2005 Kia Sportage
Kia Sportage was what the purists call a ‘real’ 4WD when launched here way back in1996. That’s because it had a ladder frame chassis and dual-range 4WD system making it suitable for genuine off-road operations.
Many 4WDs became increasingly softer so were retagged as being SUVs, and later crossovers. Kia was quick to follow the trend and from April 2005 the Sportage has a car-type monocoque body. However, there’s a fair bit of strengthening under the floor so it can handle hard dirt road running. Ground clearance is about midway between that of a ‘real’ 4WD and a passenger staton wagon.
Further realising that many buyers simply wanted an attractive wagon and weren’t into off roading, in September 2007, a 2WD variant joined the Kia Sportage range. It had a four-cylinder engine as it weighed less than the all-wheel-drive V6 model.
From the new-gen 2005 onwards Sportage is much better in the back back seats and there’s room for tall adults.
2011 Kia Sportage
Until August 2010 Sportages had been on the conservative side in their looks, then a a bold European inspired body and interior were introduced. Power comes from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol in the lower cost variants and 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol in the topline models. A 2.0-litre turbo-diesel is offered in all. The smaller petrol engine is sold only in the front-drive model, the others power all four wheels.
Australian suspension engineers worked alongside Kia’s folks to give the sort of feel our drivers like. It may be a little on the firm side for some – but we like it.
A new Kia Sportage was introduced in January 2016, now in its fourth generation it has styling that’s even more striking thanks to a bold front end and distinctive D-pillars. The interiors had a more upmarket look and feel and Sportage really started to make waves in the sales charts.
Passenger room was increased, with headroom and legroom both improved. In the rear, the floor is 40 mm lower (without any loss of ground clearance). Combining that with a higher rear seat hip-point mean there’s significantly better comfort. A tester wrote, “A six-footer I can sit ‘behind’ myself with room to move. I also appreciated the good under-thigh support back there.”
2016 Kia Sportage
July 2018 saw the introduction of the MY19 Sportage. Again there were further improvements to the Aussie developed ride and handling packages. Ride comfort and cabin sound levels were moved it further upmarket both on and off road.
Here’s an interesting tip: Kia has sponsored the Australian Open tennis for many years and from time to time builds special editions to tie with the event. These may come with a history saying that such and such a player has ridden in one. Worth hunting down if you’re into tennis,
There is a reasonable number of Kia dealers in Australia, chiefly in metro areas, though there’s some country coverage as well.
Prices for spare parts and servicing are about average for this class, sometimes a fair bit cheaper than those for Japanese competitors.
You can do a fair bit of your own vehicle service and repair work as there is good underbonnet space. Please leave any safety related items to the professionals.
There aren’t any big variations in insurance premiums between companies. It’s still worth shopping around, just make sure you’re doing accurate comparisons.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Serious off-road use is unusual. If you find a Kia Sportage with damage to the door sills, bumper corners and underbody protection plates, it might be best to keep clear.
Scratches in the paint on the side panels is a sign it may have scraped through scrub.
Off-roaders can really get knocked around inside when people clamber in and out with dirty clothes, heavy-duty boots, fishing gear and the like. Check all areas, including, obviously, the cargo compartment.
Stereo systems gave problems at times in older models, try all the controls to make sure you can hear clearly now.
Make sure the engine starts easily, idles smoothly and has reasonable performance without any hesitation when accelerating.
The gearshift in manuals should be smooth and quiet and not crunch on fast downchanges. The 3-2 change is usually the first to suffer.
HOW MUCH?
Expect to pay from $3000 to $5000 for a 2005 Kia Sportage; $5000 to $8000 for a 2007 EX-L; $7000 to $11,000 for a 2010 SLi; $9000 to $14,000 for a 2010 Platinum or a 2012 SLi; $11,000 to $17,000 for a 2012 Platinum or a 2014 SLi; $14,000 to $20,000 for a 2014 Platinum; $16,000 to $23,000 for a 2015 Platinum; $20,000 to $28,000 for a 2016 GT-Line; and $27,000 to $36,000 for a 2018 GT-Line.
CAR BUYING TIP
Keep an eye open for the type of vehicles you’re looking for and jump quickly onto the phone when you spot one offered for the first time. The best don’t last long…
RECALLS: To browse recalls on all vehicles go to the ACCC at: www.productsafety.gov.au/products/transport/cars/
