The new Kia Sportage: First impressions
For years, the Kia Sportage has been the national mummy.
With very decent sales in its last generations and lots of anticipation for the new model for 2022.
These are the first driving licenses from him
Walla! Car
09/02/2022
Wednesday, 09 February 2022, 15:10 Updated: 17:53
Share on Facebook
Share on WhatsApp
Share on Twitter
Share on Email
Share on general
Comments
Comments
Bold design, not for solid (Photo: manufacturer's website)
The fifth generation of the Kia Sportage that has already been introduced to the world is approaching us in huge strides and will be here at the end of March, the importer Talkar tells us.
The expectation from him to continue the success of recent generations is natural, not only in Israel, but also in the global markets being one of Kia's most important anchor models.
First drives there have already been held for a number of media outlets, but the upheavals of the Omicron or as it is now called in the Corona strain have left us in the country.
But we went out anyway to see what those who had already driven it thought of it.
Pros Cons and Summary.
More on Walla!
First photos: The Kia Sportage that will arrive in Israel
To the full article
Even in profile, it is difficult to ignore his appearance (Photo: manufacturer's website)
Engines
The engine range of the Sportage will include diesel, gasoline, gasoline engines with light hybrid assistance, a hybrid and a plug-in version, all with a volume of 1.6 liters.
The basics of the engines - the regular petrol with 148 hp is offered with a manual transmission only, and will naturally be the least relevant to us.
Its automatic version with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that comes with the hybrid assistance system, the power is the same 9.3 seconds.
CAR reports that its performance is reasonable, the gearbox is smooth and the lightweight hybrid system may offset CO2 scores, but does not really improve fuel economy.
In What Car they say the same thing about the engine, adding that the gearbox is a bit slow to respond to downshifting.
The test teams of the two sites agree that at least until the plug-in version arrives, the most impressive propulsion is that of the hybrid.
The same 1.6-liter engine, with electric boost and a combined power of 226 hp and 35.7 kg and a 6-speed automatic transmission.
There is no official acceleration figure, but they indicate numbers between 7.2 and 7.7 seconds and in any case very good intermediate accelerations are said in the CAR and also indicate the engine refinement, and the power-only ride it offers in urban driving conditions.
Auto Express says that the combination of the gasoline engine and electricity is smooth except under load.
Also in car wow we mentioned a noisy engine under load in this version.
Currently the hybrid version is more impressive (Photo: Manufacturer's website)
behavior
At CAR, which is very focused on sports cars, criticizes the steering of the Sportage, they claim that it is too light and not accurate enough and although the grip in abundance is not enjoyable to drive.
More or less the same thing is said in car wow, which is a security job, but anyone looking for driving pleasure will not find it there.
In what car it is said that the steering is precise and inspires confidence and the current generation is more than satisfactory in terms of its ability to handle inquiries.
But again, note that the market has more fun competitors than it does for driving.
In their review it is also noted that the brake pedal in the hybrid version presented an unnatural feeling due to its regeneration for charging the batteries in braking.
The ride comfort is not as good as some of its competitors (Photo: Manufacturer's website)
comfort
On the issue of comfort in the CAR it is said that it is evident that the Kia invested in comfort and except for major disruptions in the passage of sewer pits in the versions with the low-cut rims, the ride comfort was good.
Auto Express on the other hand is said to be stiffer than before and stiffer than the Tucson and is bouncy on big disruptions.
In car wow completely agree with this diagnosis.
In what car they actually stated that it is more comfortable than the Tucson, but still defined it as relatively rigid.
In all cases by the way it is said that the large rims (19 inches) are responsible for much of this.
On the other hand everyone positively noted the comfort it provides in driving on the highway and say it is a comfortable vehicle for long journeys.
The cabin reaps compliments on the design and space (Photo: Manufacturer's website)
Passenger and spacious cabin
On its cabin, the Sportage reaps compliments.
At CAR they say it gives a fancy feel, especially the 12.3-inch multimedia screen they call one of the best they have come across.
Auto Express also got excited about the arrangement of the digital dashboard, which is also 12.3 inches in size and the multimedia screen creates the feeling of one continuous screen.
They do control the layout of the multi-functional touch buttons below the main screen (the same buttons are used to control the climate or multimedia depending on the selected mode), it makes the booth look great but confusing to use.
Outward visibility is better than in the outgoing model they point out.
At what car, they praise the ease of finding the driving position, the support of the seats and repeat the compliments he received regarding the luxurious appearance of the cabin.
Everyone loved the smart solutions offered by the cabin like the cup holders that can be resized, the location of the USB sockets in the backs of the seats and the option to use the back of the headrests as a coat rack.
In the back seat there is room for two adults, in a review by auto express we noted that it is slightly more crowded than the Tucson.
And the trunk, which ranges from 591 in the petrol version, 587 in the hybrid and 540 liters in the plug-in, was found to be more useful than the competing Nissan Qashqai, for example.
A comfortable place for two adults, smart solutions for the USB socket (Photo: Manufacturer's website)
Judgment
auto express - "It's the best sputtering so far. Looks great inside and out and performs very good family chores ... but Kia needs to work harder to price it more attractively against competitors"
what car - "it offers generous dimensions with one of the cabins The best in its class. The lower trim levels make more sense. The Hyundai Tucson hybrid is cheaper, but the Sportage is a more polished
product
. "There is no doubt that the Sportage has stepped up in its performance, in the units of power, technology and quality. Its problem is that its price has risen as well ... and still the Sportage is better than ever in most relevant areas, but not cheaper and more fun to drive."
vehicle
Car News
Tags
Kia
Sportage
Kia Sportage
