MOTORS PROS ‘N’ CONS
Stylish √ Lots of kit √ 4x4 safety √ Towing ability √ Cabin plastics X
FAST FACTS
Max speed: 120 mph 0-60 mph: 9.4 secs Combined mpg: 46.3 Engine: 1995 cc 16 valve 4 cylinder turbo diesel Max. power (bhp): 181 at 4000 rpm Max. torque (lb/ft): 282 at 1800-2500 rpm Max. towing weight (braked) 2000 kg CO2: 158 g/km Price: £27,195 on the road
enhance cornering stability or if road conditions deteriorate. For off-road driving, you can manually select lock mode, which gives a 50:50 torque split at speeds of up to 25mph.
privacy glass, seven-inch touchscreen satellite navigation system and Xenon lights. Oh yes, and if you have a passion for cranking up the volume, it has a seven- speaker stereo with external amplifier and subwoofer.
Te ‘KX-4’ does the 0-60mph sprint in 9.4 seconds and, when fitted with the six-speed manual transmission as my test car was, top speed is 120mph. Not blindingly quick ± but not bad for a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).
Unlike the other Sportage trim versions ± ‘1’, ‘2’, ‘3’ and ‘3 Sat Nav’ ± which are also
on offer with two wheel drive, the ‘KX-4’ is only available in All-Wheel Drive (AWD). Te clever Kia monitors driving conditions and anticipates when AWD will be needed, ensuring you are always in the right drive mode for the right circumstances.
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Te AWD system normally delivers 100 per cent of engine torque to the front wheels. But this can be redistributed up to a maximum of 60:40 front-to-rear to
Te ‘KX-4’ always feels secure on the
black stuff and just as competent in the rough or in icy conditions.
Te ‘KX-4’ always feels secure on the black stuff and just as competent in the rough or in icy conditions. If you use the Sportage for commuting, you’ll also be pleased ± mo torway miles are hoovered up with ease. Some of the cabin plastics are a bit tacky, but all instruments are visible and the switchgear is rationally placed ± u nlike some far more costly SUVs.
Te tailgate is also nice and wide for easy loading and the Sportage will seat five adults in the cabin. Additionally, the
maximum towing weight (braked) is 2000 kg, so if you’re into caravanning or you move in equine circles and need to haul a horsebox, it’ll serve as a decent enough load-lugger.
Bells Motor Group, Tel: 01604 621363
www.bellsmotorgroup.co.uk
www.r-magazine.co.uk 95
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