,
the 5 year 100,000km warranty, as well as roadside assist,
they also have an incident assist that'll help you out if you have a crash.
But I reckon I've done the sums - I reckon they reckon this car will work
pretty darn hard to stop you from having a crash.
But I'll tell you something else, whenI looked at the model line up
and you get excited about the leather seats, the big widescreen display
and the Harman Kardon audio in the higher models up.
But the more time you spend in this LX, you think
it's all good.
Stereos not as thumping, but the car sounds great.
You know, there
may have been a time when the peace of mind offered by
that sort of warranty was a key reason for buying a Kia.
And don't get me wrong, peace of mind is important, but so is good
value and quality, and you don't have to worry, they're still very much at play.
But this new Sportage has a whole other appeal,
like the new Sorento and that's Kia design,
you see, the medium SUV segment is a war zone,
some of New Zealand's best selling cars are in this segment.
But after spending time with this car and taking in the way it looks,
the way it goes, I reckon it has both the substance and the style
to stand out from that crowd.