Kia Sportage 2015 Car Auto Review

Kia Sportage 2015 Car Auto Review

Kia Motor Kia Sportage X Auto

Unknown 8:54:00 AM Add Comment

When crossover SUVs hit the mainstream, the Nissan Qashqai was the poster boy, but, alongside the Qashqai were models like this, the Kia Sportage. This crossover has been an integral part of the south Korean-manufacturers success in the UK over the last few years, along with models like the Picanto city car and Rio supermini. With a minor facelift back in 2014, the Sportage is in its third-generation, and judging by the sheer amount of them you will have seen on the road, it’s clear to see that it’s Kia’s bestseller. I just want to start by showing off the Sportage’s practicality, which is really important as some vehicles in the crossover segment tend to forget this and go for style over substance. The boot for example offers 564 litres with the seats up and 1,353 with the seats down, meaning its bigger than the Honda CR-V – it’s just a shame those seats down fold flat. Still, very practical. 

Sitting in the back feels more like a large saloon than an SUV as there is plenty of space from head to toe, particularly important if you plan on going on long distance journeys. Inside, the Sportage is pretty swarve. It may not quite have the German manufacturing edge of VW or Audi, but you’ll pay a premium for that anyway. On a whole, the materials used are good quality and the dashboard layout is very logical. Standard Sportage models come with essentials like Bluetooth and air con, as well as luxury features like cruise control and leather trimmings. The flagship KX-4 model we have has a handy 7-inch touchscreen with sat nav and a reversing camera display as well as a panoramic sunroof. There is even a parallel park assist system which analyses your surroundings and steers the car for you, which is a bit strange at first, but, it really does work. Right, enough of the robotics, let’s do some actual driving. 

Just like the Hyundai ix35 that it shares its blueprints with, the Sportage is very much built for comfort, with a supple suspension that makes everything from city to motorway driving a breeze. What it fails to offer though is high levels of engagement as the steering lacks feedback and weighting. There’s also a fair amount of body roll when you chuck it into corners and the diesel engines can be noisy. But before we get too critical, let’s not forget, the Qashqai hasn’t really got the X factor in the driving dynamics department either and in fact, apart from the likes of the Ford Kuga, crossover SUVs tend to struggle when it comes to excitement behind the wheel. Although there is an entry-level 1.6-liter petrol with 133bhp available, it is the diesel options that will most likely get people’s attention, and these come in two forms, a 1.7-litre and 2.0-liter. With power outputs including 114, 134 and 181bhp, it is pretty easy to find a diesel to suit you. It is however a bit disappointing that the most efficient engine, which is the 114bhp 1.7-litre diesel, emits 135g/km and returns a claimed average of 54mpg. 

This still remains the best overall pick in the engine range though. If you really want to spruce your Sportage up, then there is an AWD model available with the 181bhp 2.0-litre diesel, which is what we are testing. This will allow you to explore more of the countryside, with the ability to split power evenly between all four wheels, so you don’t slip in the mud, along with a hill descent assist feature. Word of advice though, go for the manual box, because the automatic is rather sluggish when changing in-between gears. While the Sportage might lack some driving excitement, its good levels of kit, impressive practicality and comfort definitely warrant it a place on your shopping list of crossover SUVs. It’s also cheaper than the Nissan Qashqai and Ford Kuga, plus you get Kia’s seven-year warranty, which in itself is worth a great deal, especially if you’re a family car buyer. But has the Sportage’s tiger-nose face won you over?

Kia Soul EV 2015 Car Auto Review

Kia Soul EV 2015 Car Auto Review

Kia Motor Kia Soul EV X Auto

Unknown 8:45:00 AM Add Comment

Yeah!, we are on Electric Avenue, which can mean only one thing, we have got our hands on yet another electric car this time the Kia Soul EV. Unlike many of its competitors like the Nissan LEAF and BMW i3, the Soul EV is based on a conventionally powered car with the addition of a few design tweaks and, of course, a zero emissions powertrain. Exterior wise, there are some unique 16-inch alloy wheels with low rolling resistance tyres, additional cladding on the front bumper and, if you want to be smug about your environmental awareness, a unique two-tone Caribbean blue paint job. 

First thing you may notice is that you don’t get a conventional gearstick. Instead you get a similar set-up to an automatic, with a selector lever with Park, Drive, Neutral, Reverse and Regenerative Braking option, a feature we’ll come back to that later. You will also notice these stylish white highlights, another unique feature of the EV model and its details like this that helped the Soul EV grasp a Red Dot design award. Space and practicality all-round is pretty much as generous as the standard Soul, so if you want more details click the link here to be taken to the review. Anyway, let’s get going. Turning on the engine, or battery in this case, is as easy as pressing a button. When you do, you will hear some brief melodic music, then you are ready to go. 

As with every electric car the drive is almost silent. Also, put your foot down when stopped at the lights or going around 10/15 mph and the 109bhp on tap will thrust you forward quite vigorously, although this surge of energy eases at about 30 or 40mph. Still, the Soul EV is good for a zero to 60mph sprint time of 10.8 seconds. It will also go on to a top speed of 90mph. As the Soul EV is always trying to preserve energy, you can feel the car’s breaks pulling back and trying to regenerate energy every time you take your foot off the accelerator, kind of like a giant elastic band – and this can take some getting used to. Now, Kia claims you can get a 132 mile range out of the Soul EV, but, let’s be honest, you’re going to struggle to get that. Realistically, you should manage an average of around 90 miles in day-to-day driving – but this will fluctuate depending on traffic, the roads you use and the outside temperature. 

As the Soul EV’s 27kWh battery is slightly more powerful than the Leaf’s 24kWh battery, you should get slightly better range, but nothing worth shouting about. This brings me on to its charging. All you do is click the switch to open this little hatch on the front bumper and then plug it in. Depending on your location, will depend on which port you plug in, as there are essentially three different ways you can charge – each offering a different time scale. The simplest is to plug into a conventional household plug socket – and this will take around 11 to 14 hours to fully charge. Obviously, that is a long time, so those in a rush can use a fast charge station, which you will find in many cities and can also be installed at your home. And this will fully charge the car in around 4-5 hours. If you simply cannot wait that long, then there is the rapid charger, which you will find at motorway service stations. These can give you an 80 per cent charge in just over 30 minutes. A handy feature for those who are charging at home is this scheduling screen. So, if you know you are going to be out of the house for a day or two but don’t want your car using unnecessary electricity, you can schedule it accordingly. 

When you are pottering about in the Soul EV, there are loads of features inside for you to be aware of, most of which help when it comes to efficiency and range. These include a display with an average speed check, a cool 3D sat nav that shows you the location of your nearest charging point, and there is even a battery consumption screen, showing you how much energy you are using. There is also the regenerative breaking mode. Usually electric cars just do this automatically, but Kia give you the option to really optimise it. When you pull the gear lever down to B, you will slowly but surely roll to a stop, kind of like pulling a gradual, super-efficient handbrake. In terms of driving dynamics, there is not much difference between this and the standard Soul. In fact, as it has 278kg of additional weight low down, the Soul EV actually feels sturdier, especially in the corners. But, if you are specifically after an electric car that is fun to drive, then there’s no question, go for the BMW i3. No emissions, means no tax or London Congestion charge to pay. No petrol or diesel means all you have to worry about is a small addition to your electricity bill. And you still benefit from Kia’s acclaimed seven-year/100,000 mile warranty. However… even after the £5,000 government grant, the Soul EV is still almost twice as expensive as the standard Soul model. And there are even some charging stations, particularly the rapid chargers, that are billing people for using them up to £7.50 for a 30 minute charge in fact. But would you still consider going electric? 

Kia Soul 2015 Car Auto Review

Kia Soul 2015 Car Auto Review

Kia Motor Kia Soul X Auto

Unknown 4:53:00 AM Add Comment

This is the new Kia Soul, and just like its predecessor it offers the same mush-mash appeal of hatchback and SUV, ultimately earning it a crossover name tag and a place on the hit list of rivals like the Nissan Juke. So what’s changed, well, on the outside there have been a few design tweaks, like this reworked front-end and it now sits lower than before, giving it a sportier appeal. However, it is now longer and wider than before, making it more practical. And I think that in this paint-job and with the floating roof effect, it actually looks rather charming. Anyway, let’s start by jumping in the back. 

The best way to describe the space back here is that it’s like a mini bus. I mean buckle up, and there is room to slouch, relax, and even put your feet under the seat in front of you. There is also plenty of space for a middle passenger. Coming around to the boot, it’s not massive, but it has been improved over the last model, as the opening is now 62mm wider and there has been a storage increase of four per cent, bringing its total up to 354 liters, which just pips the Nissan Juke by four liters. The seats also fold down to allow for up to 1,367 liters of storage space. Now, on to the cabin. It is clear that the new Soul has a more upmarket feel than the previous model, especially when it comes to the materials used. Even things like these quirky speakers just seem to give it more character. Kit is also in abundance as every model comes with DAB digital radio, air-con and USB connectivity. And when you start climbing up the trims you can make the Soul quite lavish.

I mean one of the top trims we have, Mix, comes with sat-nav, Bluetooth and the cool two-tone paint job. Essential storage compartments are also on offer, with cup holders, decent sized door bins, and convenient places for your spare change and house keys. So far, so good. Now let’s take it out on the road. Like any other Kia, the Soul has an easy to drive feel about it thanks to its light controls, including its gearbox. Other reassuring and comfortable elements include great all-round visibility, which is in part thanks to its huge wing mirrors, and a high SUV-like riding position.

There is also great insulation in the cabin from the outside world, and you can actually use Bluetooth on the motorway without having to scream down the phone. When it comes to drive quality it behaves itself in the corners and won’t do anything unexpected, but you will find it hard to have any amount of fun. Also, I recommend you stick to Normal mode when driving, as the weighting of the electable Comfort and Sport modes can feel a little artificial. The suspension is also on the firm side, which although it has been improved over the last model, it’s still not as comfortable as that of the Renault Capture or Peugeot 2008. Engine wise, there are two conventional units to choose from, a 1.6-liter petrol and a 1.6-liter diesel. We are driving a 126bhp version of the diesel and it’s not too bad when it comes to cruising along, but you will have to go above two and a half thousand revs to actually get some decent pull from it.

And although the diesel trumps the petrol for efficiency, it’s hardly class leading, returning an average of around 56mpg and this particular model emits 132g/km of CO2. Something like the Nissan Juke 1.5-litre diesel is much more efficient. But, if efficiency is your prerogative in the Soul, then fear not, as there is also a full electric model on offer. What the Kia Soul lacks in on-road finesse, it makes up for with its welcoming, comfortable and practical interior. Its price tag is also very appealing, as it starts from less than the Nissan Juke, and Renault Capture, and Peugeot 2008, and Vauxhall Mokka. And, of course, let’s not forget about Kia’s seven-year/100,000 mile warranty, which I’m sure will give family car buyers great peace of mind. So, has the Soul’s personality charmed you?

Kia Sorento 2015 Car Auto Review

Kia Sorento 2015 Car Auto Review

Kia Motor X Auto

Unknown 3:51:00 AM Add Comment

Kia is one of the finest examples of how a brand can reinvent itself and up its game dramatically in a very short period of time. Just take a look at the new third-generation Sorento 4x4. As it now sits longer and wider than before, it offers more practicality, but its improvements in build quality and driving dynamics are what stand out the most. And in terms of looks, its design may not be overly adventurous, but you can’t deny that its tiger-nose front-grille is eye-catching. So what’s it up against, well as it’s a large 4x4 it is looking to challenge anything from brand’s such as Land Rover and Volkswagen. The first thing you will probably notice in the cabin is this new dashboard topper which shouts premium saloon. 

And this up-market feel is met with loads of soft-touch materials scattered around. The infotainment set-up has been injected with some 21st century zest as well, with this silver trim neatly packing the touchscreen and buttons together. As with Kia’s other current infotainment systems this is brilliantly responsive and ridiculously easy to use. The only thing we are not of fan of though, is the way the climate control buttons below seem to bulge outwards. Speaking of climate control, there is only one trim you are ever really going to want and need for that matter, the second trim-up, KX-2, which is what we have here. You get dual air-con, heated seats, a reversing camera and of course, this seven-inch touchscreen system, which comes with sat-nav. Increased dimensions means more passenger and storage space, not that it was a problem in the last model. 

As you can see there is plenty of space for passengers in the first row, and the second row is pretty good as well and average-sized adults should be happy enough. To be honest, with the ability to slide this middle row back and forth, you will find a combination that works for all passengers. If you have all seven seats in place then boot space is minimal at 140 liters. However, fold this back row away and there is a massive 605 liters. Fold the other row of seats away and there is 1,662 liters. It’s not class leading, but it is impressive. The Sorento is definitely a milestone for Kia when it comes to driving dynamics and refinement. The steering for example feels much more connected to the front wheels than any other Kia, getting rid of that sometimes elastic feel and replacing it with better feedback. This reassurance is particularly important when you consider the size of the Sorento and how narrow British roads are. As well as it being more engaging to drive, comfort is also top notch as its insulation from the likes of wind and road noise is excellent, visibility is good all-round and the cushioned suspension can easily handle unpredictably bumpy British roads. As with most cars this size, you will get body roll if you swerve it into corners at speed, but if that’s the kind of driving you are looking to do… then you shouldn’t be looking at a Sorento. 

The engine line-up couldn’t be simpler. There is just one on offer, a 2.2-liter turbo-diesel with 197bhp. Sometimes cars of this size can feel a little lethargic regardless of how much horsepower is under the bonnet, but the Sorento certainly has a bit of personality and oomph about it, and it feels much nippier than its 0-62 sprint time of 9 seconds suggest. The only choice when it comes to power-train se-up is whether you go for manual or automatic, with fuel economy being the key variables here. In real-world driving, the manual will return around 40mpg, with the auto slightly lower at around 30 to 35mpg. Par for the course really. Its lowest CO2 figure of 149g/km is impressive though, compared to its 4x4 competition anyway. You hear the term game-changing quite a lot in the car industry, but it certainly applies to the Sorento. Whereas some of Kia’s models merely meet the threshold of the competition, the Sorento stands out as genuinely impressive and has carved itself a solid spot as an upmarket 4x4. And I haven’t even mentioned its price yet.

It starts from just under £30,000, which is a couple of grand cheaper than the Land Rover Discovery Sport and almost 15 grand cheaper than a Volkswagen Touraeg. But do you think the Sorento is worthy of Land Rover and VW competition? 

Kia Rio 2014 Car Auto Review

Kia Rio 2014 Car Auto Review

Kia Motor Kia Rio X Auto

Unknown 1:48:00 PM Add Comment

The Rio may not be such an obvious super-mini buy as something like the Ford Fiesta, but that’s not to say this tiger-nose wearing model should be underestimated. There’s its decent kit levels, practicality and of course Kia’s sought after seven-year warranty. So, for those who may find the likes of the Ford Fiesta, Renault Clio and Vauxhall Corsa too commonplace you might want to give the Rio a whirl. The 1.4-liter diesel we’re testing offers a decent balance of power and CO2, using 89bhp and 105g/km. It also claims to return around 70mpg. However, the most efficient engine is the 1.1-litre diesel, emitting just 85g/km with fuel economy of around 88mpg. The 1.4 diesel hasn’t got much pull to it though, and you have to venture towards the red line on the rev counter to bring it to life, meaning its 0-60 sprint of just under 14 seconds can feel rather sluggish.

The weighting of the steering is nice and light in the Rio, meaning it’s great for maneuvering urban environments and parking, but it’s also a bit vague, feedback wise, making it less fun and assuring than the Fiesta on winding country roads. Its suspension is quite firm though, which does stop it rolling in the corners, but the payoff is a slightly unsettled and bumpy ride. For those wanting to jump in at entry level, do not fear, as all models come with some handy essentials like MP3 compatibility, an easily adjustable driving position and front electric windows. The slightly pricier ‘1 Air’ trim ads air-con. The mid-range ‘3’ trim that we have is well armed with comfort features like leather trimmings, heated front seats and automatic air conditioning. 

Overall build quality is really good as well, with everything feeling well bolted together, although materials aren’t quite as plush as you’ll find in a VW Polo. A few features seem a bit dated as well, like this radio display, which is a shame as these cockpit-like switches are really cool. But, there are still loads of storage compartments, including this little cabby which is surprisingly useful for things like keys, spare change and sunglasses. The cabin feels very airy as well and this continues into the back. The plentiful leg and headroom in the back gives you the feeling that you are sat in something like the Ford Focus, which is great. 

There is also the availability of three and five door body styles, with the latter obviously helping when it comes to getting in and out or fitting child seats. Size wise, the Rio’s boot offers 288 liters, which is on par with the Fiesta. However, it can be a little challenging to lift things over this large lip. The seats do however lie quite flat, making it easier to store long items. The Rio is hardly what you would call exciting, but many of those looking for a super-mini will want decent practicality, efficiency and arguably good levels of kit. 

The Rio definitely has those in spades. It also has the added benefit of a seven-year warranty, and a lower price tag than the Fiesta. But what do you think? Would the Rio get your vote?