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LAUNCHING A CAR with a bigger engine might not seem like the wisest thing to do when rising fuel prices are still a talking point among motorists, but yet, more and more cars seem to be offered with larger engine variants.
Examples of these can be found in Subaru with its 2.5-litre engines offered on the WRX and Forester models, Mitsubishi with the 2.4-litre Outlander, Toyota also with its 2.4-litre RAV4 while Lexus has rolled out its RX 350 locally.
Even Kia's parent company, Hyundai, has a 2.4-litre unit to powers the new Sonata while 3.0-litre Grandeur has effectively been replaced by the 3.3-litre Azera.
Which brings us to the Kia Sportage. Essentially, mechanically identical to the Hyundai Tucson, the 2.7-litre model you see in the photo above has only recently been launched.
The 2.0-litre entry model Sportage will continue to be offered locally and is still expected to account for the majority of Kia Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV) sold. Which is understandable considering that the Sportage offers plenty in the way of cabin space, comfort and value for money.
Those looking for a little more substance however may well find it in the 2.7-litre variant. For starters, an extra $12,000 over the entry-level Sportage price gets you a 2,656cc V6 engine that produces 175bhp.
To say that the Sportage V6 'only' offers 33bhp more than the 2.0-litre is to miss the point by quite a long way. For one, the additional 57Nm of torque ensures any hint of lethargy that might have characterised the base model has been convincingly exorcised.
Helping the Sportage V6 get all its power to the road surface is a part-time four-wheel drive system (the 2.0-litre model is two-wheel drive only) that automatically engages the rear wheels when the front wheels begin to slip or when conditions call for it. The rest of the time, the Sportage's default setting is in front-wheel drive model which helps reduce fuel consumption as does the cruise control function on long journeys.
For good measure, the Sportage V6 also comes with a traction control system, although with four-wheel drive, it's overkill in this car as the latter is more than capable of serving the same function.
The V6 unit of the Sportage isn't only more powerful than the four-cylinder 2.0-litre unit, it's also much, much smoother and refined so pedal-to-the-metal antics aren't necessary to appreciate the former's benefits.
Examples of these can be found in Subaru with its 2.5-litre engines offered on the WRX and Forester models, Mitsubishi with the 2.4-litre Outlander, Toyota also with its 2.4-litre RAV4 while Lexus has rolled out its RX 350 locally.
Even Kia's parent company, Hyundai, has a 2.4-litre unit to powers the new Sonata while 3.0-litre Grandeur has effectively been replaced by the 3.3-litre Azera.
Which brings us to the Kia Sportage. Essentially, mechanically identical to the Hyundai Tucson, the 2.7-litre model you see in the photo above has only recently been launched.
The 2.0-litre entry model Sportage will continue to be offered locally and is still expected to account for the majority of Kia Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV) sold. Which is understandable considering that the Sportage offers plenty in the way of cabin space, comfort and value for money.
Those looking for a little more substance however may well find it in the 2.7-litre variant. For starters, an extra $12,000 over the entry-level Sportage price gets you a 2,656cc V6 engine that produces 175bhp.
To say that the Sportage V6 'only' offers 33bhp more than the 2.0-litre is to miss the point by quite a long way. For one, the additional 57Nm of torque ensures any hint of lethargy that might have characterised the base model has been convincingly exorcised.
Helping the Sportage V6 get all its power to the road surface is a part-time four-wheel drive system (the 2.0-litre model is two-wheel drive only) that automatically engages the rear wheels when the front wheels begin to slip or when conditions call for it. The rest of the time, the Sportage's default setting is in front-wheel drive model which helps reduce fuel consumption as does the cruise control function on long journeys.
For good measure, the Sportage V6 also comes with a traction control system, although with four-wheel drive, it's overkill in this car as the latter is more than capable of serving the same function.
The V6 unit of the Sportage isn't only more powerful than the four-cylinder 2.0-litre unit, it's also much, much smoother and refined so pedal-to-the-metal antics aren't necessary to appreciate the former's benefits.
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Highway driving reveals the Sportage's cabin to be noticeably quieter as the V6 engine doesn't have to work as hard to bring it up to speed. Carrying an extra 145kg over the 2.0-litre Sportage also seems to settle the otherwise slightly bouncy ride quality that could induce motion sickness among the more sensitive passengers.
Besides a less flustered ride, all aboard the Sportage V6 will also appreciate the climate control air-conditioning system while a sunroof livens up the cabin.
To differentiate the V6 model from the entry one, the local dealer has also seen fit to offer the more expensive variant with a pleasant two-tone leather upholstery colour scheme that helps to break up the cabin's monotony.
It's been a while since we've taken out the Sportage and a drive in the V6 model also reminded us about how clever this car really is with rear seats that fold flat and lock in place and a rear windscreen that doubles as a hatch if there isn't enough space to open the tailgate.
With these practical touches and the improved drivability the V6 unit offers, the idea of a 2.7-litre Sportage might not seem that silly after all.
PLUSES
Improved refinement over the base model and four-wheel drive ability
MINUSES
Still not a proper off-roader though. $1021 more per year in road tax than the 2.0-litre model
VERDICT
If you're willing to overlook the road tax issue, the Sportage 2.7 makes up for it with better refinement and performance
NEED TO KNOW
Model Kia Sportage 2.7 (A)
Engine Type 2,656cc, 24V V6
Max Power 175bhp at 6,000rpm
Max Torque 241Nm at 4,000rpm
Gearbox 4-speed automatic
Top Speed 180km/h
0-100km/h 10.5 seconds
Price $73,999 with COE
Warranty 3 years / 100,000km
Contact Cycle & Carriage Kia at 6427-8888
SIMILAR CARS WE HAVE DRIVEN
HYUNDAI TUCSON 2.7 $76,000 with COE
Mechanically speaking, the Tucson and the Sportage are identical twins so the only factors that would make anyone choose one over another would be styling, price and brand values, which again, are extremely similar.
Besides a less flustered ride, all aboard the Sportage V6 will also appreciate the climate control air-conditioning system while a sunroof livens up the cabin.
To differentiate the V6 model from the entry one, the local dealer has also seen fit to offer the more expensive variant with a pleasant two-tone leather upholstery colour scheme that helps to break up the cabin's monotony.
It's been a while since we've taken out the Sportage and a drive in the V6 model also reminded us about how clever this car really is with rear seats that fold flat and lock in place and a rear windscreen that doubles as a hatch if there isn't enough space to open the tailgate.
With these practical touches and the improved drivability the V6 unit offers, the idea of a 2.7-litre Sportage might not seem that silly after all.
PLUSES
Improved refinement over the base model and four-wheel drive abilityMINUSES
Still not a proper off-roader though. $1021 more per year in road tax than the 2.0-litre modelVERDICT
If you're willing to overlook the road tax issue, the Sportage 2.7 makes up for it with better refinement and performanceNEED TO KNOW
Model Kia Sportage 2.7 (A)Engine Type 2,656cc, 24V V6
Max Power 175bhp at 6,000rpm
Max Torque 241Nm at 4,000rpm
Gearbox 4-speed automatic
Top Speed 180km/h
0-100km/h 10.5 seconds
Price $73,999 with COE
Warranty 3 years / 100,000km
Contact Cycle & Carriage Kia at 6427-8888
SIMILAR CARS WE HAVE DRIVEN
HYUNDAI TUCSON 2.7 $76,000 with COEMechanically speaking, the Tucson and the Sportage are identical twins so the only factors that would make anyone choose one over another would be styling, price and brand values, which again, are extremely similar.
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