Kia Sportage Car Review - The most complete and desirable family car?

Kia hugely improved third generation Sportage managed to steal sales from both Qashqai-like Crossovers and RAV4-like compact SUVs. With design flair matched to engineering sophistication, it proved to be a very complete - and very desirable - family car. But how is it as a used buy? We're finding it hard to think of another car that in just a single generation could be said to have progressed aesthetically quite as far as this one did from MK2 to MK3 model status. In 2010 with this third generation Sportage's launch, dull functionality was replaced by a longer, lower, wider and lighter rakish package that was - and still is - arguably better looking than any other car in this class, with its trademark Kia 'tiger nose' grille, sculpted flanks, raked back C-pillar and sharply angled rear window. It's a shape that was designed in Germany by ex-Audi stylist Peter Schreyer, the creator of the original Audi TT, this being the first Kia he was able to pen entirely from scratch.

The interior too clearly had some attention spent on it above and beyond what you'd normally expect at this price point. As you'll find if you look hard enough, the designers clearly had some cost restraints to work to but on first acquaintance with the cabin, you really don't notice the fact, the over-riding impression instead being of crisp, clean quality, with everything seemingly very nicely screwed together by the Czech factory. The cowled instrument cluster with its big centrally-mounted speedometer is clear and effective and there's tonnes of adjustment for both the driver's seat and the steering wheel. Storage space includes a 6-litre centre console bin, large door pockets and a glovebox that's air-conditioned on some models.

In the back of this five-seater-only design, though rear occupants can't slide, recline or remove their seats, they do at least have reasonable standards of head and legroom for a car of this class - or at least they will have if there are only two of them. It certainly feels an airy place to sit, even if your Sportage doesn't feature the panoramic glass roof that's standard on plusher variants. That's thanks to the clever reverse-angle for the C-pillar that offers a clearer view out. Out back, the 564-litre boot is large and well shaped and is impressively big for a vehicle only 9mm shorter than a Vauxhall Astra. Push forward the 60:40 split-folding rear seats to extend the capacity available and although you'll find that they don't fold completely flat, the 1353-litre total capacity will be welcome.

Provided that you're not expecting a really sporty Crossover or an off-roader in the traditional sense of the word, it's hard to see how this MK3 model Kia Sportage would disappoint. It's well built, it rides well, there's a strong range of engines, a choice of front or four-wheel drive and - the clincher for many - it looks great.

This South Korean brand has made huge strides in terms of design sophistication, engine efficiency and marketing savvy in recent years, all of which is reflected in this car. With Kias of the past you used to need a spreadsheet to explain the rationale behind your buying decision. Now all you need is a photo. Our surveys found a mostly satisfied bunch of Sportage owners. We did come across a few who had issues with electronics, specifically the TFT screens. Be various suspicious of anything that looks like it may have gone off road - this car really wasn't built for that. And look for the usually interior trim tears and scuffed alloys. Other than that, it's a clean bill of health. Kia's brilliant seven-year warranty arrangement means that these vehicles very rarely fall into premature neglect.

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