| First Drive | Zilina, Slovakia | Kia Sportage 2WD |

Kia's Sportage range has increased with two new engines, front-wheel drive and stop-start technology to improve economy and emissions.

In the Metal

We've commented on the new Sportage before, driving the limited number First Edition model earlier in the year. What we said then stands now: the Sportage looks great, with its edgy, strong lines making it stand out in the growing crossover marketplace. It's pleasingly chunky without looking bloated or overweight. Kia's new design direction is very appealing indeed.

The same is true inside; the flimsy, cheap looking and feeling plastics of old replaced by a higher quality interior. The Sportage offers mainstream appeal and equipment levels are generous - whether you're choosing the entry-level 1 trim or range-topping 3 with satnav.

What you get for your Money

Kia's usual stellar seven-year warranty and a load of standard equipment mark out the Sportage. The base level 1 trim comes with air conditioning, LED running lights, a leather steering wheel, alloy wheels, Bluetooth connectivity, iPod connection, cornering lights, cruise control and fog lights among its standard kit. Step up to 2 and you gain part leather upholstery, roof rails and privacy glass. Range-topping 3 gets heated, leather covered front and rear seats, dual-zone climate control and 18-inch alloy wheels among its comprehensive kit list.

Driving it

Two new engines are offered, expanding the Sportage's engine range to four. One's a 1.6-litre petrol, the other a 1.7-litre turbodiesel. Both are smooth and willing, but it's the diesel that impresses most thanks to its easier nature on the road. It's refined too, and doesn't feel like the poor relative to the larger 2.0-litre turbodiesel in terms of performance. The 1.7-litre CRDi's 11.9-second 0-62mph time demonstrates that, it being just a single second slower than the larger 2.0-litre unit. It's more refined, too.

The loss of four-wheel drive with both engines makes no difference on the road. You might miss it when it snows, but otherwise the Sportage is a capable, comfortable family car. The steering is accurate enough, if rather lacking in feel, and the suspension achieves a good balance of control and composure, even on poor surfaces. Factor in little wind and road noise and the Sportage impresses on the road. Even alongside the great 1.7-litre turbodiesel the 1.6-litre GDi petrol option shouldn't be overlooked - especially as it's typically £1,500 less to buy. It's quiet and free-revving, but without the low-down torque of the diesel it needs working harder on faster roads.

Worth Noting

If you're buying the Sportage 1.7 CRDi with an eye on economy then opt for either the 1 or 2 specifications as they come with smaller alloy wheels. Opt for the 3 and the CO₂ output rises to 143- from 135g/km and fuel economy drops from 54.3- to 52.3mpg. Both the front-wheel drive models come with stop-start technology as standard to improve emissions and economy.

Summary

Kia's Sportage impressed us in its First Edition guise with the 2.0-litre turbodiesel and four-wheel drive - and the front-wheel drive models build on this. In many ways they're more impressive, in particular the 1.7-litre CRDi's punchy, refined performance. Good to drive, excellent value and comprehensively equipped as standard - and economical - the Sportage is a desirable alternative to Nissan's dominant Qashqai.