A lot of car for a little cash

10:53am Friday 9th May 2008

IF you're on a budget and the nearest thing to a BMW X5 you can muster is a Kia Sportage, don't worry - it's had a subtle restyle and has regularly been one of the UK's best-selling SUVs.

It also now has two-wheel-drive models and a diesel automatic transmission.

The front-wheel-drive model has good fuel economy and CO2 emissions figures.

There are three trim grades - XE, XS and TITAN. Two-wheel-drive versions start at less than £14,000, and four-wheel-drive versions at less than £15,000.

Power continues to come from Kia's clean and efficient 2.0-litre turbo diesel; 2.0-litre petrol engine with variable valve timing for ideal engine response throughout the rev range; and the compact all-aluminium 2.7-litre V6 petrol unit with standard four-speed automatic gearbox.

Handling and braking is good and there is a more direct feel to the steering, while body roll has been reduced.

The Sportage gains body-colour bumpers as standard, larger door mirrors, a revised front grille, black-bezel headlamps and new designs of 16-inch alloy wheels.

The front seat cushions are longer and wider and the driver's seat also benefits from additional built-in lumbar support for added comfort.

The 60:40 split rear seats are mounted lower to give a more comfortable position for passengers and thermal and acoustic comfort has also been improved.

Wind noise within the cabin has been reduced and trim changes make the cabin more capable of withstanding scuffs and scrapes.

All versions are comprehensively equipped.

Every model has six airbags, air conditioning, remote central locking, all around electric windows and mirrors, and alloy wheels. Colour coded bumpers are standard on all versions.

Factfile

Car: Kia Sportage 2.0-litre CRDi auto 2WD

On the road: £15,995

Top speed: 104mph

0-60mph: 13.8 seconds

Power: 138 @ 4000

Torque Nm: 305 @ 1800 - 2500

CO2 emissions: 210g/km