We head off for a visit down reminiscence lane, taking all 5 generations of the Kia Sportage for a spin…
Initially launched in 1993, the Kia Sportage has been the spine of the South Korean model’s exceptional success story.
The favored family-sized SUV’s evolution completely displays the producer’s fast rise since its single-model debut in 1991.
Simply to place that into context – in 12 months one the little Kia Pleasure achieved 1,786 gross sales. In 2022, Kia handed the essential milestone of 100,000 gross sales per 12 months, and 2023 is on monitor to be even higher.
Over that point, Kia has developed a strong fame for high quality, reliability, design aptitude and innovation.
What’s extra, the model has develop into a driving drive within the swap to electrification with hybrid, plug-in hybrid and 100% electrical fashions in its line-up.
To mark the Sportage’s thirtieth birthday, Kia gave us the chance to pattern all 5 generations. An enchanting day driving the fashions back-to-back, and right here’s what we thought…
First technology (1993-2003)
UK gross sales: 10,897
The Kia Sportage was first launched within the Asian automotive market in 1993, reaching the UK in 1995. The instance from the Kia heritage fleet we drove is a particular version all-wheel drive 2.0-litre XSE from its last 12 months of manufacturing. It could look boxy and dated, however it’s surprisingly spacious and refined. Sure, the dealing with is wallowy, the gear change is a tad notchy and the seating place is especially excessive within the rear, however it’s highly effective sufficient and compares properly with a Toyota RAV4 of the identical classic.
Second technology (2005-10)
UK gross sales: 23,371
Following a two-year break, the Sportage returned in 2005. Greater and extra grown-up, it featured mod cons resembling central locking, adjustable wing mirrors and a CD participant. Gaining a fame for reliability over its manufacturing run, there was additionally further area within the rear, a noticeable uplift in high quality and a extra composed really feel on the street. The Sportage was going locations. The heritage mannequin we sampled was an XE 2.0-litre diesel (CRDi) all-wheel drive from 2007 – the 12 months manufacturing of the Sportage moved from South Korea to Zilina, Slovakia, the place the Sportage continues to be constructed at this time.
Third technology (2010-16)
UK gross sales: 95,626
With one other huge leap in high quality, the Sportage bulked up and have become a significant participant within the SUV market. Little quirks had been lastly ironed out (the indicator moved from the suitable to the left-hand aspect of the steering wheel), there was but extra space within the again for passengers, and it picked up a prestigious 5-star Euro NCAP security score. Extra snug than ever, trendy touches embody a USB port and a distant key fob, no much less. The KX-3 AWD we drove dated from 2011, and although the two.0-litre petrol engine lacked a number of the punch of the diesel from the earlier technology, the automotive itself handles properly and has stood the take a look at of time properly and continues to be a strong second-hand SUV alternative.
Fourth technology (2016-22)
UK gross sales: 197,547
Kia hit the jackpot with the curvaceous fourth-generation Sportage, which continues to be a cracking automotive. Surprisingly dynamic to drive for an SUV, it was additionally snug and spacious. The primary Sportage to be supplied with an electrified choice (a light hybrid mannequin joined the petrol and diesel choices in 2018), the Mk4 is so good that it may nonetheless be on sale at this time. The truth is, the one age giveaways are the handbook handbrake, the modest infotainment display and a liberal dose of buttons and dials.
Fifth technology (2022-)
The most effective simply obtained higher. The most recent model of the Sportage was launched in 2022, delivering a profitable mix of hanging appears to be like, hi-tech inside, practicality, high security options, driving engagement and massive bang to your bucks. Topped What Automobile? ‘Finest Household SUV’, it’s out there as a Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), Hybrid Electrical (HEV) and Delicate Hybrid (MHEV). In PHEV type it has a theoretical gasoline economic system of 252mpg, and an emissions-free EV driving vary of as much as 43 miles. And as ever, the Sportage affords peace of thoughts as a result of it’s backed by Kia beneficiant seven-year guarantee.
So, Kia has now established itself as one of many high 5 automotive manufacturers within the UK – a superb feat in simply three many years. The truth is, since its 1991 debut, it’s offered some 1.5 million vehicles within the UK alone.
And in July 2023, Kia UK reached the 50,000 EV gross sales milestone, an essential step in its journey to having 9 EVs by 2027.
