WATCH: Kia Sportage cruising along Cape Town boulevards

TechnoBok's Jason Mayo spent some time driving the new Kia Sportage. He shares his thoughts on the SUV, as well as a video review.

Cape Town - The compact SUV segment is becoming increasingly popular as many motorists opt for something which offers increased ride-height coupled with the ease of a compact body.

With fierce competition within this segment, Kia has come out fighting with the modern and sophisticated new Sportage. Now in its fourth generation, the all-new Sportage offers a lot of clever tech and creature comforts which really helps up its game.

Executive saloon tech

From wireless mobile phone charging to seats which keep both the driver and passenger cool on a hot summers day, the new Sportage now offers tech previously reserved only for executive saloon cars.

The interior is now comprised of soft-touch materials, which are even styled in contrast colour leather in the range topping models.

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The suspension has a soft setup that's coupled with communicative steering, which enables you to feel where the wheels are throughout the drive. Owing to its impressive ride height, the Sportage manages to steamroll bumps and uneven surfaces.

The entry level Sportage cost R369 995 and comes with a 2.0-litre engine which produces 114kW/192Nm, while the top of the range 1.6 GDI GT-Line (as seen in video review below) pushes out considerably more with 130kW/265Nm. The 1.6 GT-Line model retails for R599 995. All models come with Kia’s five-year unlimited km warranty with roadside assistance and a five-year or 90 000km service plan.

For Mayo's full review on the Kia Sportage, click here.