Kia Sportage SUV (2010-2014) - Interior & comfort
The Kia Sportage boasts an interior that’s quiet and well built, if not as stylish as the best that rivals can offer
The inside of the Kia Sportage is a big improvement over older Kias, thanks to a variety of soft-touch materials covering the dashboard and comfortable seats.
Kia Sportage dashboard
Although the dashboard is nicely designed, it doesn’t take long before you find some cheap-feeling switches and the odd bit of hard plastic. This shouldn’t be enough to put you off, though, as the Sportage feels genuinely well screwed together. It’s no surprise that Kia feels confident enough to offer a seven-year/100,000-mile warranty with all its new cars.
The seats impress slightly less, because they don’t offer as much support as you might hope. Although that’s no problem on short journeys, it might cause some backache on longer runs. At least the steering wheel adjusts up and down as well as in and out, while the driver’s seat adjusts for height.
Equipment
All models are loaded with standard equipment, but even entry-level cars have a high-quality feel. All cars benefit from a leather steering wheel and gearlever, air-conditioning, black cloth seats and all-round electric windows.
Upgrade to the Sportage 2 (or KX-2 if it has four-wheel drive) and you’ll add half-leather seats, a panoramic sunroof and tinted rear windows. The 3 and KX-3 models get full leather upholstery, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and heated front and rear seats. Top-spec KX-4 cars are the most luxurious, with even more to make the driver and passengers feel relaxed and comfortable.
From July 1, Kia will offer a limited edition trim called the Axis Edition. Just 1,200 models will be produced and will have a good amount of kit as standard. An Infinity sound system is included, along with satellite navigation with voice control. There's automatic headlights and wipers, and the front and outer rear seats are heated.
Options
Kia doesn’t really offer any options for the Sportage range, preferring to load its cars full of standard equipment. The only option in the traditional sense is a choice of paint colours, but there’s a range of accessories available from dealers, including kit such as floor mats, roof bars and a number of cosmetic tweaks.
