Owning
The Kia's length, width and stretched wheelbase provide excellent legroom in the rear. The boot is also generous, with a 420-litre luggage capacity. In the front, though, the cabin doesn't give you the same sense of space, because the driving position is flawed. Upper-range LS and V6 models get an electric driver's seat as standard, but it doesn't adjust low enough. The amount of reach and rake movement on the steering wheel isn't sufficient, either, so you end up feeling cramped. Seats don't offer much side support either. And although the Kia is very well screwed together, it is summed up by annoying touches such as the aftermarket-style radio and indicators that are on the wrong side of the steering wheel - which ruin the everyday ownership experience. The weighting of the controls could also be better. But equipment levels are very good indeed, though arguably they have to be, given some steep list prices. Depreciation will also be a bit steep, while returns of 38.8mpg from our diesel test car were disappointing - though it had very few miles on the clock. Looser engines often return better figures.
See also:
2010 Kia Forte
The all-new Forte is replacing Kia's best-seller, the Spectra, in the
company's lineup for 2010. Can this smartly designed sedan grab more market
share from the likes of the Honda Civic, Toyota Co ...
Appealing to existing and new Kia Sportage customers
New Kia Sportage will be manufactured at Kia's factory at Zilina, in Slovakia
and buyers will be offered a choice up to 10 exterior colours and a black
interior, trimmed in cloth, part-leather or ...
Safety
The Kia Sportage boasts six standard airbags -- front and side-impact airbags
for both driver and passenger, and side curtain airbags for both front- and
rear-seat occupants. Four-wheel antilock d ...


