2008 KIA Sportage Review
8 Jul, 2008
19 Comments 
2008 KIA Sportage EX CRDi Review & Road Test
Functional, fun and financially feasible.
Model Tested:
- 2008 KIA Sportage EX CRDi 2.0 litre turbo diesel six speed manual - $32,490 (RRP)
Options:
- Metallic Paint $300; Limited Pack (Side & Curtain Airbags, Leather, Sunroof) $3000
Economic Engine, Decent Ride Quality, Improved Handling, Price
No Auto Available, Looks Beginning to Date, Lacks Brand Appeal
CarAdvice Rating: 
- by Matt Brogan
When last I reviewed the Kia Sportage mention was made that although it was a decent offering for the price, it would have been all the better for the want of a diesel option and ESP – I must have been channeling Nostradamus.
The Sportage EX CRDi now not only comes with standard ESP but also gains a sweet common rail turbo diesel engine which, thankfully, has helped curb the mid-sized Korean SUV’s drinking problem. Along with a few minor aesthetic refinements, most noticeably colour coded bumpers, the most current Sportage has managed, if only just, to stave off old age a little while longer.
Fortunately it’s not only the looks that have improved for the cheerful Sportage, a few other refinements make this year’s model a quieter, better handling car that is also safer, more confident and more economical than the petrol variant for a very modest increase in price.
Whilst on the outside the Sportage’s looks are far from inspiring, they are passable and practical, offering good all round vision from a cabin that has a reasonably attractive decor, albeit with extensive use of dark grey plastic. The seating is generously proportioned and comfortable (driver has eight way adjustment) and all controls and switch gear, despite being rather basic, are functional and fall to hand readily.
Motivated by a capable 2.0-litre, SOHC, turbo diesel engine producing a modest 103kW at 4000rpm and a decent 304Nm of torque from 1800rpm, Sportage is hardly what I’d call brisk performer, especially in the middle reaches. But thanks to a decent spread of gears from the new six-speed manual (no auto for diesel - yet), it is certainly very capable, especially at urban speeds, and allows it’s considerable mass to be hauled with enough pep to keep par with most similarly rivals - even when loaded to the hilt.
The engine is fairly quiet once warm and cruising is even quieter than the petrol model tested last time. Fuel economy too has improved dramatically and when compared to the 2.7-litre V6, which drank like the best man at a buck’s party, offers a far more rational approach to consumption with a combined figure of just 7.1L/100km. Best of all, it’s real world achievable and even around town my figures hovered in the low eight litre range.
Location: Home / SUV, Kia, Behind the Wheel, Diesel / ...
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(4 votes, average: 2.5 out of 5)
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July 8th, 2008 at 6:55 am
Another very good car from a Korean company which along with Hyundai are heading to the top.
Cheers !
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July 8th, 2008 at 9:52 am
Modest 103 kW? you don’t get any more from VW 2.0 tdi in mid spec,although VW do have a bit more torque.
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July 8th, 2008 at 10:13 am
Why bother with Korean junk, I would rather buy a skateboard for transport, more reliable and you don’t have to worry about wearing “I’m a tightarse” tag everyday.
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July 8th, 2008 at 10:42 am
LOL
Ac Cobra
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July 8th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Why bother with Korean junk, I would rather buy a skateboard for transport, more reliable and you don’t have to worry about wearing “I’m a tightarse” tag everyday.
What a totally dumb and ill informed comment AC.
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July 8th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Eyma Teapot is right, I don’t think it will be long before people stop referring to Korean cars as junk. They have come a long way and are still getting better.
That said if it was my money would go for the Diesel Suzuki or the VW if I could afford it.
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July 8th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Well Eyma, has your Korean made rocket had an overhaul yet, if not I have a spare Ryobi grass cutting engine ready, when you reach the end of your warranty and the original engine has blown give me a call I would be very happy to keep a KIA going for another 20,000Kms trouble free driving, sorry but no extended warranty I can’t trust any other KIA failing mechanicals that would connect to this Ryobi engine.
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July 8th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
ac cobra- Ford lovers in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. Ha ha hA.
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July 8th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Realcars I have no stones here, what about sticks I have plenty of them, won’t break the glass but still hurt when they make contact.
LOL HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
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July 8th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
I’d rather have the Hyundai version.
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July 8th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Im sorry but I thought you could now get a Diesel Tiguan for only $1000 more? Will anybody buy this now? Plus the Tiguans got an auto option. Its funny really because the same people that have european car prejudice (reliability, build quality…) often also have korean car prejudice but im sure theyll be happy with their CRV, Rav4, Outlander or Forester. Id prefer a Tuscon over this. It looks better and has the same mechanics. Oh and AC COBRA, give it a rest and go and test drive an i30. Then come back. If Korean cars are so crappy then why are there so many still on the roads that are over 10 years old?
PS. Im not someone that thinks that Korean cars are bad and definately not europeans.
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July 8th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
A/C I drove a hired auto getz recently with 170,000 on the clock.It was great to drive no rattles,nothing falling off it.The interior was a bit knocked around the hire car rep said they had it since new 2003 and apart from regular servicing that all they have done to it.Your just another stupid australian with redneck views.
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July 9th, 2008 at 10:05 am
Isnt the Hyundai version of the Kia Sportage the Tucson?
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July 9th, 2008 at 10:06 am
“Your just another stupid australian with redneck views. ”
May I ask where you are from Garry?
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July 9th, 2008 at 10:09 am
You know how everybody calls the TK Barina a death trap? I agree, but do you know that the current Hyundai Getz has also a 2 star ANCAP score the same as the TK Barina?
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July 9th, 2008 at 10:10 am
Ummmmmm……………Garry I would not call aussies stupid!
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July 13th, 2008 at 5:55 am
I live in Australia but the thing with me is that I finished High School starting to think with the comments on this website that 90% of the people here didnot.70% of Australians are fat,racist,rednecks and I forgot with little or no education,which means very very closed minded.
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July 31st, 2008 at 12:25 pm
HA, a/c I am proud to be a tight arse thanks. I mean, it sure is smarter than wasting money for what people at your level would term image. Is your job devoted to spreading ignorance, or are you always so stupid or is today a special occasion?
I don’t want to make a monkey out of you. Why should I take all the credit?
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September 8th, 2008 at 9:34 am
I’ve had Kia’s and hyundai’s in my family for many years now, and have found them to be the most reliable car going, as apposed to my fords and holdens and toyotas that I’ve also had, that always seem to break down.
I find my Brand new Sportage to be a fantastic car, and ya can’t beat the value for money, You get all the goodies standard, That ya have to pay extra on Suv’s worth alot more. Go Kia !!
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