2016 KIA Sportage Test Drive

The Kia Sportage was first introduced in 1993 and didn’t prove to be an immediate success due to low market share in its home country. However, later as the exterior design of the Sportage evolved, it quickly gained popularity among the SUV enthusiasts. In the UAE, as the sales of SUVs are high, the Kia Sportage enjoys a good market position. The good news is, the 4^th Generation Kia Sportage has been unveiled in the UAE and other international markets. In comparison to the outgoing model, the 2016 Kia Sportage is a completely revamped CUV boasting latest high-tech gadgets, striking interior and sporty exterior features. First time in the Sportage history, Kia has introduced the GT Line which is a more dynamic Sportage featuring a 1.6L turbo engine that yields 174hp and 265 Nm of torque. KIA really raised the eyebrows with this fourth generation model. I took the 2016 Kia Sportage GT Line for a spin lately and here’s what I found out:

Walk Around

As you can see in the video, there is no doubt that the Kia Sportage 2016 is delightfully designed with sharp curves around the edges along with a sophisticated tiger-nose front grille and headlamps separated this time sweeping back along the outer edges of the sharply-detailed bonnet. Towards the rear, it boasts more horizontal forms and visibly identified features lines, with smooth bodywork on the tailgate, highlighting the CUV’s width and offering the utility vehicle a more even look. The 5-spoke, 17 inch alloy wheels are standard, but you can also opt for 18 inch and 19 inch wheels.

Cockpit Impression

Though the exterior persona is more inclined towards sportiness, there is a whole different story as you step inside. The cabin is designed elegantly featuring a horizontal dashboard layout constructed ergonomically for convenience. The driver’s seat is ventilated, so you don’t have to worry about the hot summer days of the Emirates. Since the wheelbase is 30mm longer than the previous model, the cabin is more spacious and offers an increased legroom for the second row passengers. The boot space has also been increased to 491 litres, which is why I find it a perfect crossover to carry the luggage of my entire family. The front dash is fabricated with high quality plastic and feels opulent. The centre console has a 3.8 inch mono TFT LCD display with some amazing features which I will discuss later.

Engine Specification

The 2016 Kia Sportage is offered in 6 engine options in the UAE:

1. Supercharged 1.6L gasoline with 131hp and 163 Nm of torque
2. Turbocharged 1.6L gasoline with 174hp and 265 Nm of torque (the one we tested)
3. A 2.0 D-CVVT gasoline engine that generates 153 horsepower and 192 Nm of torque
4. A 2.4 D-CVVT gasoline engine that produces 182 horsepower and 235 Nm of torque
5. And finally, two diesel engines including 1.7L and 2.0L

Driving Dynamics

Same as any other luxury SUV, the 2016 Sportage comes with smarty entry and push button start/stop system. The variant I tested was GT Line boasting 1.6L turbo engine mated to a 6 speed automatic transmission system. The performance was pretty smooth and comfortable with no unnecessary vibrations or jerks. The handling was also responsive; thanks to the flex steer steering assistance system which can be adjusted according to the surrounding traffic or road situation. For example, driving it on the highway, I set it to sport mode, whilst being stuck in the traffic I switched to comfort mode. After a drive in the city, I took it for a spin on the rocky landscapes outside Dubai, and to my surprise the performance on the rough terrain was also phenomenal. The independent suspensions along with the AWD lock mode work in sync to distribute the torque among the four wheels and offer an impressive drive on low traction surfaces.

Technological Overview

As mentioned earlier, the centre console is equipped with a 3.8 inch LCD display featuring a built-in navigation system and a 160 watt six-speaker audio system. The infotainment system can be upgraded to 8.0-inch touchscreen, while music lovers can opt for a powerful 320 watt JBL® Sound system. My iPod was connected to the sound system throughout the test drive as it extends an AUX and phone connectivity. The steering wheel offers mounted audio controls and Bluetooth hands-free calling system, so you don’t have to take your hands off the wheel while making a call. First time in the C-SUV segment, Kia brings wireless charging, which is quite exceptional.

Safety

The 4^th generation Kia Sportage boasts some finest safety facilities to ensure the securest driving experience, some of which include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Hill Assist Control, Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), High Beam Assist (HBA), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Rear Parking Assist system, backup camera display and 6 air bags along with rollover sensor. With these safety technologies, the 4^th generation Sportage has achieved a maximum possible five-star safety rating in the Euro NCAP crash performance tests.

Price

The base trim of 2016 Kia Sportage starts at around AED 63,000, while the top grade goes up to AED 103,000.

Verdict

In comparison to the other SUVs in the UAE, the 2016 Kia Sportage is very affordable and offers a stunning driving experience competing strongly against the likes of Volkswagen Tiguan, Toyota RAV4 and Honda CRV. It is definitely a worth buying Compact Utility Vehicle (CUV) for families. https://youtu.be/h6tppd7dYtA