Kia SportageGT-LINE S ISG

Kia’s bold reinvention of the Sportage has made it one of the most compelling choices in the crowded family SUV market. The 2023 Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi GT-Line S HEV (petrol-electric hybrid) combines striking design, excellent practicality, and an efficient hybrid powertrain to appeal to eco-conscious drivers who don’t want to compromise on performance or luxury.

The Sportage GT-Line S is a head-turner. Kia’s design team has embraced a daring and futuristic look with a wide, gloss-black grille, boomerang-style LED daytime running lights, and sharp creases along the bodywork. The sporty 19-inch alloy wheels and two-tone roof add to its upmarket, dynamic appeal. It's a design that commands attention and elevates the Sportage beyond the anonymity of most family SUVs.

Step inside, and the GT-Line S trim continues to impress. The cabin feels premium, with soft-touch materials, leather upholstery, and tasteful metallic accents. The dual 12.3-inch curved screens dominate the dashboard, housing the infotainment system and digital driver display. The infotainment interface is intuitive, responsive, and compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

This trim level is loaded with tech, including heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof that floods the cabin with natural light. Kia has also fitted a Harman Kardon sound system, wireless phone charging, and a 360-degree parking camera, making the GT-Line S feel more like a luxury SUV than a mainstream one.

The 1.6-litre T-GDi petrol engine is paired with a 1.49kWh battery and an electric motor, producing a combined 226bhp. The hybrid system ensures smooth power delivery, with the electric motor assisting during acceleration and seamlessly switching between petrol and electric modes.

On the road, the Sportage feels composed and confident. The suspension is well-tuned for UK roads, soaking up potholes and bumps without fuss, while the light steering makes it easy to manoeuvre in town. On motorways, the hybrid powertrain delivers strong performance, and the car feels stable and refined even at higher speeds. It’s not the most dynamic SUV to drive, but it prioritises comfort and ease of use, which suits its target audience.

With figures claiming up to 48.7mpg, the hybrid system offers good fuel economy for a car of this size and power. During real-world driving, you can expect closer to 40-45mpg, depending on your driving habits.

The Sportage excels as a family car. There’s plenty of space for passengers, with generous headroom and legroom in the front and rear. The boot is a good size at 587 litres, easily accommodating suitcases, shopping, or a pram. Fold down the rear seats, and the space expands to 1,776 litres, making it versatile for larger loads.

Kia has a solid reputation for safety, and the Sportage is no exception. It comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision-avoidance assist. It’s no surprise that the Sportage scored a full five stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests.

The 2023 Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi GT-Line S HEV is an excellent choice for UK families seeking a stylish, efficient, and tech-packed SUV. It combines striking design, a comfortable and premium interior, and a hybrid powertrain that balances performance with economy. While it might not be the sportiest SUV to drive, its practicality and value for money make it a standout option in its class.

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