This generation of the Sportage was all about value for money. It was also a major step up from its predecessor in terms of style and drive quality. Aside from the fact that it is a decent looking, practical SUV, it’s less expensive to buy than its rivals. And it doesn’t cost a fortune to keep on the road. It is a neatly styled package inside and outside. It is comfortable, there’s lots of leg and head room, and the dashboard is nicely laid out with a lot of easy-to-use dials and buttons. Some of the interior plastics may feel a bit hollow, but they are robust and durable. There’s is plenty of standard equipment and safety features. On the road, the Sportage has a smooth and soft ride, and it copes really well with uneven surfaces. The pre-2007 models were nice to drive but suffered with body roll. This was significantly reduced when the new suspension came out.

•  Some reports of high tyre wear and tear after about 10,000km

•  Neatly styled inside and out

•  Inexpensive to buy and to run

•  The diesel engine is an excellent

•  There is plenty of space in the cabin and there is a big boot

•  Decent level of standard equipment and safety features

•  Handling in the earlier models not as good as the later ones