In Review; Kia Sportage Diesel 2.0 CRDi

It’s definitely a nippy one this morning in Manchester! So it is very apt that we showcase this 4×4 crossover – the Kia SPORTAGE DIESEL ESTATE 2.0 CRDi KX-2 5dr Auto. 10 years ago, it is fair to say that Kia (and Hyundai) were very much the budget or value brand in the UK automotive industry; very few drivers would have considered driving the South Korean vehicles.

That was until Kia latched onto the booming SUV and crossover market in the UK with their Kia Sportage, which was essentially the first real competitor to the Nissan Qashqai in the mid-range crossover segment. With a 7-year warranty (and 5 for Hyundai) the brand has become one of the most popular and recognisable in the UK and this goes to show that with the right product, investment and quality, any manufacturer can grow in our car market.

The need for an SUV/crossover is very interesting. Economic circumstances have essentially created a situation where families need vehicles that serve a multitude of purposes – the cars need to be aesthetically pleasing, there needs to be generous levels of specification and there needs to be considered volume for the carrying of passengers and luggage (plus children!!). The MPV segment is simply less attractive as the cars are no longer consider stylish. Added to that is the obsession to have the elevated driving position which an SUV offers.

Over the next 2-3 years, we can see that most vehicles being supplied will fit into this amazing aspect of the car industry.

In terms of the car shown here, the 2.0 CRDi KX-2 5dr Auto Sportage, this is based on the following configuration:

· Metallic – Phantom black
· Premium cloth – Black
· 17″ alloy wheels

As you would expect from the Kia even this model (Kia work on a specification range of “1” – “5”) will meet most requirements. As standard you have rain sensing wipers, privacy glass, tinted glass, hill start assist, apple car play, Bluetooth, cruise control, reversing aid, 7” touchscreen with navigation and a parking camera, electric folding mirrors (and heated), steering wheel controls, automatic lights, LED lights, welcome home function, dual zone air condition, ambient lighting, temporary spare wheel, 17” alloy wheels and driver lumbar support.

If you want to upgrade your vehicle, you cannot add additional factory extras, you have to increase in the model range:

· The “3” adds an 8” screen, 19” alloys, leather upholstery, heated seats, JBL sound system;
· The “4” adds bi-xenon lights, heated steering wheel, ventilated seats, bling spot detection and a smart entry system; and
· The “5” adds smart park assist, power tailgate, wireless phone charger and two tone leather.

On the technical-side, the company-car drivers looking at Kia Sportage KX2 can note the P11d at £26,415.00 and the CO2 at 154g/km for calculation of benefit in Kind. For those looking to reduce tax exposure, consider the 1.7 2wd options for lower CO2. The 1995CC 6 speed engine shown here produces 134ps, 47.9 combined MPG and 0-62 times of 11.6 seconds. Service intervals are set at every 12 months or 20,000 miles, whichever lands sooner. With any annual servicing requirement, consider the cost difference between a driver-maintained and funder-maintained arrangement.

So would the Kia Sportage be your SUV leasing option of choice? Or would you be heading towards one of the many competitors – the Peugeot 3008, the Hyundai Tuscon, the VW Tiguan, Skoda Kodiaq or Renault Kadjar?

Let us know your thoughts!!

Click Here for the best deals on the Kia Sportage for either personal or business use available now from CarLease UK…