AS WE ENTER spring, why not make a few changes to your life, starting with treating yourself to a new car? Now is a fantastic time to be in the market for a car, thanks to the usual new year bump in stock. 

The new generation Kia Sportage, an SUV that suits all budgets and is eco-friendly, is well worth your consideration when going car shopping. Consistently one of Ireland’s best-selling vehicles, it was voted ‘Irish Medium SUV of the Year’ at both the recent ‘Irish Car of the Year’ awards and ‘AA Car Awards’, for 2023. 

Interested in learning more? Check out this review from a reader who took a Kia Sportage for a week-long test drive.

What stood out to you about the car’s interior and exterior appearance?

Regarding the exterior, what I noticed first was the sheer size of the car along with some other favourites of mine, 18” inch alloy wheels and tinted windows. As for the interior of the car, I loved how much space I had in the driver’s seat and the leather seats with heat warmers. When I started the engine, the seat moved forward automatically to adjust my height to the pedals and steering wheel.  

Paddy McGrath Paddy McGrath

How was your experience of driving the car? 

My experience was amazing. It is very different from driving a smaller 1.2L vehicle. The internal features such as the heated seats, heated steering wheel, cruise control, and onboard computer made my experience very comfortable and smooth.

Based on your test drive of the Plug-In Hybrid version, how did you find the refuelling/charging process of the vehicle? 

I found it extremely useful that I could drive in fully electric mode for up to 70 kilometres so the fuel wasn’t being used at all. The battery holds its charge very well and you are told approximately how many kilometres of power you have left.

What technology features did you use and how was your experience with them? 

The Lane Assist without a shadow of a doubt. Especially when driving at night and you may sway slightly off and you feel a turn keeping you in the lane. 

What is your favourite feature of the car? 

Without a doubt, the lane assist and heated steering wheel. Perfect for a winter’s day. 

If you drove with passengers, what comments did they make about the car?

I had one passenger in the car and they felt that it drove very smoothly. They loved two features in particular: how quiet the engine of the car was and the clarity and range of the headlights as we were driving down a country road at night. 

Did you experience any drawbacks to the car? 

Some of the internal pieces of the car feel a little plastic and for such a brand-new, impressive high-end vehicle, I also wished the armrest was more mobile. It was fixed in the same position. 

If you were to recommend the car, what areas would you highlight to a friend? 

The smooth drive of the car, the heated steering wheel, and the onboard computer offering a range of items. 

If you could, what changes would you make to the car?

I would make adjustment changes to the armrest, and replace some of the plastic feeling interior of the car with alternative materials.

We want to thank Scott Curtis for this honest review of the Kia Sportage. To find out how you can get your hands on the Kia Sportage head over to their website here. Availability and stock is strong for 2023 so book your test-drive today.