The compact SUV segment, as we know, is a very competitive segment. Many, many vehicles in there, but also very popular with buyers. So why would you buy a Kia? Well, Kia obviously, traditionally goes on value, but here in this instance you're looking at something that's offering a bit more. You know, in terms of road manners, this is the most impressive Kia yet, showing that the Koreans really know how to do ride and handling, if not setting any benchmarks.
We know that the IX35 is mechanically identical under the skin, but there are differences to the way they drive. Basically the Kia is better. Of course, always the big question, do you go petrol or do you go diesel. In the Sportage's case, you definitely go diesel.you definitely got the better drivability from the enhanced torque.
Petrol engine, it's okay, but in terms of the class standards, it's lagging a little bit. car makers have made great strides with diesel engine development that are much cleaner than before. it's really a myth now that this is the stinky fuel and you might still get fer oil on your hands, at the petrol pump, unfortunately, but you know that's another area that's improving.
There's still definitely a perception gap out there amongst buyers about what Kia used to be, and what they are now. You know they used to be cheap cheap and cheerful, but that's really changing. We've seen a lot of development. The build quality is better, the interior quality is better and of course the styling, and in the types of care with Peter Schreyer, the man behind the TT, doing a great job, just making all the Kias look, well, quite desirable.
It's difficult to argue against the Sportage on the sort of valley, all around package basis, but there are rivals out there that will deliver a sportier ride, better handling, so for a keener driver, you know, a Sportage is still not really the pick. The Sportage comes with an all-wheel drive system as well as a front drive version.
And of course if you're planning any off-road trips, you're really looking at dirt tracks only. You know, this is not fair thinking off roader. You know, but that's something that applies to all this cars in this segment. One of the other big pluses with Kia is that they offer a five year warranty with this vehicle.
That's two years longer than the norm. But there are a number of rivals that are worth considering over the Sportage. There's the Mazda CX7, there's the Subaru Forester, and perhaps the Nissan X-Trail.
