About the Kia Sportage
S B purchased this Kia Sportage new for $42,000 (including all on-road costs). S B would buy this car again because: “The Sportage came with every option we could wish for, at the time it was great value and great looks. We considered all the competition and its sister the Hyundai ix35 but the local suspension tune was leaps ahead even on back streets of the dealership.”
How reliable has your car been? Tell us about any issues.
It’s been very reliable and the seven-year warranty was wasted as nothing broke. The only replacements was in its 10th and 11th year the electric door lock motor gave out on the rear passenger side and the front passenger internal door handle mount snapped.
What do you think of the ownership experience with your car?
It has been and still is a delight to drive and tour Australia in, for a medium SUV it punches above its weight.
It’s easy to park and the drivers electric seat elevation gives a driver great vision but I take points off for the large blind spot of the A-pillar – it’s caught me out with a few intersections.
How has the purchase and aftercare experience been with your car?
Not sure we received any aftercare. We had it serviced regular under warranty and they didn’t care, they did a reasonable job and took plenty of cash for an oil change but ‘care’, I will need to ponder that one.
Are you happy with the price and features of your car?
Does a bear sit in the woods? Automatic wipers, heated seats, cooled driver seat, electric sun roof, reverse camera, reverse sensors, sunglasses holder…
It seem to have everything a luxury car had and coming from a base Honda Civic, this was living.
What do you think of the performance and economy of your car?
The 2.4L petrol engine is fit for purpose, it can be nippy enough when the loud pedal is mashed to the floor but that’s rarely used. Economy is really driver-specific and destination driven, loaded or unloaded.
We had good and bad economy but overall we think it’s within acceptable use.
What do you think of the technology in your car?
Technically it was great at the time before all the driving aids appeared, with the radio being the only thing – we would’ve liked a navigation headset, but that was fixed with an aftermarket one with Apple CarPlay, and lots of bells and whistles.
What do you think of the ride comfort and handling of your car?
The ride is okay, it was harsh at times on the low profile tyres and bumpy roads but lately it’s been given raised springs with smaller rims and higher profile tyres to cope with towing a caravan around Australia and light off-road touring. It’s still comfortable and probably slightly smoother.
Do you have any additional comments about your car?
The Kia Dynamax AWD system is extremely advanced and has taken us to some unexpected destinations where others turn back, the centre lock works a treat and we are yet to be stuck anywhere.