Whatshot
Spritely KIA Sportage
Spritely KIA Sportage
Date: 2018-05-04
Driving the new automatic Kia Sportage, one of seven new or enhanced model derivatives added to the range of Kia Sportage models available to you.
It has always been the sheer smoothness of everything in the Kia that I test drive. The slick unresisting way that the safety belt slips out of its feeder. The slick engagement of the gear selector and toggle switches, everything right down to the door handle operates with ease.
Driving the new automatic it seemed a little confused between the speeds of 80 and 110 and required the tiniest prod to slip into the next gear. That said the Sportage was sublime. The interior of the model I drove was classic black with black leather and everything I could wish for was provided.
Driving the Sportage was as smooth and responsive as one could expect and the compact SUV size lifted me up out of the impact zone but allowed for ease of use without being a huge and cumbersome SUV.
The whole model range has been given a high level of equipment including LED daytime running lights, automatic headlight control, rear park distance control, Bluetooth connectivity, and steering wheel-mounted remote controls, just for starters.
A selection of engines is available in the Sportage range, petrol or diesel, with all wheel drive derivatives as well.