I was driving the entry level Kia Sportage medium SUV, which is popular in fleets across Australia, and everyone kept asking, is that the electric one? I guess they were referring to the EV6 which has become the halo model for Kia Australia.
From the rear, the Sportage does have the same family styling as the EV6. And to the non-car person, it looks futuristic enough to be electric. So it’s not surprising that it won a Car of Year award locally because the looks alone are a clear winner.
Kia describe it as an SUV with a muscular aesthetic, modern design, and features that outperform, the all-new Sportage looks and feels like a true athlete. Fusing a long, extremely athletic body with an unstoppable attitude, the redesigned Sportage is the new benchmark medium SUV – visionary technology, distinctive design language, avant-garde space, and a powerful driving experience in one.
The Sportage model that was driven by the judges was the GT-Line which would be the popular novated lease model. From the outside, the base model (aka fleet poverty pack) looks just as good and has enough features on the inside to keep a road warrior happy.
So what does a road warrior need in a fleet car?
The things I liked about the Sportage S, and other base models from Kia, is the active safety package that is included across the range. You also get wireless Apple CarPlay and folding mirrors. These are the basics that will keep you safe while spending so much time on the road; allow some personalisation; and make your day more efficient.
Some extras I would like to see are climate control and keyless entry. These two things would make life on the road for a fleet driver a little bit more enjoyable.
There is also different in the powertrains between the models. The 2.0L MPI petrol that comes with the S and SX is adequate enough. I was practicing my eco-driving techniques most of the time I had the car so it was never out of its depth. However when challenged with a heavy right foot, it did feel overwhelmed (driven in Sports mode it’s a different engine but uses 20% more fuel).
The higher spec models (SX+ and GT-Line) come with the newer 1.6L-GDI turbo petrol engine which would be more responsive with 132 kW of power and 265 Nm of torque which is available lower down in the rev range. There is also a 2.0L CRDI diesel option which is available on all models which would eliminate any concerns about the powertrain.
In the rear, the boot is HUGE. More than enough space for a sales person, and perfect for weekend use with the family. The rear seats provide plenty of leg and head room with a low tunnel in the floor which makes the centre seat useable for teenagers (although a tad uncomfortable according to my three).
Storage in the front console is great with the Sportage passing the test which squeezes a tissue box, sunglasses, hand sanitiser and a few other accessories into the centre armrest compartment. There is also extra space next to the dual cup holders in the centre, and a spot for your phone in front of the gear selector near the USB-C, USB and 12V power outlets.
As a company car, the Sportage is perfect as a fleet vehicle. It ticks all the boxes including the driveway credibility.
