An Unfiltered Guide to Buying a Used Kia Sportage: TÜV's Honest Assessment
Kia Sportage yields contrasting reactions during TÜV assessment
Dive into the bustling world of compact SUVs and you'll find the Kia Sportage, a model that's graced the scene since 1994. The fourth generation (2016 to 2021) is now reaching its golden age in the pre-owned market. But is it worth the investment? Let's take a closer peek, straight from TÜV's unbiased perspective.
Cruising Comfort With a Side of Caution
The TÜV has evaluated the Sportage across various stages, leaving a somewhat conflicting impression. The axle and suspension systems receive the thumbs-up, but the steering and steering joints receive criticism from the second appraisal. The braking and lighting systems are also not winners, and oil loss is another issue TÜV inspectors aren't fond of. The brake components and exhaust system, however, are unremarkable.
Exterior Style and Interior Space Aplenty
Measuring 4.48 meters long, the Sportage fits perfectly within the compact SUV league alongside heavyweights like the VW Tiguan, Nissan Qashqai, and, yes, the Hyundai Tucson (their corporate sibling). Its beefed-up exterior design screams robustness, while the spacious interior provides ample room for passengers. The driver faces a dashboard that exudes simplistic elegance. The cargo space varies between 490 and 1,500 liters thanks to the adjustable rear seats. The 2018 facelift introduced crisp LED headlights to the front end.
Engines and Drive Options Galore
Consumers could choose between diesel and petrol engines, with front and all-wheel drive options. The base self-igniter was a 1.7-liter with 115 PS, followed by a 1.7-liter with 141 PS. A 2.0-liter diesel engine was also on offer, delivering 136 or 185 PS. Post-facelift, Kia ushered in a 1.6-liter mild hybrid engine in 115 and 136 PS versions. All-wheel drive was reserved for the 136 PS variants and the top model. Petrol enthusiasts could opt for a 1.6-liter engine with 132 PS, or a turbocharged version producing 177 PS. Seven-speed dual-clutch transmission was available as an upgrade, with six- or eight-speed automatics for the 2.0-liter diesel.
Sleek Features and Safety Measures
Buyers faced a range of trim levels, from the base "Attract" to "GT-Line." Standard features included air conditioning, radio, light-alloy wheels, electric windows, and exterior mirrors. "Vision" included goodies such as seat heating, a hands-free system, navigation, a 7-inch monitor, a multifunction steering wheel, cruise control, and rearview camera. Kia offered a selection of packages that bundled technology, equipment, and safety features.
The Insider's Tips for Smart Shopping
Before making a move, take a fine-tooth comb to your desired model and examine the specific features and equipment it offers. This includes the wide array of assistance systems, some of which might have been offered as optional extras.
Final Verdict
The fourth-generation Kia Sportage offers a respectable blend of style, comfort, and technology; but at what price? Delve deeper into the market to find diesel and petrol models with all-wheel drive and an automatic transmission. To avoid any costly surprises, inspect your desired model for known vulnerabilities. Currently, there are approximately 1,500 used Sportage models listed on mobile.de, starting at around 10,000 euros.
- In the automotive industry, many individuals consider the finance aspects and transportation needs when opting for used cars, and Kia Model Sportage, a compact SUV, should be among their considerations, especially as it offers a variety of engines and drive options.
- The safety of a used car is a crucial concern for potential buyers, and the fourth-generation Kia Sportage, despite its sleek features, has a few reported issues such as oil loss and subpar braking and lighting systems, as assessed by TÜV.
- When shopping for a used Kia Sportage, it's essential to consider the sporty appeal alongside the industrial standards of efficiency and affordability, especially when contemplating the purchase of Kia Model SUVs or other compact vehicles in the context of the sports and automotive industries.
