2010 Kia Sportage Review
Price
from: RM108,956
to: RM118,956
Installment
from: RM1,039/mth
to: RM1,134/mth
2010 Kia Sportage at a glance
Simply put, there would not be any SUV cheaper than the 2010 Kia Sportage that offers the same interior room and practicality. The rest of the 2010 Kia Sportage's package is unconvincing though, in particular its poor body control.
2010 Kia Sportage quick specs
| Body Style | SUV |
| Class | Mid-size Utility |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
2010 Kia Sportage ratings (overall rating : 3/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
Certainly tough-looking, and inoffensive, but we cannot help thinking that more effort should have been devoted to the styling. The interior is about as utilitarian as the exterior, with an additional old-fashioned look to it. Catering to a segment eyeing a relatively inexpensive SUV is one thing. Looking like it is designed on a budget is another. The two need not go together. Just like the Kia Optima, the 2010 Kia Sportage should look more current.
Handling
The 2010 Kia Sportage's handling falls below the average in the mid-size SUV segment. Whether it is the overly-light steering weighting, low grip levels, or poor body control, the Kia Sportage proves to be a disappointing drive. Through corners, the 2010 Kia Sportage quickly reaches its limit, in the process exhibiting plenty of body roll. The body control is similarly lacking through bigger bumps as the ride becomes bouncy. Off-road performance fares better, though, when the 4WD system kicks in.
Comfort
The soft suspension manages to overcome most road imperfections. Wind and road noise are kept in check when cruising, but engine noise becomes a problem at higher rev range. The steering adjusts only for tilt, while the seat adjustments are limited. The dashboard is clearly about function than design. Controls are easy to locate, and simple to operate. All-round visibility benefits from the tall SUV seating position, which could well be the main motivation for anyone getting the 2010 Kia Sportage.
Quality + Reliability
As is the case for many Kia models, the sturdy cabin construction is marred by the use of cheap-feeling plastics. Whether in build quality or material quality, the Koreans are some distance behind the Japanese, especially for the latter. The Kia Sportage has had notable reliability problems with regards to the transmission and air-conditioner, but other major mechanicals should be reliable.
Performance
The 2010 Kia Sportage comes with a 2.0-litre DOHC CVVT engine paired to a four-speed automatic. On the roads, the 2.0-litre with 140 bhp and 184 Nm delivers an adequate performance, but will need to be revved hard to produce its best. The rather gruff engine note at higher rpm will however discourage that. Although the four-speed automatic shifts smoothly, it is missing one ratio that rivals have. The 4WD system automatically goes into front-wheel drive to maximise fuel economy and engages all four wheels when any loss of traction is detected, and can be operated full-time as well.
Roominess
Interior roominess is definitely the 2010 Kia Sportage's strongest point. Front and rear occupants enjoy good head- and leg-room, accommodating five in comfort. The big boot boasts ample loading capacity, and allows easy access through the tailgate, where the rear screen can be opened independently to load smaller items. The rear seats can split-fold 60:40 or fold flat into four different seating configurations for additional loading space.
Running Costs
The 2.0-litre has average fuel economy. Maintenance and repairs should be affordable. Depreciation will be the main concern as the Kia badge inspires less confidence in the second-hand market compared to more established brands. Expect to see more depreciation than for reputable rivals like the Honda CR-V.
Value for Money
Kia has a clear-cut strategy with the Sportage: undercut all mid-size SUVs. No surprise, then, that the pricing is the main attraction, followed by the spacious interior. Beyond these, there is little more going for it though. Many will find the 2010 Kia Sportage to lack the expected quality, but for some the combination of attractive pricing and spacious SUV may prove irresistible.
Equipment
The 2010 Kia Sportage gets Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), dual airbags, Traction Control System (TCS), Radio/CD/MP3 player with six speakers, trip computer, keyless entry, power windows, roof rack, reverse sensors, fog lamps and 16-inch alloy wheels.
Environment
SUVs are not expected to be “green”, but if you are “green” at heart and yet still fancy a SUV, the 2010 Kia Sportage's reasonable fuel economy and commendable carbon dioxide emission level make it “greener” than many SUVs.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Attractive pricing
Spacious interior
Clear, user-friendly dashboard
Below-average handling
Cheap-feeling cabin materials
Lethargic engine performance
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