Becoming a bestseller is never a coincidence. Behind it there are good design choices, attention to customer needs and the ability to evolve, also thanks to Kia’s after-sales services
Sportage is one of those SUVs that impress without raising their voice and its success also comes from what happens after the purchase. It is no coincidence that it has reached the fifth generation and has exceeded seven million units sold worldwide: trust earned and maintained over time. The lines are clean, modern; proportionate without appearing baroque. With its 4,540 mm in length, it conveys solidity but is not bulky. Neat sides, distinctive front end and wheels up to 19 inches define a design with a European flavour, simple but never banal, the result of a successful stylistic compromise suitable for different markets. Inside, the environment is welcoming and technological, but above all functional: the controls are intuitive and allow you to manage the functions without distractions, an increasingly rare aspect. There is no shortage of space, both for the driver and passengers, and the soft-touch materials give a sensation of concrete quality. A classic that never goes out of fashion, especially in this historical moment, in which the forced transition towards electric has been postponed until a later date.
Technology, comfort and a pinch of sportiness
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At the wheel of Kia Sportage 1.6 Crdi Mild Hybrid Dsg you immediately feel at ease. The car conveys a pleasant sensation of solidity; stable in a straight line, even on stretches where the asphalt is very damaged, precise when cornering, where the front end easily maintains the set trajectory. The steering is direct enough; as the speed increases the car does not become excessively reactive, however in mixed terrain and in the city there is no need to rotate the steering wheel too much to turn, quickly reaching the apex point. In short, the usual good compromise, combined with power assistance tending towards “soft”, to preserve comfort. In the city, the dual clutch gearbox does not operate as smoothly as a CVT but feeling the engagement of the gears during acceleration and downshifting is always synonymous with sportiness and feeling with the mechanical part of the car. Being an SUV, the driving position is obviously raised; visibility is excellent, a well-known strong point of this type of car. In this specific case, there is also the support of a very useful camera system in urban contexts. Worthy of note are the rear-view mirrors connected to the digital display positioned behind the steering wheel. Thanks to this system it is easier to check what is present in the blind spots without losing sight of the vehicles in front. The security advantages are more than obvious. Dynamically, the 136 HP mild hybrid does its duty very well. The power of this unit is not high but the torque abounds, therefore, once the cruising speed is reached, a touch of gas is enough to maintain it, with the engine running smoothly at low rpm. Furthermore, despite the size of the car, consumption is low. The grand touring soul of this Kia is emphasized by the calibration of the suspensions, which effectively filter the roughness of the asphalt, without this resulting in excessive body roll. Indeed, it should be specified that at city speeds the set-up is quite “flat”, sporty, considering that we are talking about an SUV. The result can be summed up in one word: versatility.
seven year warranty: just the tip of the iceberg
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The value of the Kia Sportage does not end in the technical data sheet and in the static and dynamic analyses. It is over time and in the relationship with the customer that the Korean SUV builds its strength. The seven-year unlimited mileage warranty is now a trademark, but it is through the Kia Care programs that the experience is completed. Scheduled maintenance, accurate checks and interventions entrusted to certified technicians allow the car to be kept in perfect working order, which is synonymous with reliability. The availability and use of original spare parts, from discs to pads, up to bodywork components, guarantees consistent performance and, therefore, safety, as well as driving pleasure. To complete the picture, a range of accessories designed for daily use and leisure: roof bars, aerodynamic boxes, mats all weather and trunk protectors.
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Assistance and services: a relationship that lasts over time
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In a market that is dealing with the invasion of Chinese vehicles, Kia is not just focusing on price but on all-round substance. Today, a car that runs well is no longer enough. We need a system capable of enabling customers to feel protected and this is the great challenge that manufacturers are facing. Being a bestseller also means knowing how to remain reliable over time. Kia demonstrates this with a series of services designed to accompany the customer throughout the year. The “winter check-up“, for example, allows you to face the winter by minimizing the risk of unexpected events, thanks to checks on brakes, battery, fluids and tyres. The “complete wheels” package allows you to manage the seasonal change without compromising on safety and control. Kia Sportage is not just a successful SUV: it is a constant commitment towards those who choose it. Design, technology and a structured after-sales service system. Manufacturers who aspire to become a point of reference in the market must guarantee customers an efficient system even after the sale of the car. Because it is over the life of the car, and not just at the time of purchase, that a company is truly judged.
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