Monday 29.09.16 – in my hands are the keys to one of the newest compact SUV’s to arrive on New Zealand’s shores: Kia’s 2016 Sportage.
In jet black, the Sportage stands staunch in front of an Auckland industrial background.
Alike to the Porsche Cayenne at the front, you’ll know exactly whats following you in traffic.
One prominent change from it’s predecessor is a 30mm longer wheelbase. This makes for a more accommodating interior and in addition to sitting high in the Sportage, you as a driver feel a lot more road presence.
The latest Sportage comes in four specifications, allowing you room to tailor the vehicle to your particular specificities.
You can expect all models to be equipped with impressive alloy wheels, air conditioning, electric windows and a bluetooth hands-free phone connection. It’s clear Kia has your basics covered whichever model you decide to drive away.
If premium finishings is more your thing, upgrading to the second specification will give you larger wheels, in-built satnav, a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, automatic lights and wipers, and lane keeping assist. A big jump up from the standard model and a jump worth considering if you ask me.
Bump the price tag up a little bit more and your alloy wheels grow again and the seats become heated and leather.
Splash out with Kia’s top specification and added are front parking sensors, refined headlights, electric seats and their extensive range of active safety systems.
We suggest turning your attention to specifications 2 or 3.
Around town you’ll cruise comfortably. Point your Sportage out of the city however and it really starts to show-off it’s versatility.
With easy handling and soft suspension the Sportage makes for a relatively flush ride. It’s not an overly exciting drive but most users will cruise up High Street rather than tackle muddy ruts.
Kia’s touchscreen is refreshingly responsive and actually feels like some amount of thought was put into it; there’s no sense of a last minute decision here.
Although the interior feels solid, the design carries an outdated feel to it. Maybe it’s the chunky dials that take away from the interiors modern aspects.
Debatably the most important thing to mention is that the Sportage scored an impressive 5/5 in the NCAPS’s crash test. We put this down to the six airbags and electronic stability control that comes fitted in all models.
The 2016 Sportage is definitely a head turner to say the least.
Kia have really stepped their game up this year which will undoubtedly result in seeing more of these on the road to come.
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