Test Kia Sportage Hybrid 230 CV GT Line (with video)

Kia continues unstoppable in its product offensive, with well-made cars, high quality and a high level of technology. Today we get behind the wheel of the Kia Sportage, model who has released his fifth generation a few months ago and that fights in the segment of compact SUVs with opponents of the stature of the Nissan Qashqai, Seat Ateca o Peugeot 3008 among many others.

The truth is that the Sportage has given a resounding blow of authority, because this generational change has been really good. As we will discover throughout this test, stands out for offering a great price-product ratio and, also, for having a wide range of mechanical options. As if all this were not enough, Kia seems not to be affected much by the microchip crisis and they have practically immediate delivery.

On this occasion we tested the new Kia Sportage in GT Line finish and with the 230 hp hybrid mechanical version. We will review the strengths of the car, the improvable, consumption and prices. I'll give you a slight spoiler: the Sportage part of the 24.100 euros, although this unit costs considerably more.

A quick look at the exterior of the Kia Sportage

As we said, we are before the GT Line finish, which is the top of the range and also gives the Sportage a more dynamic image. Among other modifications, this finish provides the specific grille, the multiple contrasts in black or some inch wheels 18.

The design is very characteristic and personal. As we can see on the front, the double grille is very wide and gives rise to the LED headlights, also with a very characteristic layout including the new light signature. By the way, the new logo of the South Korean brand appears on the edge of the hood.

On the side we can highlight the lower moldings in shiny black, which as we have already said is the same tone that is used in the housings of the mirrors, pillars and roof. To provide a touch of elegance, chrome is used on the lower frames of the windows.

And already in the rear area it is remarkable the lighting style, which is also new. The pilots are connected by a central strip, but it does not light up. In the lower part we see a shiny black area as well as aluminum-tone plastic protections to make it clear that it is an SUV model.

The new Kia Sportage measures 4,52 meters long, 1,87 wide, 1,56 high and its wheelbase is 2,68 meters.

Lots of technology inside

We go inside and, honestly, I think that if it is the first time you get on and the logo on the steering wheel is covered, you would never say that it is a Kia model. And it is that this fifth generation of the Kia Sportage has made a sensational jump.

Starting with the technology, we have a double and curved screen of enormous dimensions, each of them of 12,3 inches. The instrument cluster looks good, is slightly customizable, and navigating through the various information is simple and intuitive. But what I like the most is that when we put the intermittent we see the image of each side in the frame, which can avoid more than one scare while driving. It seems to me a great success.

of the multimedia system It also has a great resolution and, above all, fluidity when handling it. Despite not having physical buttons, it is not very complicated to manage either because the icons are large and everything is well structured. With the 360 degree cameraIn addition to having a bird's-eye view, we can see and move around every angle of the bodywork.

Under the central screen we have the air conditioning controls, which leaves us with a bittersweet taste because we have two physical wheels but the rest of the buttons are tactile and without haptic response. You already know that from our point of view climate control is much better with physical buttons and controls, but you can't ask for everything.

Despite the glossy black, there is a strong impression of quality in the cabin.

Below is a Storage compartment with wireless charging, USB and 12 V sockets. All this gives rise to the central area with the start button, the circular gear selector, driving mode management and other functions, while on the right side we have buttons for the heated and ventilated seats, as well as the heated steering wheel.

The downside of all this is that this area is finished in gloss black, and you can see the dirt that accumulates in a few days of use. There are also good storage compartments, and of a good size.

As far as quality It is concerned, except for these shiny black plastic areas, it is very well finished and the chosen materials are pleasant on almost all surfaces. I honestly have absolutely no nothing to envy to the Audi Q3 and Mercedes GLA.

Very spacious, with remarkable rear width

And regarding space, being a compact SUV, adults of practically any size will be loose here in front, with a good posture for the driver. And now, we go to the second row.

Access to rear seats it is simple, with a good opening of the door and a lot of vertical distance. Once inside, legroom is outstanding, with plenty of room for knees and feet relative to the front seat. The height is correct for people up to 1,85 tall, although not as advantageous as for the knees.

In addition, in this GT Line finish we have heated side seats, climate-controlled air vents, USB outlets and integrated hangers in the front seats, magazine pockets and a center armrest with two cup holders.

To all this we must add that the backrest of the rear seats can be adjusted in inclination, being able to adopt a more upright or more reclined position. It would only be necessary to be able to adjust the bench longitudinally, although the truth is that this second row is very complete.

How is the trunk of the Kia Sportage

The capacity of the trunk of the Sportage varies depending on the chosen engine, but the differences are not huge. They range from 526 liters to 591, staying this conventional hybrid variant in 587 liters.

In addition, we have a roller blind, hooks and eyes and even a 12 V socket. By the way, we can also knock down the rear seats from here to reach 1.776 liters.

A wide mechanical offer, with C, Eco and Zero labels

Moving on to the engines section, the mechanical offer offered by this fifth generation of the Sportage is very varied. We have diesel versions 1.6 CRDi of 115 and 136 CV, being the first conventional and the second microhybrid. In gasoline We can opt for the 1.6 hp 150 TGDI both with and without electrical support, while the 180 variant is always mild hybrid. Depending on each version, we can have manual or automatic transmission, as well as front or all-wheel drive.

But the thing does not stop there. This version is a conventional hybrid, which Kia calls HEV, and also just added to the range a plug-in hybrid PHEV variant with Zero sticker and 265 hp. We remind you that mild hybrids and this proven hybrid option carry the DGT Eco sticker.

Focusing on the Conventional Hybrid Sportage, consists of a 1.600 180 hp gasoline engine and a 60 hp electric drive, which is powered by a 1,5 kWh battery. La joint power is 230 hp and its maximum torque amounts to 350 Nm of torque. Approves a mixed consumption of 5,7 liters and does the 0 to 100 in 8 seconds.

Behind the wheel of the Kia Sportage hybrid

Well, we have already counted all the static and theoretical part, and now it's time to see how this new Kia Sportage behaves underway. The first thing to mention is that this car does not follow the tendency of other models to bet on a fairly firm set-up, but rather prioritize comfort. Yes, even in this GT Line finish, which is theoretically more dynamic.

Soft configuration for the chassis

We have one soft suspension that absorbs bumps very well and imperfections, taking care of the occupants, especially in the city. Even in this version that mounts 18-inch wheels, a very comfortable car is noticeable, something that is also helped by its good heated and ventilated electric seats.

Of course, by betting on this configuration, It is not a car that asks to go at high speeds neither on the highway nor on winding roads, where if we increase the pace certain inertias are noticeable.

In any case, at the price of fuel and with the DGT watching over your safety where you least expect it, running is not ideal. In any case, the direction does offer a good touch and precision, something that is appreciated.

A nice car to drive

Another good point of the Kia Sportage, at least in this configuration, is the Acoustic. There are hardly any rolling noises at legal speeds, which improves ride comfort, although at the aerodynamic level it could be better covered. Nor does the thermal engine make hardly any noise unless we step on the accelerator forcefully, something that is rarely necessary.

And it is that the hybrid engine moves the Sportage with enough ease, offering a good instant response thanks to the electrical part, as soon as we touch the right pedal. Doesn't leave you glued to the seat at medium speeds, but recovers very well. What this model does not have is a button to force an EV mode, as other hybrids, such as Toyota's, usually have.

How much does the Kia Sportage Hybrid spend?

In the consumption section, throughout our test we have done an average of 6,7 l/100 km, which is not bad at all. Where we will get the most out of this hybrid version is in the city and its surroundings, being easy to see data from 6 liters being a little soft in acceleration. For its part, on the highway at 120 km / h, it is usual to be at 7 liters.

Security and conclusions

Before focusing on the conclusions, it is important to mention that the Kia Sportage has a extensive provision of active safety and comfort. In this case, we have LED headlights, parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, a blind spot sensor, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, rear traffic alert, fatigue detection, and some others that escape me; but as I say, very complete.

I think the only thing I did not like this car it is the abundant use of gloss black in the interior and that, for my taste, the suspension would have to be a little harder, although perhaps you prefer it to be that soft. I also think that the consumption on the highway could be slightly lower, although the truth is that it is not crazy either.

What I liked the most, because the quality perceived inside and the technology that it can offer us, which is very high. As I said before, it has nothing to envy an Audi, a Mercedes or a Mazda. Kia has taken a very important step with this product, which was already good in the previous generation.

Kia Sportage Prices

We end with the official prices. As there are so many versions of this model available, we are going to do a quick review, although below I leave you the entire list. The cheapest Kia Sportage is the 150 hp gasoline and part of the 24.100 euros, while the cheapest diesel costs almost 26.600. If we want the Eco label, the 150 hp mild hybrid gasoline starts at 27.700.

On the other hand, if we decide to bet on the Kia Sportage conventional hybrid is 32.000 euros starting, although when we go to this GT Line finish we go to 40.200, which is already a considerable amount. We end with the plug-in hybrid, which starts at 33.500 euros. The difference between the normal hybrid and the plug-in is minimal, so if you have the possibility of plugging it in at home, it is more than advisable to make the jump to the PHEV model.

Equipment Kia Sportage

Concept

• 15-inch wheels
• Dual zone automatic climate control
• Reversing camera
• Driver Fatigue Detection
• Lane Keeping Assistant
• Recognition of traffic signs
• Emergency braking with pedestrian recognition
• 8-inch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• LED headlights
• Dynamic high beam assistant

Drive (add)

• Kia Connect Navigator
• LED front fog lights
• 12,3 inch curved screen
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Driver's seat with lumbar adjustment

Tech (add)

• 18-inch wheels
• Front seats with electric adjustments
• Smart key with push button start
• Monitoring instrument panel with 12,3 inches
• Adaptive LED headlights
• Heated front and rear seats
• heated steering wheel
• wireless charger for mobile
• darkened moons

GT Line (adds)

• Automatic transmission
• panoramic sunroof
• Harman Kardon audio system
• Intersection Collision Avoidance Assistant
• 19-inch wheels
• hands-free tailgate
• Blind Spot Assist with instrument panel monitor
• rear traffic alert
• Ventilated and electrically adjustable front seats with memory
• Parking exit collision avoidance assistant

Editor's opinion

Gallery Kia Sportage