The Vehicles Earth

Over the last few years Kia has emerged from the ranks of the also-rans to become a manufacturer of great looking cars underpinned by sophisticated technology and backed by that famous seven-year warranty. Tempting designer Peter Schreyer to move across from VW in 2006 was a masterstroke, and the third-generation Sportage is a great example of how his pull-no-punches approach lifted something from embarrassingly dull to pretty striking.

As luck would have it, a Sportage being shortlisted for the CAR long-term fleet coincided with my occasional need to tow a classic rally car around. I had my doubts as the Sportage is regarded as a ‘crossover’ rather than a full-on trailer-hauling SUV, and at first I reckoned it was probably all mouth and no trousers. Hopefully I’m wrong about that, as the four-wheel drive and manual 'box-equipped KX-2 2.0 CRDi can pull two tonnes, as much as a Land Rover Freelander, so despite the pretty face it should fit the bill. The fact that it’s a crossover and should be more car-like to drive, as well as look at, might also help with the sizeable culture shock I’m about to confront – my daily driver for the last two years has been a Porsche Cayman S.

Kia makes the job of speccing cars easy. Instead of the usual daunting options list, each model ‘is what it is’ to make the ordering process simpler. The KX-2 CRDi comes with a six-speed manual ‘box and costs £23,025. For that you get a basic audio system with iPod interface and Bluetooth phone connectivity with voice control, a multi-function steering wheel, cruise control, part-leather trim, basic air-con, an electric one-touch panoramic sunroof and reversing sensors.

The 2.0 CRDi makes 134bhp and 236lb ft torque, less than the 150bhp and 309lb ft of the lowest spec Freelander 2 TD4 engine but on the plus side, the combined consumption figure is slightly better at 49.6mpg (compared to 45.6mpg). The 17-inch alloy wheels may not be the most fashionable but bode well for the ride quality, while on the down side the headlights on the ‘2’ level cars are halogen and not xenon.

Despite the ‘one size fits all’ approach, there are a couple of extras on our Sportage. The ‘Byte’ blue metallic paint we’ve chosen costs £475 and the crucial tow bar is £386.99, making a grand total of £23,886.99. Overall, it’s an awful lot of car for the money, especially when you consider that seven-year warranty is good for 100,000 miles and transferable to subsequent owners.

Given the plentiful supply of quick cars on the fleet I thought I might skulk off quietly to enjoy the Sportage for the duration but I think I’ve been sussed. Appreciative noises are already leaking from the CAR offices and I’ve a feeling the keys might be nicked sooner rather than later.

By Jesse Crosse