Road Test: 2013 Kia Sportage SX

Story and photos by John LeBlanc If evolution is supposed to improve the breed, how did we end up with the crossover-utility vehicle? Taller, heavier, thirstier and less cargo-accomodating than the station wagons they’ve essentially replaced, here we are 13 years into the 21^st century and there are more crossovers on new car dealer lots than sales folks in plaid suits. So until the day younger buyers naturally rebel against what their parents drove and start asking for station wagons again, if you’re looking for a practical, five-passenger family hauling machine, you’re stuck with the compromise called a crossover. And although practically every automaker has one in their lineup, some are better than others. If all you’re looking for is practical and fuel-efficient crossover, try the Honda CR-V. If you want more luxury, performance and prestige, pop for an Audi Q5. But what if you have Audi tastes yet working with a Honda budget? For that unique request, let me present the 2013 Kia Sportage SX. Haven’t you heard? Korea’s Kia is moving uptown, which is why the Kia Sportage SX is a viable alternative to not only a direct rival like the Volkswagen Tiguan, but also low-end versions of upscale compact crossovers like the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLK and Volvo XC60. I can understand if you’re a bit confused with Kia’s brand positioning. It’s been targeting the Japanese since fellow Korean automaker Hyundai saved the struggling automaker at the turn of the last century. But in a decade when the likes of Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Toyota, Suzuki have been struggling to regain their 1990s’ mojo, Kia’s momentum has given the chiefs back in Seoul enough confidence to look east, to Europe, where small, feature-filled crossovers are a hot commodity. Although loosely based on the same mid-sized Kia platform that also supports the Optima sedan, compared to the larger Kia Sorrento (which has an optional third row of seats to accommodate seven), the third-generation Sportage crossover is more tightly wrapped and enthusiast oriented. Base versions of the 2013 Sportage start at $23,645 (all prices include transportation and pre-delivery inspection). At that price point, Sportages come with a less-than-enthusiastic, 176-horsepower 2.4-litre four-cylinder, a six-speed manual gearbox and power only at its front wheels. While even lower-end Sportages are more fun to drive than their Japanese rivals, it’s the top-line SX version that I recently drove that should scare German brand compact crossover sales folks right out of their plaid pants. As usual, Kia plays the value card with the $39,045 Sportage SX. Standard gear includes a premium sound system, panoramic roof, 18-inch alloy wheels, ventilated driver's seat, navigation and a voice-activated infotainment system. The lowest priced competitor is the 2013 VW Tiguan Highline. It rings in at $41,350. Comparable luxury brand crossovers are thousands of dollars more. The topline SX comes standard with all-wheel drive, a six-speed autobox and a de-tuned version of the 2.0L, turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder that's also available in the Optima SX family sedan. From the same amount of displacement, the Kia's turbo four delivers more horsepower (260 hp vs. 200 hp) and torque (269 lb-ft vs. 207 lb-ft) than the Tiguan Highline, but scores similar fueleconomy estimates (10.3 L/100 km in the city and 8.1 on the highway, compared to 9.6 and 7.4, respectively, for the VW). In full-on SX form, the Sportage mops the floor of every one of its Asian rivals when it comes to its sporty driving demeanor. Equipping a small crossover with such a robust mill, the new SX also sports the most driver-oriented suspension setup in the Sportage lineup. Similar to the Optima SX sedan, Kia has outfitted two-stage shock absorbers, so its suspension delivers a controlled and comfortable ride on the highway, but also remains relatively flat in hard cornering. Compared to lesser Sportages, the SX's steering is much more resilient off-centre — just the type of feedback enthusiasts are looking for. In the utility department, the Sportage loses out to larger mid-sized crossovers. But it does offer more passenger room (2,832 litres vs. 2,698 L) and cargo room behind its second-row seats (740 L vs. 673 L) than the tighter-fitting Tiguan. As good as the Kia crossover is when compared to pricier alternatives, it has one flaw: its interior fittings. Compared to the Tiguan, the Sportage SX’s cabin is a sea of dull-looking black plastics. There are few details that delight. And while all the driver controls are quite functional, and the location of the steering wheel, pedals and shifter are quite agreeable, the Kia’s mainstream roots show up most obviously once you climb inside. However, until Kia starts selling an Optima station wagon, it’s hard not to consider the 2013 Sportage SX as one of the least comprised crossovers you can buy, especially if you like to drive. Road Test: 2013 Kia Sportage SX Type of vehicle All-wheel-drive compact crossover Engine 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder Power 260 hp @ 6,000 rpm; 269 lb-ft of torque @1,850 rpm Transmission Six-speed automatic Brakes Four-wheel disc with ABS Tires P235/55R18 Base price/as tested $37,395/$37,395 Destination charge $1,650 Transport Canada fuel economy L/100 km 10.3 city, 8.1 hwy, 10.8 as-tested Standard features Dual-zone automatic climate control with filtration, power locks, windows and heated mirrors, power panoramic sunroof, cruise control, eight-way power driver’s seat with adjustable lumbar, heated front seats, cooled driver’s seat, heated steering wheel, leather upholstery, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, smart key with push-button start, AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sirius satellite with USB/aux inputs, iPod cable, seven speakers and steering wheel-mounted controls, Bluetooth, navigation system with backup camera, rear wiper/washer, privacy cover, fog lights

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