The Korean auto industry is developing rapidly. At the beginning of the century, the creations of Korean engineers were treated not only with caution, but even with neglect. Now the situation is different. Korean automobile brands have to reckon with Korean cars, and among buyers, no one is afraid of Korean cars. Today we look at Kia Sportage, which reviews are more than positive.
First generation
The first version of the car was basically a frame, the car belonged to the class of SUVs. A noteworthy fact: at the start of sales of the first generation, this Korean crossover was assembled in Germany, and only after some time the production was moved to South Korea. The first generation was produced in a limited series - it was a convertible.
Second generation
The next Kia Sportage, reviews of which make it almost a brand legend, was collected in South Korea and in Kaliningrad. The second generation of the car lost its frame body structure and the car automatically switched from the SUV class to the crossover class. The second generation underwent two external improvements in 2007 and 2008.
Third generation
The next generation car was presented at the Geneva Motor Show in 2010. The car was assembled in South Korea, Russian Kaliningrad and Slovakia. Four years later, the car was restyled. The changes affected not only the exterior and interior, but also the chassis. In Russia, this car is usually found on the roads in dirty orange or bright blue versions. There are other colors, but these two became just hits for Russia.
Fourth generation
The newest generation of Kia Sportage, reviews of which are mostly positive, has been produced since 2015. The car looks very modern and stylish. The model is offered with three gasoline and three diesel engines.
It is worth saying that modern diesels are very picky about dubious Russian fuel, but what about this moment with the new Kia Sportage diesel? Owner reviews do not talk about problems with the fuel system, but experienced car owners recommend refueling at proven gas stations.
Engines
As we have already said, the manufacturer offers six power units. Half of them are gasoline, the other half is diesel. The most budgetary gasoline version of the engine has a volume of 1.6 liters with a capacity of 132 hp, the second engine has the same volume, and its power was raised to 177 hp using a turbocharger. The largest atmospheric gasoline engine has a volume of 2 liters, the power of this power unit is 150 hp.
Now let's talk about diesel engines. The smallest of them with a volume of 1.7 liters has a power of 116 hp, followed by a two-liter diesel engine of 2.0 liters and 136 hp, a top-end turbocharged diesel engine has the same volume (2 liters), but its power is raised to 185 hp, car fuel consumption varies from 7 to 10 liters per hundred, depending on the engine.
The model with a powerful diesel engine behaves most interestingly on the road. Good torque and power reserve make the Kia Sportage frisky and even a little cheeky. Diesel reviews about the most powerful engine get extremely enthusiastic. The car is available with a front drive axle, but there is also an all-wheel drive version of the car.
Transmission
With the proposed options for the power plant Kia, we have already met, now it's time to talk about the transmission. There are three options that Koreans offer their customers. The first option is a six-speed manual. The second option is a six-speed automatic. The third option (the most top-end equipment) is a seven-speed DCT gearbox (a robot with two clutches).
If we talk about the Kia Sportage DCT box, reviews indicate that Russian model fans are trying to choose the first two transmission options. It is objectively difficult to say about the quality of the seven-speed DCT gearbox.
Kia Sportage: owner reviews
It's time to talk about the real experience of owning a car. Vivid advertisements and statements by manufacturers are one thing, and feedback from car owners is another. I must admit that the car found itself in our country. On the roads, it is not uncommon. It is unlikely that you will find a motorist who has never heard or seen Kia Sportage. There are so many reviews about the model that it will not be difficult to put together a general picture about the car.
The most interesting thing is to get an opinion on the most powerful diesel engine, which works in tandem with the automatic transmission. There are almost no complaints about the power unit and transmission, but it is worth noting that the fourth-generation model is still young.
Of course, there are almost no cars without weak points, but there is still something to complain about. If we talk about weaknesses, then about Kia Sportage reviews of owners with shortcomings are devoted to poor visibility due to powerful struts. Also, owners do not really like small rear-view mirrors, which quickly get dirty due to poorly thought out aerodynamics of the body. For the same reason, the rear window is quite easily soiled, which gets dirty when driving on the highway.
The crossover suspension is the subject of controversy. Someone calls her too tough, someone likes her. In this matter, the truth will not be found until you ride on this car. Suspension is a matter of habit and taste of each car owner. Someone likes it harder and more stable, someone likes smoothness and softness.
Some potential buyers are afraid to buy a Kia Sportage with a gun. Reviews about the transmission are not negative, the buyer’s fears are most likely connected with distrust of the entire Korean auto industry, which have not yet completely dissipated.
In addition, in Russia a certain group of people (mainly age-related drivers) are afraid of automatic transmission, like fire, they consider it unreliable, a source of increased fuel consumption. Of course, this is nonsense, but so far this opinion is still in the ranks of motorists.
Let's say a few words about the salon. The driver's seat is a little peculiar, but lovers of high landing will like this approach. Inside, the effect of a low ceiling was created, but in fact it is not critically low, just visually it puts a little pressure on the driver. The dashboard design belongs to fashionable Asian trends. Everything is done stylishly, in Korean, with smooth lines. It looks fresh, but lovers of world classics, unfortunately, do not appreciate it.
The quality of the plastic in the cabin is decent - this is a medium-hard material: not soft, but not hard. Traditionally, “crickets” lived in Korean cars, they will live in the new Kia Sportage, but they can be overcome with the help of folk wisdom and ingenuity.
Summarizing
Kia Sportage looks sporty, with a touch of brutality. In appearance, it seems very passable, but in fact it is better not to climb into it in the mud. This is a city dweller who is not afraid of the paved roads of Russia. It is not ideal at some points, but ideal and does not exist. This is a practical car that is worthy of attention: it will not be a "star" of car services.
If your soul lies with this crossover, then do not look for the truth in the reviews - take the car and enjoy the ride.