MANY households have loved driving round within the Kia Sportage because it first arrived within the UK again in 1995.
However the newest fifth-generation mannequin takes such a leap in sophistication in each method that it's certain to win over extra followers.
The Korean automobile maker’s cracking SUV now has far higher kerb attraction, a bigger, extra hi-tech and higher completed cabin, in addition to the mechanical gubbins to ensure motoring pleasure.
I not too long ago spent per week on the wheel of a top-spec GT-Line S mannequin powered by a 1.6-litre petrol/hybrid powertrain and located myself smiling appreciatively after each journey.
My neighbours, in the meantime, had been drawn to its enticing seems to be and, after I confirmed them the cabin, they had been astonished by the standard and know-how.
Kia’s newest design blends glossy and muscular options with superb detailing that leads to a dynamic and assertive highway presence.
The daring entrance grille provides a nod to the well-known “tiger nostril” of earlier generations and it's bookended by hanging boomerang-shaped LED daytime lights that wrap round giant headlights.
Sharp creases reduce throughout the in any other case clear bodywork in profile and on the rear, which has razor-like lamps. I additionally admired the chrome beltline that kicks up on the again C-pillar to assist emphasise the rear spoiler.
Solidly styled 18in alloys, loads of black cladding, chrome skid plates and chrome-surrounded rear fog lamps add a way of durability.
Step inside – doorways that wrap across the sills make sure you received’t soiled your garments – and the fast wow-factor comes from the dual 12.3in touchscreens with curved panoramic show.
This set-up lifts the Sportage into premium-class ranges of driver data and leisure, with full smartphone connectivity, together with distant entry for features by way of an app.
An honest navigation system, 360-degree round view monitor, wi-fi cellphone charger and top-notch Harman Kardon sound-system are additionally a part of the bundle.
Instantly under the central display was an simply operated multi-zone local weather management system that, whereas including to the streamlined look, ensured there was no have to scroll via a number of menus to change the temperature or warmth the seats and steering wheel.
One other cool function of the motive force show are digital camera pictures of the highway behind once you point out to show at a junction or change lanes – serving to motorists to keep away from crashes of any sort to the aspect and rear.
They're a part of a number of security aids that features the likes of lane following help and forward-collision avoidance with the flexibility to detect pedestrians and cyclists.
Much more hi-tech is the best way GT-Line S hybrid drivers can use the important thing fob for a distant parking system whereas they're outwith the automobile to get it into tight parking areas.
It nearly goes with out saying however a automobile of this class additionally has auto adaptive headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a panoramic sunroof, and good cease/go cruise management.
A household of 5 or 4 adults may have loads of room to chill out within the leather-based and suede seats, in addition to make use of intelligent storage choices that embrace flick-of-a-switch cup holders up entrance.
The boot, at 587 litres, ought to simply stow your baggage and the 40/20/40-split/folding rear seats push the amount as much as 1776 litres for carrying larger masses.
Including additional touches of finesse had been the centrally positioned rotary dial for the six-speed automated transmission alongside intricate metallic decorations for the sprint and door playing cards.
However it was the sheer enjoyment behind the wheel that grabbed me most within the front-wheel-drive mannequin I examined.
The 44.2kW motor and a 1.49kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack together with the 178bhp engine ship a complete output of 226bhp.
What which means in actual phrases is a 0-60mph time of seven.7 seconds and a high pace of 120mph – and that’s fast for a automobile weighing in at 1.65tonnes.
It felt that speedy and fascinating, too, with pleasing suggestions from the accelerator, braking and steering set-ups.
One other console dial additionally flicked between eco and sport modes to dial up or down on efficiency for on a regular basis driving or a little bit of enjoyable.
Additional stats to impress potential patrons of this explicit mannequin might be a mean 48.7mpg, CO2 emissions of 132g/km, a seven-year/100,000 guarantee and a value of £38,655 on the highway.