Overview

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.