My Sportage arrives in 2 weeks. After buying it, I checked out online reviews, some great, some not so great (Top Gear, bunch of contrarian snobs). Then I found this. Simply the most unpretentious, straight talking, genuine and believable video review one who could ever hope for. Thank you for that. Now, I feel better and pretty excited with my choice. It isn't about the rally track or the point one of a second, it's simply about the love of a beautiful car which does it's job. Cheers.
Great vid! "I don't know where the tiger lives back here" LOL. Very versatile car, especially if you get the SX model. When I go shopping, a long trip, or just want to have a nice cruise down the highway, plenty of space and power. SX has 260hp and 268tq for a nice grip on the road, so if anyone is looking at you funny for driving a KIA..pedal to the metal and let them see the LED tailights as you drive away!
what i like with this guy is his honest reviews.he is not one of those reviewers who jump on the bandwagon.he makes his own personal review.well done mate
Got it and took it on a long drive today and it's official - I'm in love with it :) The build quality is excellent, the systems are intuitive and easy to use, the steering is precise and nicely weighted, the breaks are applied subtly, the ride can be bouncy but the car always feels anchored to the rood. And the 2lt Diesel is spot on - the car has loads of power on demand without ever seeming to struggle or as if it'll fly out from under you. Brilliant car!
I’ve had 2, 3 series BMW’s before I got one of these and there’s no way I’d go back, it’s a fantastic car and I love it, and I’d be hard pressed to find someone who didn’t.
Thank you for the answer, Bob!The only thing I might consider irritable is the red light on the radio...ix35 has it in blue,which in MHO is fantastic and more relaxing
For the price..this is an awesome car. We have a Range Rover, Lincoln Navigator and my father in law has a Lexus ES. For long long road trip vacation, we always use our 2013 Sportage. It just feels more reliable..and has not had any issues so far. We did have a crappy stereo system but change that to a Joy 7" quadcore Android stereo system and now we have a stereo,dvd, gps system that does... well...pretty much most of the stuffs our Galaxy Note 4 can do.
You're very convincing Bob, no doubt about that! Another great informative review! A friend of mine bought a new high end Freelander and he's not entirely happy with it. Now I'm convinced he really should have opted for a Sportage 4x4.
Just a week ago i received mine 1.6 gdi. My family was getting bigger, so we decided to go with urban SUV. Coming from Passat CC i never tought that i gonna end up in Kia, or any korean car. Then i started lurking on YT for some reviews and ended up on yours Bob. What to say that was not already told... Keep up the good work, and i'll keep watching your channel. ;)
Thanks for watching the review. The one with the widest doors is the sportage because they open wide and not because they are big. It might be a bit tall for easy access though. Depending on your disability I've always found that the cars with sliding doors are the easiest to get in and out of e.g. the Mazda 5 and Ford C-Max or bigger being the VW Sharan. Also a good compromise is the Citroen Berlingo that can be adapted for any disabled use in mind. High millage = diesel average millage =petrol
Such a lovely Car! received mine today in Sandtrack colour and it looks awesome! Thanks for this review as this was one of the deciding videos which made me go for it!
I have been driving a 2013 Kia sportage ion dark silver. It's amazing I love it so far. The company has come such a long way with design and quality. I see aspects of German cars and even a small hint of the range roover evoque in the outer design. Love the review and it can't wait to see what kia comes up with next.
Right!!!Bob,you answer completely all I wanted to know-thanks a lot.Assume I'm 60,ix35 seems the right choice...have a nice day and lot of success with you reviews!!!
Hi Bob, very good review indeed. I just collected my Sportage last week. I have to agree that the overall build quality and design has improved tremendously over the years, even better than Japanese cars.
Yours and Carbuyers channels are without any doubt the two best car reviewer channels currently on youtube! Keep up the excellent work and f**k top gear i say!!
Excellent I look forward to it. My wife has a 2005 RAV4 but I saw the new one at a show and it seems a lot better looking, a more upmarket interior and the remote tailgate is a big plus. If I could afford one I'd be tempted.
Hi Bob your reviews are honest, straightforward and make me chuckle.After watching many reviews and this one in particular numerous times I am picking up a 2011 sportage 3 Sirius Silver tomorrow.I wont mess wit ya, i cant wait.Hope it lives up to the hype.Cheers mate.
I think this is good quality review. It's refreshing and helpful to have a car reviewer not simply critique a particular substandard aspect of a vehicle but also apply reason and context with broader, more positive aspects. It's also helpful that the reviewer is immodest with his emotions, after all, cars are still marketed for human beings and not yet robots. I know so very little about Kia. How is the current model reliability?
It's a great review. And everything u said was true!! I bought my sportage for about 6 months ago and I'm still enjoying every drive I have with it. Btw, I'm from singapore
Bob, really enjoyed this review brilliant.I get the feeling you really do love this motor,and your right about the badge make it a 4 circle or vw and it'd go up 20k+. I like the look of it, but the back end throws me a bit off although if your the one driving it, well you wont see the back would you.True,honest,clear info love the reviews keep them comming lad.
Hello Bob!fantastic review!What is your opinion on KIA Sportage 184Hp diesel,all wheel drive?how about the vibrations and decibels inside? thanks in advance
It IS a great car. I test drove one yesterday, but later found out that it got a "poor" rating on the front small overlap crash test. Seeing as this purchase is going to be for my daughter for her first car, that and only that stopped me from buying it for her.
A very awesome review Bob! Which of the crossovers you tested has the best access to the rear seats? Because I am looking at one of these vehicle for my mom and dad who are 52 and 67 years old. I am disabled so I need a crossover vehicle which has wide doors and easy access to the back seats. Which engine should we go for? We do mostly town and city driving.
Why thank you kind sir, it's tested by me and the family so the video happens late in the week and by then I know the good and bad of a car, so the review is realistic. Good jump you're making from the Nissan to Kia, the 7 year warranty and purchase price make it a great car, not forgetting the styling! Shame about the colour, I quite like it in blue though. Best of luck with it, keep it between the ditches.
you have a want, it's like an itch you must scratch it but someone tells you that you can't. It's always the same, order a car and then wait...don't worry, it's worth the wait. You got the right spec too, best of luck with the car and send some pictures or a video of it when you have it!
Waiting on my own - unfortunately couldn't afford the Platinum model (as top spec is called here) but I'm sure the mid range diesel will perform admirably :)
In Ireland there isn't all that much of a difference from our mid range to top, it's mostly cosmetic. You should get all you need in the mid range model, enjoy the car I'm sure you'll love it
I haven't driven the higher horsepower version as we can only get 4wd on special order here. I can't imagine it's going to be any louder than the one in the video though.
There is a difference is both size and height of the cars, not much in ground clearance though. Both are well built and the Skoda is a bit easier to park. They would be very close, in fact it might come down to a personal choice. The Sportage has a much higher seating position than the Yeti.
ur spot on about Kia's trade mark. if they could only change the logo, it will do wonders. instead of the word KIA, mybe they should shorten it up to a letter "K" or any kind of weird looking logo. lol.
Yes but the warranty transfers to the next owner, it's 7 years no matter who owns it. So there can't be low grade materials used or it would fall apart.
They are both the same for what you're after. With a 7 year warranty you'll have no trouble with build quality, fuel consumption will be the same for both cars. I got 5.2ltrs per 100kms from the Sportage
Oh and by the way you did such a great job on this review no going on about this and that simply saying it as you found it.Kia owe you money as it was your report that sold me.
I did drive an IX35 last year but it was before the videos were on the go. You are looking at the same car, same parts and chassis but the Sportage is far nicer to look at and somehow bigger inside. One thing to take into account is Hyundai do a 5 year unlimited millage warranty and Kia have a 7 year 100,000 km version so if you're a high millage person then the IX35 might be something to think about. If not, then Sportage all the way
Hey there Bob, I was trying to find a review of hyundai ix35 made by you but failed. Can you tell me if you have made one and i would kindly ask for a comparison between these two. Your point of view. I sure have loads of questions in between and maybe share them later. (not planning to bother you atm :) ) Thanks in advance.
Hi Folk's, after this review I purchased a sportage and I'm so glad I did. The power the ride the finish is first class. Negative feedback im sure is from rivals as I cant find a thing wrong with this car.BMW owners have to put this car down in order to justify spending $20000 more. I had a BMW and this measures up without a large service bill. At least drive it before you judge it.
i have watched all your reviews at this stage it looks clear who pays you most, by the way i came to the conclusion if you put it down it has to be all right, so on your vast experience i bought a duster 4x4 and more than proud, thanks.
hey,nice review... greetings from greece, i saw ur review about q3 too... can u give me ur opinion? which one should i go for? audi q3, kia sportage, or bmw x3?...but i most interest on the audi q3 and kia sportage...thanks!!
It's easy to record your true mileage, fill the tank to the brim, set odometer to zero. Drive for 100miles. Fill again and subtract one fill from the other = real MPG, try that in a Prius and you'll soon see the real MPG will be different than the stated version.
Thanks for your reply! In my country they have the same millage year warranty, only that hyundai offers free road assistance in every country that there is a hyundai dealer. I know that they are made in the same factory and have the same engines but as a cunsumer i always doubt :) so my question was more in terms of build quality, ride quality. consumption for 1.7 diesel at both cars. Maybe i am just being picky :) Thanks for your help!
I'm fairly sure I've seen a Sportage in those Russian crash videos so it should be fine :D In all seriousness all car companies that make cars in Europe test their cars in the alps, Autobahn and freezer rooms that go beyond the temperatures you're talking about. Just make sure it has a pre heater so the cabin gets warm before the engine! Comfort is enough, lux is just some small bits thrown in, heated seats would be nice though
I like how you critisised the car. You say that there are problems, but only neglible problems, because they are in fact, negligible. Other reviews would stress on problems, no matter how small and blow it out of proportion, because they feel like there needs to be some problem to talk about. KUDOS!
Hardly a fair question, the Q3 starts at 34,380 and the Sportage starts at 26,025 Irish prices, over 8k of a price difference. Taking price out I'd have the Sportage for the looks and kit.
We test new cars on the market, at the time of testing this car there wasn't one in Ireland with more than 5,000 miles on it so it would have been impossible.
this actual car is still going strong in 2023.
My Sportage arrives in 2 weeks. After buying it, I checked out online reviews, some great, some not so great (Top Gear, bunch of contrarian snobs).
Then I found this. Simply the most unpretentious, straight talking, genuine and believable video review one who could ever hope for. Thank you for that. Now, I feel better and pretty excited with my choice.
It isn't about the rally track or the point one of a second, it's simply about the love of a beautiful car which does it's job. Cheers.
I always find myself looking at my kia's reflection in windows all the time, LOVE MY SPORTAGE!
Great vid! "I don't know where the tiger lives back here" LOL. Very versatile car, especially if you get the SX model. When I go shopping, a long trip, or just want to have a nice cruise down the highway, plenty of space and power. SX has 260hp and 268tq for a nice grip on the road, so if anyone is looking at you funny for driving a KIA..pedal to the metal and let them see the LED tailights as you drive away!
what i like with this guy is his honest reviews.he is not one of those reviewers who jump on the bandwagon.he makes his own personal review.well done mate
Got it and took it on a long drive today and it's official - I'm in love with it :) The build quality is excellent, the systems are intuitive and easy to use, the steering is precise and nicely weighted, the breaks are applied subtly, the ride can be bouncy but the car always feels anchored to the rood. And the 2lt Diesel is spot on - the car has loads of power on demand without ever seeming to struggle or as if it'll fly out from under you. Brilliant car!
The most honest reviewer I've found on CZcams, I'm glad I found this channel ...
Thanks a lot from Egypt :)
I’ve had 2, 3 series BMW’s before I got one of these and there’s no way I’d go back, it’s a fantastic car and I love it, and I’d be hard pressed to find someone who didn’t.
Im getting a 2012!
Thank you for the answer, Bob!The only thing I might consider irritable is the red light on the radio...ix35 has it in blue,which in MHO is fantastic and more relaxing
I'm getting the 2015 Sportage next Sunday.... I love it already and I love that you played Radiohead at the end of the video. Cheers!
you really have to see and drive this car to appreciate how good this is.
For the price..this is an awesome car. We have a Range Rover, Lincoln Navigator and my father in law has a Lexus ES. For long long road trip vacation, we always use our 2013 Sportage. It just feels more reliable..and has not had any issues so far. We did have a crappy stereo system but change that to a Joy 7" quadcore Android stereo system and now we have a stereo,dvd, gps system that does... well...pretty much most of the stuffs our Galaxy Note 4 can do.
You're very convincing Bob, no doubt about that! Another great informative review! A friend of mine bought a new high end Freelander and he's not entirely happy with it. Now I'm convinced he really should have opted for a Sportage 4x4.
Just a week ago i received mine 1.6 gdi. My family was getting bigger, so we decided to go with urban SUV. Coming from Passat CC i never tought that i gonna end up in Kia, or any korean car. Then i started lurking on YT for some reviews and ended up on yours Bob. What to say that was not already told... Keep up the good work, and i'll keep watching your channel. ;)
Thanks for watching the review. The one with the widest doors is the sportage because they open wide and not because they are big. It might be a bit tall for easy access though.
Depending on your disability I've always found that the cars with sliding doors are the easiest to get in and out of e.g. the Mazda 5 and Ford C-Max or bigger being the VW Sharan. Also a good compromise is the Citroen Berlingo that can be adapted for any disabled use in mind.
High millage = diesel average millage =petrol
Great review, love the high level of detail.
Such a lovely Car! received mine today in Sandtrack colour and it looks awesome! Thanks for this review as this was one of the deciding videos which made me go for it!
I have been driving a 2013 Kia sportage ion dark silver. It's amazing I love it so far. The company has come such a long way with design and quality. I see aspects of German cars and even a small hint of the range roover evoque in the outer design. Love the review and it can't wait to see what kia comes up with next.
I have recently bought one, they are really nice to drive and I think this is a very fair review, refreshingly different too.
Thanks a lot ...I'm gonna buy one of these!!!
Nice one, I'm glad you like it. Best of luck with the new car!
Right!!!Bob,you answer completely all I wanted to know-thanks a lot.Assume I'm 60,ix35 seems the right choice...have a nice day and lot of success with you reviews!!!
the music got me pumped to buy one right now! haha
Hi Bob, very good review indeed. I just collected my Sportage last week. I have to agree that the overall build quality and design has improved tremendously over the years, even better than Japanese cars.
Yours and Carbuyers channels are without any doubt the two best car reviewer channels currently on youtube! Keep up the excellent work and f**k top gear i say!!
nice work, best of luck with it!
Excellent I look forward to it. My wife has a 2005 RAV4 but I saw the new one at a show and it seems a lot better looking, a more upmarket interior and the remote tailgate is a big plus. If I could afford one I'd be tempted.
Excellent review! Got me going to a KIA dealer for a test drive. Will probably get this to replace my 4 years old Grand Vitara.
Hi Bob your reviews are honest, straightforward and make me chuckle.After watching many reviews and this one in particular numerous times I am picking up a 2011 sportage 3 Sirius Silver tomorrow.I wont mess wit ya, i cant wait.Hope it lives up to the hype.Cheers mate.
Thanks dude!
I think this is good quality review. It's refreshing and helpful to have a car reviewer not simply critique a particular substandard aspect of a vehicle but also apply reason and context with broader, more positive aspects. It's also helpful that the reviewer is immodest with his emotions, after all, cars are still marketed for human beings and not yet robots. I know so very little about Kia. How is the current model reliability?
Glad to be of service, I hope it goes well for you. Keep it between the ditches!
It's a great review. And everything u said was true!! I bought my sportage for about 6 months ago and I'm still enjoying every drive I have with it. Btw, I'm from singapore
Great reviews, thanks for your work. Do you plan to review the new Kia Optima sedan in the near future?
Love the review. Beautiful car.
Nice one, it's still a great car. I was in one on Monday and I still haven't changed my opinion. Enjoy the Sportage
Bob, really enjoyed this review brilliant.I get the feeling you really do love this motor,and your right about the badge make it a 4 circle or vw and it'd go up 20k+. I like the look of it, but the back end throws me a bit off although if your the one driving it, well you wont see the back would you.True,honest,clear info love the reviews keep them comming lad.
Agree. Kudos to Bob.
Note the red LED display on the radio unit - another Audi mark.
That's a nice colour, I like blue myself. I always get a bit nervous when someone buys a car that I've reviewed, I hope you like it.
Hello Bob!fantastic review!What is your opinion on KIA Sportage 184Hp diesel,all wheel drive?how about the vibrations and decibels inside?
thanks in advance
ive got one of these on order, i feel like a kid a week before christmas !!!!
Thank you!
Good to know that people in Egypt are watching too, tell your friends!
Thanks very much! Enjoy your new car, you've made the right choice
Fantastic car and just want to dedicate my purchase to Bob Flavin (received it today) and this review attracted me to the idea of a compact suv
It IS a great car. I test drove one yesterday, but later found out that it got a "poor" rating on the front small overlap crash test. Seeing as this purchase is going to be for my daughter for her first car, that and only that stopped me from buying it for her.
@Smokerspack Put my name down for the topline 2WD version. Delivery is in March! Thanks for the very balanced and honest review.
A very awesome review Bob! Which of the crossovers you tested has the best access to the rear seats? Because I am looking at one of these vehicle for my mom and dad who are 52 and 67 years old. I am disabled so I need a crossover vehicle which has wide doors and easy access to the back seats. Which engine should we go for? We do mostly town and city driving.
Brilliant review mate! performance wise would you recommend the 2.0 diesel or the 2.4 petrol?
@bukusuma Good choice, see if you can get your hands on the 4WD version it's very good.
Excellent review.
Yep, it really is that good when you take in the purchase price and 7 year warranty. I'd buy one in the morning
Top Gear Ireland.
Very good review!
So you like it then! Got one arriving in a few days time:)
Test one when it's got 60,000 miles on the clock. Now that's a REAL test.
What a great review!
@mickatmp You bought a great lucky you! Is it the 4wd version?
Why thank you kind sir, it's tested by me and the family so the video happens late in the week and by then I know the good and bad of a car, so the review is realistic.
Good jump you're making from the Nissan to Kia, the 7 year warranty and purchase price make it a great car, not forgetting the styling! Shame about the colour, I quite like it in blue though.
Best of luck with it, keep it between the ditches.
Well done Rob, I hope you got a good deal...now if only I was on commission!
Thanks very much, I talk like this all the time!
you have a want, it's like an itch you must scratch it but someone tells you that you can't. It's always the same, order a car and then wait...don't worry, it's worth the wait.
You got the right spec too, best of luck with the car and send some pictures or a video of it when you have it!
Depends on what country you're from, everyone pronounces words differently. I'm sure both pronunciations are correct
Hi I was thinking of buying the 1.6 petrol, is this a good buy, I was worried it won't be powerful enough for the size of the car, thanks
nice review
i have a 2011 sportage i love it
Waiting on my own - unfortunately couldn't afford the Platinum model (as top spec is called here) but I'm sure the mid range diesel will perform admirably :)
In Ireland there isn't all that much of a difference from our mid range to top, it's mostly cosmetic. You should get all you need in the mid range model, enjoy the car I'm sure you'll love it
@cpwallz Thank you, you are very kind
much nicer than BMWx3 ;)
I haven't driven the higher horsepower version as we can only get 4wd on special order here. I can't imagine it's going to be any louder than the one in the video though.
Damn! I completely forgot about the Skoda Yeti. Crossover with big doors, it would be perfect for you; if you like the look of it :D
great reveiw.
The new Sportage looks really fine. Sporty and affordable is usually a win win combination.
I would like to buy it in Moscow. We have temperature amplitude from -40 to 35 C*.
Would it be practically to buy Lux variant - or comfort is enough?
Just how good is that Irish accent? If it was female, I'd be in love.
There is a difference is both size and height of the cars, not much in ground clearance though. Both are well built and the Skoda is a bit easier to park. They would be very close, in fact it might come down to a personal choice. The Sportage has a much higher seating position than the Yeti.
ur spot on about Kia's trade mark. if they could only change the logo, it will do wonders. instead of the word KIA, mybe they should shorten it up to a letter "K" or any kind of weird looking logo. lol.
Yes but the warranty transfers to the next owner, it's 7 years no matter who owns it. So there can't be low grade materials used or it would fall apart.
Getting mine in 4 weeks
They are both the same for what you're after. With a 7 year warranty you'll have no trouble with build quality, fuel consumption will be the same for both cars. I got 5.2ltrs per 100kms from the Sportage
Oh and by the way you did such a great job on this review no going on about this and that simply saying it as you found it.Kia owe you money as it was your report that sold me.
I did drive an IX35 last year but it was before the videos were on the go. You are looking at the same car, same parts and chassis but the Sportage is far nicer to look at and somehow bigger inside.
One thing to take into account is Hyundai do a 5 year unlimited millage warranty and Kia have a 7 year 100,000 km version so if you're a high millage person then the IX35 might be something to think about. If not, then Sportage all the way
Is this the EXS, S for sunroof?
thx
Hey there Bob,
I was trying to find a review of hyundai ix35 made by you but failed. Can you tell me if you have made one and i would kindly ask for a comparison between these two. Your point of view. I sure have loads of questions in between and maybe share them later. (not planning to bother you atm :) )
Thanks in advance.
Hi Folk's, after this review I purchased a sportage and I'm so glad I did. The power the ride the finish is first class. Negative feedback im sure is from rivals as I cant find a thing wrong with this car.BMW owners have to put this car down in order to justify spending $20000 more. I had a BMW and this measures up without a large service bill. At least drive it before you judge it.
Good choice!
The back is beautiful.yeah i agree with you bob
I have 1.7 crdi one. really nice :)
i have watched all your reviews at this stage it looks clear who pays you most, by the way i came to the conclusion if you put it down it has to be all right, so on your vast experience i bought a duster 4x4 and more than proud, thanks.
hey,nice review... greetings from greece, i saw ur review about q3 too... can u give me ur opinion? which one should i go for? audi q3, kia sportage, or bmw x3?...but i most interest on the audi q3 and kia sportage...thanks!!
I would definitely go with the ASX.
It's easy to record your true mileage, fill the tank to the brim, set odometer to zero. Drive for 100miles. Fill again and subtract one fill from the other = real MPG, try that in a Prius and you'll soon see the real MPG will be different than the stated version.
Bit of info, the colour blue is more relaxing on the brain than red. Red makes you drive more aggressively which is why a lot of sports cars are red
Aha okay. I was quite curious about them - especially since I tend to see a lot of Tiquan, CX-5 and Duallis/Quashqais around but no so many Sportages.
Thanks for your reply! In my country they have the same millage year warranty, only that hyundai offers free road assistance in every country that there is a hyundai dealer.
I know that they are made in the same factory and have the same engines but as a cunsumer i always doubt :) so my question was more in terms of build quality, ride quality. consumption for 1.7 diesel at both cars.
Maybe i am just being picky :)
Thanks for your help!
Hi Bob,please can you tell me whats the color of this sportage.Is it Sirius silver?
I'm fairly sure I've seen a Sportage in those Russian crash videos so it should be fine :D In all seriousness all car companies that make cars in Europe test their cars in the alps, Autobahn and freezer rooms that go beyond the temperatures you're talking about. Just make sure it has a pre heater so the cabin gets warm before the engine!
Comfort is enough, lux is just some small bits thrown in, heated seats would be nice though
I like how you critisised the car. You say that there are problems, but only neglible problems, because they are in fact, negligible. Other reviews would stress on problems, no matter how small and blow it out of proportion, because they feel like there needs to be some problem to talk about. KUDOS!
Hardly a fair question, the Q3 starts at 34,380 and the Sportage starts at 26,025 Irish prices, over 8k of a price difference. Taking price out I'd have the Sportage for the looks and kit.
We test new cars on the market, at the time of testing this car there wasn't one in Ireland with more than 5,000 miles on it so it would have been impossible.