The driving position requires a few minutes to get accustomed to, but the comfy perches make it all better. The trunk is smallish and perhaps poses as the Sportage’s biggest weakness. For most occasions, its 740-litre capacity will do, however it pales in comparison to that of the CR-V's 1,011 litres.
All that we need
The chiseled new 2011 Sportage features but one engine and it is the right one. No more V6. Here, the compact CUV uses a 176-hp, 2.4L 4-cylinder powerplant that also produces 168 lb-ft of torque. In my as-tested EX model, it was mated to the 6-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.
Furthermore, it was also joined by Kia's Dynamax intelligent all-wheel drive system. Intelligent because it can predict wheelspin before it actually happens based on a number of sensors, automatically engaging the other wheels for better traction and control. I was given the keys to the “Citrus” while the weather was very clement; therefore, I was unable to evaluate the Kia's AWD.
What I was able to find out is how competent this little CUV is in normal day-to-day driving. What I discovered was an impressive piece of machinery capable of putting a smile on the driver's face all the while keeping everyone else happy on board.
The Sportage’s power-assisted steering is well-weighted, providing sufficient feel and road communication. The brake pedal is firm and easy to modulate. The transmission particularly enjoys chillaxed urban driving situations. Should you want to mash the gas, you might be faced with some hesitation. The 4-pot is full of vim and generally quite refined, unless reaching for 6,000 + rpm.
The thorn in the Sportage's side is also an ace in the hole. The CUV's firm, fully independent suspension is genial on smooth even surface; on the highway, the Kia is undeterred by speed or wind. What will put a kink in the driver's face is a typical Montreal pothole-ridden road. Over-dampened dampers forgive little of the tarmac's surface irregularities. This could become a serious pain in the rear over time.
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| The driving position requires a few minutes to get accustomed to, but the comfy perches make it all better. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
All that we need
The chiseled new 2011 Sportage features but one engine and it is the right one. No more V6. Here, the compact CUV uses a 176-hp, 2.4L 4-cylinder powerplant that also produces 168 lb-ft of torque. In my as-tested EX model, it was mated to the 6-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.
Furthermore, it was also joined by Kia's Dynamax intelligent all-wheel drive system. Intelligent because it can predict wheelspin before it actually happens based on a number of sensors, automatically engaging the other wheels for better traction and control. I was given the keys to the “Citrus” while the weather was very clement; therefore, I was unable to evaluate the Kia's AWD.
What I was able to find out is how competent this little CUV is in normal day-to-day driving. What I discovered was an impressive piece of machinery capable of putting a smile on the driver's face all the while keeping everyone else happy on board.
The Sportage’s power-assisted steering is well-weighted, providing sufficient feel and road communication. The brake pedal is firm and easy to modulate. The transmission particularly enjoys chillaxed urban driving situations. Should you want to mash the gas, you might be faced with some hesitation. The 4-pot is full of vim and generally quite refined, unless reaching for 6,000 + rpm.
The thorn in the Sportage's side is also an ace in the hole. The CUV's firm, fully independent suspension is genial on smooth even surface; on the highway, the Kia is undeterred by speed or wind. What will put a kink in the driver's face is a typical Montreal pothole-ridden road. Over-dampened dampers forgive little of the tarmac's surface irregularities. This could become a serious pain in the rear over time.
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| The compact CUV uses a 176-hp, 2.4L 4-cylinder powerplant that also produces 168 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |