I’ve spoken before about Kia’s healthy rise in sales this year – up 34 per cent in the first quarter with a model range that is most comprehensive. I’ve just driven a string of Kia’s and all from the small Picanto hatch, to the Rio hatch, to the Sportage SUV, offered good all round value for money with a seven year unlimited kilometre warranty finding real favour with many buyers. I tested the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel automatic Sportage SLi all-wheel- drive SUV, well equipped but getting up in price at 39,690. I much prefer the 2.0-litre petrol SLi 2WD model well priced for a medium SUV at 34,690. The Sportage sells in a medium SUV segment dominated by Mazda’s CX-5 which recently arrived in an impressive and further refined new model. Kia is not yet perceived at Mazda’s level in the market but its gaining traction and has made big inroads with many buyers with its piece of mind 7-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and road side assistance. I’m David Berthon

2016 Kia Sportage Platinum rear 3/4.

2016 Kia Sportage Si front 3/4.

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