MOTORING NEWS - Kia’s more upmarket Sportage, equipped with a turbodiesel engine and automatic transmission, might just be the pick of the range. In an extremely competitive segment, does the Kia stand out enough to warrant consideration? We investigate.

We like: Build quality, cabin quietness, spacious

We don’t like: Expensive, infotainment system could do with more features

Alternatives
For an equally-priced German: The Volkswagen Tiguan is now available in turbodiesel guise and for the same price as this Sportage, you can get yourself the flagship 2.0TDI 4Motion Highline R-Line derivative.

For something that looks more rugged: The Toyota RAV4 2.2 AWD VX offers similar specification for slightly less money. It has less power and no satnav, but it can withstand harder use than you might expect.

If you need more space: The top-spec Nissan X-Trail 1.6dCi 4x4 LE has loads of room inside for passengers and their luggage. There’s no automatic offered for the turbodiesel, which is disappointing, but it offers superb value for money.