Kia Sportage (05-10) - Review Review by David Ross on 20 February 2009 The Kia Sportage is a stylish small off-roader that majors on value for money. It comes extremely well equipped and there's a lengthy warranty as standard on new cars - something which used buyers can also take advantage of. Although it's unlikely the Sportage will often be taken off road, it's actually quiet capable on tricky terrain. But it's on road where it will spend most of its time and here the Kia is comfortable. However it's not very composed through corners and the handling is especially poor on early models. The Sportage was facelifted in late 2007 with retuned suspension and less bodyroll - and newer cars are a vast improvement. 3 out of 5 Other Kia reviews Summary Facts & Figures Equipment Driving & Performance Comfort Costs Safety & Reliability Buying & Selling Also Consider Company Car Info Owners' Reviews Gallery 3.5 out of 5 Safety Thus Sportage hasn't been crash tested by Euro NCAP, but its sister car - the Hyundai Tucson - was awarded a four star safety rating. That's respectable and on par with cars like the Nissan X-Trail and Honda CR-V. The Sportage gets ABS with electronic brake force distribution and traction control, while XS models also have a standard electronic stability programme (ESP). Six airbags are standard, with side airbags for front seat passengers and curtain airbags which deploy in a side impact or rollover. Euro NCAP Provides motoring consumers with a realistic and independent assessment of the safety performance of some of the most popular cars sold in Europe. Visit Euro NCAP for more info 4 out of 5 Reliability Kia has a good reputation for reliability and its dealers offer a good service should anything go wrong. When the model was facelifted in late 2007, Kia moved production from Korea to its plant in Slovakia (which also produces the Ceed). As a result of the stringent quality controls in place, the Sportage now comes with a seven-year warranty as standard. Car check problem points Body Check for signs of off-road use. Engine/Gearbox No problems reported. Other Sportage models manufactured during April and May 2005 were subject to a recall - it affected 816 cars. A manufacturing fault meant that the handbrake may fail, even when properly applied. The handbrake assembly should have been replaced - check this has been done. Car Valuations Find used car prices with Parkers accurate car valuations. Find out more Kia Sportage cars for sale We have 148 models like this for sale. Find Kia Sportage cars for sale Previous: Costs Next: Buying & Selling