2022 Kia Sportage evaluate: the total bundle

When the primary technology was launched in 1995, there have been only a few household SUVs on sale and only a few individuals had been shopping for automobiles from a bizarre little Korea model.

Now, the saloons and hatchbacks have been changed by jacked-up soft-roaders and Kia is flying excessive – changing into the UK’s best-selling model within the first quarter of 2022.

On the coronary heart of that success is the Sportage. Kia bought fewer than 11,000 examples of the primary technology automobile throughout its eight-year life. Within the 5 years the fourth-gen automobile was on sale, it shifted virtually 200,000 items within the UK and it’s the model’s best-selling mannequin throughout the UK and Europe.

Now, with the launch of the fifth technology – this time designed and constructed particularly for the UK and Europe – Kia is set to take care of its place on the prime desk of mainstream manufacturers. Which means persevering with to tackle and beat the likes of the Nissan Qashqai, Ford Kuga, Volkswagen Tiguan, Seat Ateca and Peugeot 3008.

To make sure it appeals to as huge an viewers as doable, the Sportage comes with a number of various engine choices, with common petrol, and gentle, full and plug-in hybrid variants, and a variety of specs. Between the totally different trim grades and engine choices there are a complete of 16 variants to select from, ranging in value from £27,250 to £44,550.

The 1.6-litre petrol engine works with a 44.2kW electrical motor to supply a complete of 226bhp. All hybrids use an six-speed computerized transmission, in our automobile sending the facility to the entrance wheels. It’s a remarkably punchy setup that makes the many of the a number of drive modes. The EV motor gives prompt and substantial response and can carry you simply as much as and past city pace limits easily and silently. Press more durable on the throttle and there’s a faint however detectable grumble because the engine makes its contribution however extra apparent is the extra surge in acceleration.

As with all “self-charging” hybrids, the Sportage with its 1.5kWh battery received’t do lengthy distances below electrical energy however dips imperceptibly between EV/petrol and hybrid energy provide relying on the driving situations to supply as much as 48.7mpg.

If you would like a bit extra all-electric drive, the plug-in hybrid brings a 13.8 kWh battery, which needs to be good for as much as 43 miles of EV motoring at a time.

Earlier generations of Sportage had been no match for the best-handling rivals and whereas this fifth-generation automobile remains to be outperformed in these stakes by rivals from Ford and Mazda, it’s a large step ahead. It’s extra composed and secure however, vitally, not on the expense of journey high quality, which is now among the many greatest in its class.

It’s the same story elsewhere. The styling is daring and crowd pleasing, from the large grille and boomerang lights to the full-width gentle bar and the inside is a match for many rivals. The Nissan Qashqai and Honda CR-V provide higher legroom for rear passengers however in any other case the Sportage’s clear, high-quality cabin is spectacular. Supplies have seen a major improve because the final technology and are simply a match for its key rivals. The dashboard options twin 12.3-inch screens for media and devices however retains bodily controls for heating and different key capabilities. Different sensible touches embody a 15W wi-fi charging pad, USB sockets within the seatbacks and a 40:20:40 folding rear seat.

Throughout the vary, the Sportage is effectively geared up for the cash and in top-specification GT-Line S it brings nearly the whole lot you can ask from – from heated leather-based seats entrance and rear to tri-zone local weather management, a premium Harman Kadron sound system and powered tailgate. There’s additionally a panoramic sunroof, sensible adaptive cruise management and a full suite of the newest driver aids from freeway help and multi-collision braking to distant parking help. What’s significantly spectacular is that it gives all this whereas nonetheless undercutting equal rivals such because the Kuga and Qashqai.

Such worth is spectacular in itself however coupled with the Sportage’s spectacular hybrid drivetrain, sturdy driving traits, hanging styling and high-quality end, it makes it presumably the perfect automobile in its class.

Kia Sportage HEV GT-Line S

Value: £34,900; Engine: 1.6-litre, four-cylinder, turbo, petrol, 44.2kW electrical motor; Energy: 226bhp; Torque: 258lb ft; Transmission: Six-speed computerized; Prime pace: 120mph; 0-62mph: 7.7 seconds; Financial system: 48.7mpg; CO2 emissions: 132g/km