Test Drive: The new Kia Sportage GT-Line PHEV

On the Road: The new Kia Sportage GT-Line PHEV

Ian Lamming gets in a flap as he tries to refuel the latest Kia’s Sportage THE car needs fuel so I check the dashboard. Next to the fuel gauge’s bits of cheese there’s a handy arrow telling me which side my fuel filler is – so simple yet so effective, especially when you drive so many different vehicles.

It’s passenger side on the Kia Sportage so I pull up with the pump on the left. But as I climb from the driver’s seat to walk round, the filler flap is on the right. What’s going on, I ask myself in a grumpy fashion.

Is the dashboard telling me lies? Then, when I press it the flap opens to reveal an electrical socket reminding me that this particular Sportage is a plug-in hybrid. I’m glad it is as its not only more economical than the self-charging hybrid sibling but it’s more powerful too.

Power and economy, two of my absolute favourites. The other two are style and build quality and the latest Sportage scores highly in these keys areas as well. I still love the latest Sportage look because designers were brave enough to dispense with the usual facial aesthetic, where the headlights form the eyes and the grille a mouth.

It sets it apart and when I start to notice there are an awful lot them on today’s roads showing what a sales success they have been. We shouldn’t be surprised really because it has such a lot going for it. Sportage has kerb appeal thanks to radical looks and excellent proportions.

It looks strong and sturdy, like it would shrug off a direct hit from hurricane or a missile – and in today’s torrid world either is a possibility. Sportage is the perfect size, large enough to be accommodating for people and luggage but not too big to be unwieldy or intimidate drivers. Passengers are blessed with bags of internal space and the boot is huge, but it is easy enough to pilot along narrow country lanes and park in cramped towns.

Its size and proportions boost the driving dynamic which is excellent. The steering is sharp and well weighted, the suspension is set for comfort and control, so it will soak up the bumps but track confidently through the bends with little cabin roll. Grip is good too thanks to all-wheel-drive, so the chassis is eminently capable of handling the considerable amounts of power offered by the 1.6 litre turbo charged electric hybrid motor, which pumps out 241HP.

That makes it a quick car off the mark, strong in the mid-range for safe overtakes, a good hill climber and the perfect cruising tool on the motorway. The official MPG figure assumes the EV element is fully charged hence the combined figure of 235.4 miles per gallon. In reality it achieves 55mpg on the slow stuff which drops to 44mpg if you are mainly at motorway speeds.

Specification is off the scale too.

Sportage has everything you will need and even stuff you didn’t know you needed. The tech surrounds the large touchscreen, which runs seamlessly into a virtual dash. The good news is that the tech is easy to use so the driver shouldn’t be too distracted from looking ahead and the infotainment and sound system are excellent.

Competitively priced and with a seven year warranty, the Sportage provides an unflappable vehicle for anyone in the market for a family SUV. Fact File Sportage GT-Line PHEV

Engine: 1.6 petrol turbo plug-in hybrid Power: 241HP

0-62mph: 8.4 secs Top speed: 115mph

Combined MPG: 235.4 Transmission: six-speed automatic CO2 g/km: 27

Price: GBP41,575.00