Sector: Crossover Price: €19,990–€42,190 Fuel: 4.6–7.6l/100km CO2: 119–177g/km

Stand the new Kia Sportage next to the outgoing model and there is an air of familiarity about it. Kia has sensibly kept the basic shape of the outgoing model, with the biggest changes to the front and rear ends. But take a closer look and it’s clear that the latest model is longer than its predecessor (most noticeably in the rear doors). It is 40mm longer with an additional 30mm in the wheelbase, giving more front and rear legroom. Width and height remain the same, although the floor has been lowered by 40mm, making it easier to get in and out of the car. The boot is slightly larger too and the rear loading height is 47mm lower.

Elsewhere, the door mirrors have been lowered and feature narrower plastic mounts while there are thinner A-pillar bases to improve visibility. At the rear the tailgate glass extends upwards further and the C-pillars have been narrowed, also benefitting visibility.

The previous four engines have all been revised to meet Euro 6 emissions limits and there is a new engine too, giving a choice of two petrol engines. The 132hp 1.6-litre direct injection GDi petrol engine (147-156g/km CO2) is joined by a turbocharged T-GDi variant (169-177g/km CO2), raising power to 177hp. The fleet favourite is likely to remain the 115hp 1.7-litre turbo-diesel with CO2 emissions from 119g/km. Finally there are two variants of the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel producing 136 and 185hp (184-201g/km CO2). A six-speed manual transmission is standard across the range, while the TGDi engine is available with a seven-speed dual clutch automated transmission (DCT). Both diesels are also available with a six-speed conventional automatic.

There’s a long list of driver assistance equipment and options, with availability depending on market, while all European markets have their own trim choices. There is one pan-European trim, the GT Line, first seen on the Optima last year, introducing a mid-spec option with additional equipment included in the price.

Quality takes a step forward with the new Sportage thanks to a stiffer body shell and better quality materials inside the cabin. The stiffer body shell brings better ride quality and reduced noise levels, while the steering gets the same treatment as the Optima with a servo motor re-positioned on the steering rack, which brings greater precision.

The 1.7CRDi model, offering the lowest emissions, is likely to be the fleet favourite, particularly where CO2 emissions-related tax schemes are in operation. CO2 emissions range from 119g/km to 124g/km. It’s a pleasant and refined drivetrain, except when extended – like most diesel rivals. Although the engine is available with the DCT transmission in the European-built Optima, that is not currently an option for the Korean-built Sportage, but it’s a possibility for the future.

The 1.6-litre T-GDi engine is a refined option but the higher CO2 emissions will rule it out for some fleet markets, with the greatest CO2 emissions in the range. The 2.0-litre diesel flagship with automatic transmission is a refined and comfortable cruiser, capable of taking on market leading rivals. In a brand-conscious market sector, that may not be enough to tempt rivals away from premium German manufacturers.

Design may prove to be the deciding factor for many potential buyers. The outstanding design of the previous model helped it to overcome a few shortcomings. The revised front may help to bring the Sportage into line with other Kia models, but it loses some of the distinctive design of its predecessor.

Verdict:

The new Sportage is a better car all-round than its predecessor with better ride and handling, lower noise levels and better quality materials and build quality. But it loses some of its design edge with the new front end.