TRUCKY SUVs are the work boots of some worlds useful if you're a logger, a swamp person, or anyone else with a personal stake in assisted-reality television. Crossovers? They're the cosplay version, look-somewhat-alike that let you wear the sport-ute style without enduring live axles and locking differentials and dirt.
Australia's Best SUV under AUD 40,000 award winner, the 2012 Kia Sportage easily gets into the latter group, like a size 7 foot into a Nike cross-trainer. It packs convenience and features into a body that's as much a hatchback as it is a trim little utility vehicle, and also offers all-wheel drive for the few who really need it--and the significantly higher number of people who'll pay for it when they really don't. Bigger than in its first run around the neighborhood, the 2012 Kia Sportage is still on the compact end of its class.
The Kia Sportage crosses swords with those larger vehicles, but it does so with presence that's equally tough. The chunky, laid-back look owes a lot to the European hot hatches--no surprise since Kia's chief designer is Peter Schreyer--but the high stance and slightly snubbed nose are pure ute, as is the rectangular, function-driven interior. Substance gets a workout all over the Sportage's sheet metal and cabin, but there's an equal dash of style that's distinctive to Kia.
The 2012 Kia Sportage delivers more interior space than its ancestors, but it's still on the smaller side of crossovers. The front seats benefit from the relatively high dash, and have good leg and shoulder room. As usual, add a sunroof, subtract headroom. The seats themselves are well-shaped and can be air-cooled (optional) on high-line Sportages, whilst the back seats are nicely angled cushions. Cargo space measures 26.1 cubic feet, more than some luxury utes, and the rear-end styling means more of the cargo space is hidden behind sheetmetal--great for valuables.
Standard features include air conditioning; power windows, locks and mirrors; and 16-inch wheels, keyless entry; Bluetooth; steering-wheel audio and phone controls; and a USB port; roof rails; a rear spoiler, stability control, rear parking sensors and rearview camera, and more.
The design lead, multi award winner SUV, 2012 Kia Sportage is available in vibrant colours from Kia Motors Fiji Showroom, located at the corner of Grantham Road and Carpenter Street, Garden City Raiwai Suva. The 2012 Kia Sportage along with full line up of Kia vehicles are backed by three year/100,000km warranty in Fiji. A wide range of accessories for Kia vehicles such as the side steps, notch bars, weather shields etc are also available from Kia Motors Fiji Showroom.