New Sportage is a big car for Kia and it successfully hits the spot, says John Challen

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It’s fair to say that Kia surprised a lot of people with the EV6. In terms of the driving experience, interior quality and equipment levels, it was a big step forward for the Korean manufacturer. Essentially, as fleets look to make the move to electric cars, Kia was dangling a very tempting carrot with EV6.

However, we’re not there yet and petrol and diesel cars are still in high demand, especially in the ever-increasing C-SUV sector. For Kia, that means the Sportage, the company’s best-seller (more than 16,000 fleet sales alone last year). Therefore, the new version carries a certain amount of expectation, regardless of how much people loved EV6.

One thing that strikes you about Sportage is how many elements from the BEV have shifted across. The infotainment and instrument screens, multi-mode control panel and the blind spot cameras have a welcoming familiarity.

Outside, there’s a bold new look, with more chrome elements as well as LED lighting. Wheel sizes range from 17-inch to 19-inch across the Sportage model range. Colour-wise, the former offers 13 different options, four new and two bespoke to Sportage. Drivers of the range-topping GT-line S can choose a black roof, and 19 colour combinations are available.

The fifth-generation Sportage is a car created for the European market and, therefore, developed in the region. It’s built on Kia’s new N3 architecture, which features optimised wheelbase dimensions and proportions for the Continent’s roads. Beyond improving the driving experience, this new platform was also designed to add to the ownership experience. That means there’s improved luggage capacity and more head and leg room for all passengers, compared with the outgoing car.

Powertrain options for new Sportage cover standard petrol and diesels and, for the first time in Sportage, hybridised models. There’s plug-in-, mild- and standard hybrid petrol variants and a mild-hybrid diesel. Each use a 1.6-litre engine, with the petrol power outputs ranging from 148hp and 250Nm (standard and MHEV) to 261hp and 350Nm (PHEV). The diesel powertrains put out 114hp and 280Nm (standard) and 134hp and 320Nm (MHEV). Depending on the model, the CO2 emissions range from 31g/km to 154g/km on the WLTP cycle.

We sampled the petrol hybrid version – a model that is expected to be a popular choice in the UK. It’s a hybrid system that works effectively and efficiently, mated to an engine that is smooth, capable and a seamless transition between engine and hybrid powertrain. The 1.6-litre T-GDi unit works with a 59hp permanent magnet electric motor and 1.49kW Li-ion battery to give a total power output of 227hp and 350Nm.

New Sportage is a step in the right direction for Kia and the addition of alternative-fuelled versions are likely to further boost the car’s appeal. The emphasis on tailoring the car specifically for European tastes, roads and requirements will also gain Kia a lot of fans, too.

In Brief

What is it? C-SUV
How much? from £26,745
Economy? 44.1mpg
Emissions? 146g/km

Key fleet model ‘GT-Line S’ HEV AWD

• Infotainment system; options list
• High price at the top end

7-word summary: Hybrid options will help the best-selling Kia
Also consider: Nissan Qashqai / Toyota RAV4 / Volkswagen Tiguan