The exterior of the car has silky curves that makes it look larger than its previous model, but the dimension does not vary much from its predecessor. The headlight has a sharp penetrating look. [break]
The grill and the headlights have been shaped as the Kia family design to make it look like a Tiger nose. The back look of the car is curved outwards with a smooth tail light to make it look more luxurious.
The interior of the SUV gives a leather look even though it uses synthetic. The ergonomics of the car is praiseworthy. Every function in the car is reachable without moving a muscle. The seats are cozy enough to make the passengers hold on even on roughest of roads.
The control panel of the car gives a classy well designed look. It has additional features like auxiliary and iPod port as well as USB port for supporting devices. The luggage space seems to have been compromised a little to provide more space inside the passenger area.
The handling of the car is smooth with a smaller yet comfortable steering. The steering has audio control for a safer drive. Being a SUV, it gives the comfort and smoothness of a car.
The turning radius of Sportage is appreciable for the roads of Kathmandu. The car has a great pick-up, smooth acceleration and soft clutch that keep the driver from getting tired even in a heavy traffic jam.
One of the latest features in the car is that it has the AWD (All Wheel Drive) function. The function distributes the power to all the wheels in the ratio of 70 percent and 30 percent in front and rear tires respectively during normal drive. While driving in a slippery road, the power distribution can be changed to 50 percent in the front as well as rear tires.
The shock of the car lets the passengers feel the potholes on the roads but does not let it bother much.
"I don´t think any car offers these many features in the price we are offering in a SUV," said Sachin Aryal, the deputy general manager of Kia Marketing and Service of Nepal.
When it comes to safety, the car seems to have compromised a little. The car has ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), fog lamp and four wheel disc brakes. But it has only one airbag in the steering.
"We will also bring the Sportage with the diesel engine in the near future," added Aryal. The diesels SUVs will be available in three different models - LX, EX and EX AT (Automatic Transmission).
Sportage Diesel LX will have all the features similar to that of the petrol model except for additional rear parking sensor. Definitely, the power and mileage of a diesel car is going to be better than that of petrol. Sportage EX will have the parking sensors with cameras. This model is equipped with dual airbag.
Sportage EX AT will have all the features of Sportage EX with addition of sunroof.
The new Sportage will be available in nine colors -- Clear White, Bright Silver, Electronic Yellow, Techno Orange, Signal Red, Vintage Blue, Sand Track, Mineral Silver and Black Cherry.
Continental Associates is providing warranty of a year or 20,000 km for the manufacturing defects in the car. The new Sportage looks like the best bargain for people who want a SUV in an affordable price.
Sportage
Rs 3.849 million
Displacement: 2000 cc
Mileage: 8 km per liter (city drive), 10 km per liter (highway)
Ground Clearance: 190 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity: 65 liters
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