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 Satisfaction achieved 1,786 gross sales. In 2022, Kia handed the vital milestone of 100,000 gross sales per 12 months, and 2023 is on observe to be even higher.
Over that point, Kia has developed a strong popularity for high quality, reliability, design aptitude and innovation.
What’s extra, the model has turn into a driving power within the change 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 interesting 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, nevertheless 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, nevertheless it’s highly effective sufficient and compares nicely 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 similar to central locking, adjustable wing mirrors and a CD participant. Gaining a popularity for reliability over its manufacturing run, there was additionally additional house within the rear, a noticeable uplift in high quality and a extra composed really feel on the highway. 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 immediately.
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 serious participant within the SUV market. Little quirks had been lastly ironed out (the indicator moved from the appropriate to the left-hand facet of the steering wheel), there was but more room within the again for passengers, and it picked up a prestigious 5-star Euro NCAP security ranking. Extra comfy 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 nicely and has stood the take a look at of time nicely and continues to be a strong second-hand SUV selection.
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 comfy and spacious. The primary Sportage to be provided with an electrified choice (a gentle hybrid mannequin joined the petrol and diesel choices in 2018), the Mk4 is so good that it may nonetheless be on sale immediately. In actual fact, the one age giveaways are the handbook handbrake, the modest infotainment display and a liberal dose of buttons and dials.
Fifth technology (2022-)
The perfect simply obtained higher. The newest model of the Sportage was launched in 2022, delivering a successful mix of hanging seems to be, hi-tech inside, practicality, prime security options, driving engagement and massive bang in your bucks. Topped What Automotive? ‘Greatest Household SUV’, it’s out there as a Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), Hybrid Electrical (HEV) and Gentle Hybrid (MHEV). In PHEV kind it has a theoretical gasoline financial system of 252mpg, and an emissions-free EV driving vary of as much as 43 miles. And as ever, the Sportage gives 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 prime 5 automotive manufacturers within the UK – an excellent feat in simply three many years. In actual fact, since its 1991 debut, it’s bought some 1.5 million automobiles within the UK alone.
And in July 2023, Kia UK reached the 50,000 EV gross sales milestone, an vital step in its journey to having 9 EVs by 2027.
