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If you want a petrol engine in your Kia Sportage, you can get a 148bhp 1.6-litre T-GDi. A six-speed manual gearbox is available, but if mild-hybrid technology (MHEV) is desired, a seven-speed automatic transmission with a four-wheel drive is required (AWD). The Sportage strikes 62 mph from rest in 9.9 seconds with the manual gearbox, whereas the automatic with mild hybrid support cut a few tenths off that time. The acceleration of both models is more than adequate, but the automatic transmission requires a moment of thought before delivering a slug of acceleration.
A complete self-charging hybrid (HEV) with a 1.6-litre petrol engine linked to an electric motor delivers a combined 226bhp to the front wheels (four-wheel drive is available if you opt for top-spec GT-Line S). It's our favourite of the bunch, and the performance is satisfyingly snappy. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) has more power (261bhp), but its acceleration is similar to that of the HEV in everyday driving. However, you can travel further on electric power alone (43 miles, officially).
The interior of the Kia Sportage is smart and neat, with a well-organised control system and easily found. On entry-level 2 models, there are no full digital dials, but the 4.2-inch cluster is perfectly sufficient, clearly displaying information such as range, economy, and driving assistance. Models in the mid-spec 3 trim and higher have a larger 12.3in the digital instrument cluster with a variety of layouts to choose from depending on the information you want to see. The interactive visuals are seamless and clear, with a better contrast level. The screen is aligned with the central infotainment display, resulting in a long, curved housing that spans halfway across the dashboard.
From the Sportage driver's seat, you have good forward visibility. The big side mirrors aid rear vision, but the fairly slimmer rear screen with thick rear pillars can make judging the car's rear corners in a tight spot more difficult. So this is something to keep in mind for those who aren’t confident at reverse parking.
For front-seat passengers, the Kia Sportage has a spacious interior with plenty of elbow room. Leg and head rooms are also impressive, and while the panoramic sunroof that comes standard on 4 and GT-Line S trims reduces ceiling height slightly, anyone over 6ft tall will have enough space.
In comparison to most competitors, the Sportage has more back-seat space, with enough leg, head, and elbow room for two tall adults. There's also plenty of room to tuck your feet between the front seats, and on 3 models and up, the outer rear seats are heated. The panoramic roof, if installed, reduces headroom for all of those sitting in the back, with anyone taller than 6ft brushing up against the roof lining or having to lean towards the centre to get some clearance.
Pockets on the backs of the front seats are standard on all models, as are two coat hooks and a fold-down middle rear armrest with two cup holders. The rear doors are large enough to hold a drinks bottle, but they also open wide enough to create a large, almost square access area for loading kids into their baby seats.
The entry-level 1.6-litre petrol models with two-wheel drive and a manual gearbox have a boot space of 591 litres, which is more than the Nissan Qashqai and Karoq and only slightly less than an equivalent Hyundai Tucson. The HEV has 587 litres, the PHEV has 540, and the most powerful diesel has 526. (batteries taking up some underfloor capacity). All this being said, the Sportage should have no problem handling a full family's luggage allowance to the airport!
The Kia Sportage is an excellent all-around family SUV with plenty of space for four people and a large boot, as well as one of the best interiors in its class. If you stay to the lower trim levels, the Sportage still makes the most sense, but despite the Hyundai Tucson being a slightly cheaper route into a hybrid family SUV, we believe the Sportage is the slightly more refined option. If you're still unsure of which car to choose, why not read our Volvo XC60 review?
At MWVC, we provide a wide range of Kia Sportage car leasing offers to suit every driver's requirements for finding the ideal SUV for them or their business. We also have Kia Picanto leasing deals. So, whether you're looking to lease a car for business use or personal use, our knowledgeable sales team can assist you in finding the greatest price. Are you still confused if a car lease is the best option for you? One of our representatives will be pleased to assist you if you call 0116 490 4113.
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