2017 Kia Sportage GT-line: owner review

NOTE: Drive editorial photos used as none provided by the owner.

The Sportage has very good performance and economy with the diesel engine. The ride can be harsh at low speed, even with the 17-inch wheels opted and willingly exchanged by the dealer, but steering and handling are excellent for this type of vehicle. The seats are very comfortable, especially with the heating/cooling function, and with grey trim the cabin feels quite airy. The sunroof, which improves that airy feeling, can intrude slightly on headspace if the driver is over 1.8 metres. The steering wheel is comfortable with good adjustments, features a flat bottom and has logical controls for display, cruise and audio.

Instrumentation is excellent, comprehensive and well lit at night, including the function buttons across the lower dash. The central screen is informative and easily read although I would prefer a slightly different GPS display. The induction charging for cellular phone is very useful. Selectable transmission functions such as Sport, Economy and Normal make little difference to everyday driving, and left to its own devices in Normal, with the selector paddles to override, the transmission is quite seamless.

I would dearly like a function to accommodate different drivers' seating preferences although both front seats have a wide range of powered adjustment. Rear seats are quite roomy and passengers have air outlets and 12-volt and USB provisions.

Cargo area is relatively spacious and the full size spare is very accessible, with the powered tailgate being quite useful.

Exterior is practical and easily cleaned, apart from the wheels. Lights are excellent, and the auto dimming works well on the open road. The auto wipers are very useful too. All round vision is very satisfactory with the sensors and alerts aiding the rearward aspect. The rear camera has a good field of view, and while the car has an auto parking feature available I have yet to use it. Access is excellent with wide opening doors and good hip height, although again, a memory function for the driver's seat would be much appreciated.

All in all a pleasant vehicle, purchased by an older driver for mainly touring purposes. It's good on the road with some tyre noise on coarse surfaces, which is only to be expected. It's very useful shopping around a country town, is easy to park, and is very economical to fuel and service. It has an outstanding warranty, which is an upgrade from previous GMH, Hyundai, Renault and Toyota vehicles. No warranty issues to date, with 19,000 kilometres travelled. Would buy again.

Owner: Neil Cresswell

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