First Drive The Revised 2008 Kia Sportage

05-01-2008 17:30

FemaleFirst Road Tests The All New KIA Sportage

The Kia Sportage, a firm favourite SUV here in the UK, has undergone a new look for 2008 both inside and out, as well as the option of two wheel drive, an automatic diesel variant, better driving characteristics and a massive seven year or 100,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty.

The range has been expanded to 10 models mated to three trims, XE, XS and TITAN - great name - all with the high level of specification you now come to expect from Kia but with the added benefit of very liberal price tags. Entry model, the XE on a 2 litre engine and two wheel drive starts at just £13,995 while top of the range TITAN on the 2.7 litre V6 auto four wheel drive will set you back £19,995. Costs will be further slashed by this amazing warranty, outstanding fuel economy and low CO2 emissions meaning lower VED duty. The cleaner 2.0 litre turbo diesel is available on all the trims in either 2WD on a four speed automatic gearbox or 4WD mated to a six speed manual gearbox with the former producing a healthy 35.3 mpg on a combined cycle, accelerates to 62mph in 15.1 seconds, top speed of 108mph and CO2 down at 215g/km. The latter is even more impressive despite its extra weight and achieves 39.8pmg on a combined cycle, reaches 62 mph in 12 seconds, has a top speed of 110 mph and CO2 emissions are just 187g/km. The 2.0 litre petrol engine is mated to the five speed manual gearbox on either the XE or XS trims and obviously achieves less mpg than the diesel as does the 2.7 litre V6 petrol only on the TITAN trim, 4WD and automatic gearbox but still pretty impressive covering 28.2 mpg on a combined cycle.

New additions to the exterior looks of the 2008 Sportage include body coloured bumpers, larger door mirrors to comply with the latest EU legislations, a revised front grille, black bezel headlights and new design to the 16 inch alloy wheel on the XE and X

New additions to the exterior looks of the 2008 Sportage include body coloured bumpers, larger door mirrors to comply with the latest EU legislations, a revised front grille, black bezel headlights and new design to the 16 inch alloy wheel on the XE and XS version.

Inside the front seat cushions are longer and wider providing better comfort with the height adjustable drivers seat incorporating built in lumber. The 60:40 split rear seats are mounted lower to give the passengers more comfort and wind noise in the cabin has been reduced meaning those arguments from the children can be heard with more clarity. Thankfully all models come with a lovely CD audio with MP3 player as well as air conditioning, all round eclectic windows, electrically adjustable door mirrors, leather wrapped gearlever and steering wheel plus a central armrest with a secret storage box. The XS adds on full climate control, cruise control, black leather upholstery, heated door mirrors, the useful wiper de-icer and luggage nets with hooks to secure the shopping. TITAN is privy to 17 inch wheels that really make a difference in terms of presence hence the name probably, privacy glass, heated front seats, an electric sunroof and an under floor cargo storage tray.

Drive wise, the Sportage now boasts newly tuned power steering to improve the response and makes mincemeat out of those parking bays despite its dimensions, with a turning cycle of just 10.8 metres and the suspension has been revised giving a better ride and handling performance. The front brakes have increased from 15 to 16 inches and all models are equipped with ABS and Electronic Brake Force Distribution while the TITAN goes on to have ESP. Protecting the occupants is driver and passenger airbags, plus side and curtain airbags while securing the Sportage is an alarm.

I am a great fan of the Sportage having experienced its amazing attributes last year in Morocco tearing around the Sahara desert and off roading through the Atlas Mountains. These changes may not appear to be much but they do make a difference especially the handling of the Sportage in particular the automatic diesel that sees a real improvement.

But what I love most about the Sportage is its versatility with the innovative one touch Fold and Dive rear seats whereby, if you need more luggage space, the cushion moves forward and down into the rear footwell area at a touch of a button allowing the back rest to go flat and flush with the boot floor, so all that par larva of having to take of the headrests off is eliminated, as is the tugging of straps etc.