IN THE MID 1990s, Kia realised the profitability of the compact Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment and created the Sportage to rival the likes of the Suzuki Vitara. The first model was built upon a ladder-frame chassis and equipped with a four-wheel drive system.

It was a capable machine for a spot of mud-plugging, but not so great for the normal roads or to have as an everyday car. On tarmac, the ride quality and handling were poor, and since it was built to be an affordably-priced vehicle there were reliability and quality concerns.

The current Sportage however, is based on the Hyundai Tucson. It's a completely different animal from the old one, principally it's been designed to spend most of its life in jungles of the urban variety and to provide its driver with car-like driving dynamics.

The Korean carmaker has also paid a lot of attention to build quality; a bugbear that Korean manufacturers have been slowly but surely addressing. Unlike the previous model, the new Sportage promises higher-grade plastics and sturdier assembly.

There are two versions available. The entry-level Sportage comes with two-wheel drive only and is propelled by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, while the top-of-the-line variant has a 2.7-litre V6 and a four-wheel drive system.

It depends on demand but the V6 model should only be available on an indent basis.

DRIVING IT

The first thing you'll realise the moment you get behind the wheel is the tall and commanding driving position that allows the driver to have
a generous view of the outside world.

Although there is plenty of feedback from the Sportage's steering, the wheel itself is a little too thin and plasticky. The tyres could do with more grip and body-roll needs to be more controlled as well, but in general, the Sportage still makes for a safe, rather than scary handling experience.

The one thing that the vehicle excels in is when it's on bad roads. The softly sprung suspension absorbs pockmarks and speed strips without jiggling too much and it also provides the passengers with a plush ride.

Under the bonnet, the 140bhp 2.0-litre engine is reasonably smooth and torquey. It offers plenty of low-end punch, which is useful in stop-and-go traffic conditions, while the four-speed automatic gearbox shifts flawlessly. There's also a "Sports" mode to allow you to select gear ratios manually.

INSIDE IT

Five adults should be able to sit in the cabin comfortably, with generous leg and headroom. The bucket seats up front are sizeable and supportive, and the two-tone synthetic leather upholstery gives the interior a somewhat modern feel.

Dashboard ergonomics are hard to fault, while the switches and buttons feel expensive to use. The quality of the plastics could be better though, and the fake wood panels seem at odds with a car as modern as the Sportage.

Right at the back, the boot should easily accommodate more than one golf bag, while the detachable luggage blind is a thoughtful feature in case you don't want your flashy kit to be visually exposed.

DOLLARS AND SENSE

At $77,777 with COE, the Sportage is the most affordable 2.0-litre SUV in the market. And although the equipment list is rather brief, it has the basics pretty much covered with the driver's airbag, ABS, electric-powered windows and side mirrors, central locking and trip computer.

VERDICT

The new Sportage is refined, good to drive, well packaged and has remained true to its roots with regard to affordability. It makes the previous generation model look like it belongs in the Stone Age, while the super-competitive pricing should attract car-buyers to shop in the $80,000 bracket even if they weren't initially looking for an SUV.

NEED TO KNOW

Model Kia Sportage
Engine 1,975cc 16V in-line 4
Max Power 140bhp at 6,000rpm
Max Torque 185Nm at 4,500rpm
Gearbox 4-speed automatic
Top Speed 165km/h
0-100 km/h 12.0 seconds
Price $77,777 with COE
Warranty 3 years / 100,000km
Contact Cycle & Carriage Kia, 6471-0002

SIMILAR CARS WE HAVE DRIVEN

Hyundai Tucson 2.0 GLS $78,888 with COE

Both the Sportage and Tucson share a common platform. The two cars feel almost equally refined and spacious, but the Kia handles better and provides more steering feel. Inside, though, the Hyundai's cabin is a tad more stylish and classy.

Mitsubishi Airtrek 20V $88,988 with COE

The Airtrek feels and looks less SUV-like than the Sportage because of its low-ish ride height and conservative styling, but this might appeal to some. The cabin is more spacious however, and it has great roadholding.