Kia Sportage Estate (1995-2003) interior, tech and comfort
All-round visibility is excellent as a result of the high driving position and thin A-pillars, so there are no major blind spots that may cause problems at junctions. The Korean designed dashboard is satisfactory, though the plastic finish is hardly the height of luxury, as the odd squeak and rattle can be disconcerting and annoying.
The ride is disappointingly choppy at low speeds, which can be unsettling when queuing in traffic or crawling through town, but overall, Sportage is deceptively airy and spacious with comfortable seating throughout. The interior trim is tacky and unconvincing, quickly deteriorating with frequent family usage. Legroom for rear passengers is minimal and could be unpleasant after an hour or so, though children shouldn’t find it such a nuisance.
In fact, the elevated rear seats give passengers a good view of the road without sacrificing headroom. The driver may find the throttle position a little uncomfortable, though this is a minor complaint.