Any opinions on the Kia Sportage?

[TTwiggy]

I'm thinking about leasing something cheapish practical and cheap to run as a 'daily' car (I put daily in quotes, as I don't really drive on a daily basis) and maybe having a 'fun' car in the garage (thinking Caterham, 996 or Elise, but that's a different thread).

The idea of a crossover type vehicle appeals, but I'd want proper four wheel drive as I don't see the point otherwise. I've seen a lease deal on the KX2 2.0d model, which is quite well specced. Comes in around £240 per month (that's a personal lease, as I am PAYE).

Just wondering if anyone has any strong thoughts on the car one way or another?

[AshVX220]

I used one to tow a caravan to the GP at Silverstone this year. It belonged to my mate (along with the van). So OK, I only drove it to Silverstone and back, but I was very impressed and wouldn't mind one to replace the A3 at some point to be honest. I really liked it.

[TTwiggy]

AshVX220 said:

I used one to tow a caravan to the GP at Silverstone this year. It belonged to my mate (along with the van). So OK, I only drove it to Silverstone and back, but I was very impressed and wouldn't mind one to replace the A3 at some point to be honest. I really liked it.

Cheers - do you know what model it was?

[AshVX220]

TTwiggy said:

Cheers - do you know what model it was?

I don't to be honest, but it had all the bells and whistles, reversing camera, full leather etc.

[TTwiggy]

AshVX220 said:

TTwiggy said:

Cheers - do you know what model it was?

I don't to be honest, but it had all the bells and whistles, reversing camera, full leather etc.

Ah, probably the KX3 or 4.

It's a bit of a jump price wise to those, but the 2 is quite well equipped.

[Shaoxter]

I rented one in Iceland - was actually very impressed. Not much power to speak of but everything felt well made, drove well on gravel and generally seemed a good practical car.

It was a 2011 model I think - have no idea which one though...

[greggy50]

Had one has a hire car complete bottom of the range with a small diesel engine 1.7 I believe.

Drove okay to be honest rolled around a bit and was quite slow but seemed very well made and the engine was very refined for a diesel also was very good on fuel even though I was thrashing it. For a base specification car it seemed okay had bluetooth and phone could play music through stereo electric mirrors, windows etc...

If had a bit more power (they do a better 1.7) would be a decent car mine was an SX1 SX2 with the more powerful 1.7 diesel would be the pick of the range.

If you need a big car with some ground clearance think they are great cars for the money and come with a 5yr warranty as well.

[greggy50]

Also had a huyundai IX35 as a hire car and personally I preferred the KIA as was a bit bigger and seemed to drive nicer as well

IX40 Estate was a cracking car though

(I get a lot of hire cars from work...)

[TTwiggy]

greggy50 said:

Had one has a hire car complete bottom of the range with a small diesel engine 1.7 I believe.

Drove okay to be honest rolled around a bit and was quite slow but seemed very well made and the engine was very refined for a diesel also was very good on fuel even though I was thrashing it. For a base specification car it seemed okay had bluetooth and phone could play music through stereo electric mirrors, windows etc...

If had a bit more power (they do a better 1.7) would be a decent car mine was an SX1 SX2 with the more powerful 1.7 diesel would be the pick of the range.

If you need a big car with some ground clearance think they are great cars for the money and come with a 5yr warranty as well.

Cheers, very useful. I'm looking at the 2.0 diesel which, while it's going to be a bit of shock coming from a V8 audi, should have a bit of punch. I'm probably going for the KX2 model, as it seems to hit the right level between spec and price. By the time you're into the 3 or 4 models, then entry-level Evoques are not much more!

[TTwiggy]

Shaoxter said:

I rented one in Iceland - was actually very impressed. Not much power to speak of but everything felt well made, drove well on gravel and generally seemed a good practical car.

It was a 2011 model I think - have no idea which one though...

Many thanks. I might be in Iceland this winter, so perhaps I'll make sure to hire one!

[greggy50]

TTwiggy said:

Cheers, very useful. I'm looking at the 2.0 diesel which, while it's going to be a bit of shock coming from a V8 audi, should have a bit of punch. I'm probably going for the KX2 model, as it seems to hit the right level between spec and price. By the time you're into the 3 or 4 models, then entry-level Evoques are not much more!

Yeah think one I had was around 110hp okay around town as lower gears were quite short but struggled on the motorway to pull from 70+ mph I think the 2.0 would be more than sufficient.

Just looked at prices and as you say they soon shoot up to £25k range think they are better cars for that money sensible spec one for around £20k though think they are a good buy and also to my eyes they are quite a good looking car as well certainly distinctive from the front.

[Lost soul]

My Mother in Law has one , my sister in law has one , and now Mrs Lost has just purchased one , they are ok cars have a bullet proof warranty

I even quite like the look of them and its not a bad ride even though I have only been a passenger as I am not allowed to drive it yet and there seem to be many many appearing on our roads

[DUMBO100]

My local private hire taxi firm has a small fleet of Sportages. They seem well spec'd and comfortable

[TTwiggy]

I've actually just seen a better lease deal on a higher spec model (KX3 with sat nav). It's only a bit more for the KX4, but the only advantage there is a bit more power and therefore a (just) sub 10sec sprint to 60. As they are all going to be slow after an S4 I don't really think there's much point in the higher cost and higher insurance though.

hmmmmm - what to do!

[Ozzie Osmond]

Sportage = bargain on wheels.

.... or you could spend nearly twice as much and get an Evoque.

[TTwiggy]

Ozzie Osmond said:

Sportage = bargain on wheels.

.... or you could spend nearly twice as much and get an Evoque.

But then I'd be the envy of all my friends...

[jock mcsporran]

I had an ix35 on extended test drive for the missus. If the seats in the Sportage are the same then try before you buy. I found them too soft (even after adjustment) and my back was sore after an hour. By contrast, I'll quite happily cover 800 miles in a day in the C-Max or Exige without any soreness.

[knitware]

I owned one for a year, KX3 2.0 nav.

Good;

-The four wheel drive is good and works in snow
-The car looks nice
-Comfortable on short runs
-Felt quicker than the published numbers
-Reliable
-ergonomics are ok, apart from the passenger seat


Fair to bad;

-The average mpg was around 30, quite thirsty
-The driver’s seat gave me a numb bum if doing any distance > 1 hr
-The leather isn’t leather
-The driver’s seat was height adjustable, the passenger’s isn’t so my knees rested on the angled glovebox, also sat high up
-The plastics are hard
-The drive is noisy
-The A pillar reduces visibility
-The sat nav is poor, no full post code and no traffic
-steering wheel is a horrid plastic thing


Synopsis,
There are a lot of cars for the same money that do things a lot better more comfortably. I don’t think I’ll buy an ‘elevated’ 4x4 again, I only put up with it for a year.