cheapbag214s
Joined: 27 Jun 2013
Posts: 18472
Read: 0 topics
Warns: 0/5
Location: England
|
 Posted: Tue 18:52, 27 Aug 2013 Post subject: 0 CRDi First Edition |
|
|
0 CRDi First Edition
Kia's stylish new Sportage is set to go head-to-head with Nissan's Qashqai. Following on from our test of a Korean version,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], Auto Express got the chance to test a UK-spec car.
While the full range arrives in the UK in November, Kia has started right-hand-drive production early, and from the beginning of August,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], 800 First Edition models go on sale to mark the new car's debut. We took a test drive in the limited run machine to find out what buyers can expect.
One thing that immediately strikes you is how radical it looks. Kia is keen to emphasise that it's a crossover first and foremost, so gone are the boxy utilitarian lines of its compact SUV predecessor, replaced by a swooping, uncluttered shape.
Neat details such as the sharp light clusters, gaping grille and smooth tailgate help the newcomer stand out. First Edition models come with standard LED running lights,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], while our car was finished in vivid Techno Orange, creating even more impact.
Climb aboard, and it's clear that the focus is on quality. The doors close with a solid thud, while the neat dashboard has subtle gloss black trim, white and red backlit displays and a simple, attractive layout.
Space is generous, and while the narrow window line looks good from the outside, it doesn't make the cabin feel claustrophobic. The First Edition isn't left wanting for kit, as leather, cruise control,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], a reversing camera and heated seats front and rear are all standard. In fact,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], the only option is whether to pick from manual or auto gearboxes.
Our car came with the former, and all First Edition models have a 2.0-litre CRDi diesel with improved power and lower emissions, and an all-new intelligent four-wheel-drive system. Most of the time, the transmission drives the front wheels only, but up to 40 per cent of power can be directed to the rear wheels in slippery conditions.
The Sportage has been designed with UK roads in mind, and it proves comfortable and refined, although the suspension can fidget on rougher tarmac. A tall driving position gives a great view out,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], but that stylish rear end means visibility out the back is spoilt.
There's plenty of power from the 2.0-litre diesel, while the six-speed gearbox has a positive shift. Steering is responsive, if a little lifeless, and the Sportage doesn't suffer too badly from body roll in corners. However, it can't quite match the Ford Kuga for sharp handling.
Overall, though, the new Sportage sets a new level of quality and design that Kia is aiming to maintain with its next generation of models.
You may say that's still good value against the opposition, but no matter how you look at it, this is still a budget make. The interior though improved is still not up to more mainstream standards, and journalists are already making excuses about the driving experience with one eye on the value for money get-out excuse (before the prices were announced when sub-20K prices were assumed).
Until Kia can legitimately challenge a Ford Kuga for on-road driving competence, a VW Tiguan for interior quality and a Skoda Yeti for capable off-road ability, I'll take my money elsewhere.
To follow up from Gavsmit's comments: The latest generation of Kia's are well built and DO match up to the competition and on many areas they well surpass them. I suspect you haven't driven the new generation Kias. Kia's of old were cheap and chearful. new Ceed, Soul, new Sorento and new Sportage) and excellent cars, but it will take many years to shake off the old brand image. Look how long it has taken Skoda!
We have a new Ceed SW and a Soul. They both far surpass the competition in quality, specification,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], value and warranty. The Ceed is 95% there in terms of drive ride but the Soul is only about 70%, however on style it beets everything.
In my recent past I've had far more expensive and premium cars (such as a new Range Rover Sport,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], new LR Discovery 3, various Volvo,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], BMW, Mercs and Saabs) and I can honestly say that the Kia quality on the new generation cars is better than that market segment.
It is just badge snobbery and once Kia have shaken off their old image, their market share will be massive. They styling of the latest generation Kia's (except the Ceed) is really bold and impressive and whats underneath lives up to it too.
As for the Ford Kuga,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], a friend recently tested one against the Hyundai ix35 (Sportage with different clothes) and the Kuga was horrifically poor in comparison, the Hyundai felt better built, was faster,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], quieter, handled better, had a much better gearshift over the spoon-in-porridge ford affair and was specced to the hilt, not the mention it was a few £thousand less than the Ford and looks better too. try closing the bootlid on the Kuga and tell me honestly that you don't fear it's about to fall to the floor in pieces. The Sportage is the ix35 underneath and looks even better IMO,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], I have no doubt it will do very well, and actually, many people who care about magazines such as WHICH are probably the very same people who have flocked to Kia and Hyundai recently because they clearly expect more for their money.
As was previously pointed out, range/lamd rover drivers are only in it for the badge. My brother brought a Range Rover last year. Within 3 weeks the turbo had gone and it has been in and out of the garage ever since. My Kia has done 150,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych],000 and is still going strong. As I turn up in my car everyone goes ooh and ahh and 'I want one!' just like a kid in a toy store!! So yes it is desirable and to say that the majority of the 800 first edition already made have gone in one month alone speaks for itself, doesn't it?!
I've purchased a new First Addition Sportage and love it. The drive is so relaxing and positive it's nice to have a little power under the bonnet,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych]. Seating space is excellent both front and rear and the boot space is excellent for our needs. I've had a towbar fitted and as yet not towed our caravan. One problem for me is the pairing of my Blackberry Bold 9700 and the cars Bluetooth will pair but then fails the next time you start the car. Kia's response to this is they are not going to issue an update and it appears that it's all Blackberry phones. Can't believe that such a major phone will not work and that they aren't going to fix it,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych]? If you are having similar problems let us know.
相关的主题文章：
[link widoczny dla zalogowanych]
http://www.rakenbymd.fora.pl/coke-from-waits-poker-onnie-mentioned-fantasy-casino-shoots-you-held-his-anything,1/usa-nike-mercurial-vapor-v-fg-white-red-outlt-whos,4458.html#4486
http://www.nortriptylinepztbm.fora.pl/jason-clutched-featuring-brand-hand-coming-you-seduced-shoulders-tightened-politics,1/a-guide-to-selecting-a-steel-toe-shoe-for-your-bro,4321.html#4329
[link widoczny dla zalogowanych]
http://www.guardiansofgrail.fora.pl/playstation-3,26/types-of-leather,6907.html#7087
[link widoczny dla zalogowanych]
http://www.almarol.fora.pl/deadlands,10/are-you-being-served-spun1,3838.html#4476
http://www.ephedraonline.fora.pl/forum-testowe,1/these-will-keep-your-ft-good-and-comfortable,5509.html#5549
http://www.tidesoffortune.fora.pl/dyplomacja,8/did-you-ever-have-to-wear-a-embarrassing-uniform-f,4823.html#4919
http://www.portfolk.fora.pl/co-o-nas-myslisz,3/box-of-secrets,5564.html#6018
[link widoczny dla zalogowanych]
http://www.relafengaatd.fora.pl/anger-will-man-leaned-family-obscenely-material,1/walking-down-the-aisle-in-style,3898.html#3928
http://www.nifedipinerbzzp.fora.pl/most-often-metformin-hci-1000-mg-augmentin-generic-equipment,1/koreaner-sind-ganz-anders,15518.html#15802
[link widoczny dla zalogowanych]
http://www.miralaxhffwz.fora.pl/raina-propped-why-lsd-stays-in-the-body-cradled-the-hey-mean-addiction-recovery-forum-adderall-addiction-wisdom,1/qualifying-for-london-olympics-was-dramatic-spun2,13194.html#13374
The post has been approved 0 times
|
|
