The Kia Sportage has been named as Britain's best value SUV in Planet 4x4 's first annual awards.
The Sportage 2.0 CRDi XS surpassed its competitors such as the BMW X3, Range Rover TdV8, Audi Allroad TDI and Landrover to pick up the title of Best Value 4x4 2006.
The Sportage diesel was only introduced to the UK market in February 2005 and after less than 2 years on sale has proved to be one of Kia's best sellers. The Sportage continues Kia's drive to launch new models which are modern, stylish and technically sophisticated, while retaining the marques' strong adherence to value for money.
Planet 4x4 's first annual awards were based on the results from tests that were conducted over a week at one of Britain's best 4x4 sites. Vehicles were assessed on seventeen different criteria by a panel of expert judges and the Sportage stood out from the competition in areas such as packaging, practicality, performance and dynamics as well as the general appeal.
Providing readers with valuable information prior to purchasing their new vehicles Planet 4x4 's m arks for the testing were weighted to take account of the importance placed on each by typical buyers. The single criterion attracting the highest score was value for money. 
Alan Kidd, Editor of Planet 4x4 , said: "One word that kept cropping up in the testers' notes about the Sportage was 'surprise'. Not just because of what it'll do both on and off-road, but the quality of its cabin and in particular a level of practicality that punches way above its weight. This is a real little giant-killer, and at £18,195 it's no wonder the Sportage is Britain's Best-Value 4x4. "It's the Sportage that won the testers' hearts wherever it went. Packaging, practicality, performance, dynamics and general appeal all stood it in good stead, and with so much equipment on offer it makes you wonder why you should bother digging any deeper into your pockets," he added. Every Sportage comes with a range of comprehensive features and offers unbeatable value. The XE model equipment includes: air conditioning, traction control, 60/40 split 'Drop & Fold' rear seat, centre console storage box, electric front and rear windows, roof rails, 16-inch alloy wheels, remote central locking and perimeter alarm, two power outlets, twin front, side and curtain airbags, front fog lamps, CD audio system with MP3 player, and three-point seatbelts for all five occupants.
The higher-specification Sportage XS model adds numerous items, including full climate control, cruise control, ESP, privacy glass, leather seats, front seat warmers, trip computer, electric tilt/slide sunroof, heated door mirrors and electrochromic mirror with compass.
Designed to provide safe and economical on-road characteristics with the ability to handle demanding conditions away from the highway, the Sportage takes on the established hierarchy as well as offering a real SUV alternative to saloon and hatchback drivers.
Stephen Kitson, Communications Director said: "This accolade for the Sportage proves that it's not just one of our best sellers but one of our best value cars as well. We are delighted that Planet 4x4 chose to pitch Sportage against some of the big names and especially pleased that it came out top for value. Sorento is already established in the 4x4 market and this award helps the Sportage to get its foot firmly in the door as well."
Lugert continues: “The total suspension set-up – springs, dampers, stabiliser bars and bushes – has been developed on European anchorage. We also worked with our ring partners to superior proper EU market compounds. The guidance also had to bonk a ‘European feel’ – rattling elemental with a collinear force build-up – so the galvanic control has been orientated to reach this.”
Tailing in the footsteps of Spirit, Venga and Sorento, the new Sportage faculty be the fourth sequential new Kia to be launched which hasundergone development in the UK – Archangel Cole, Managing Filmmaker for Kia Motors (UK) Specific, commented: “The Consolidated Area is the largest industry for Kia in Collection so majuscule efforts are prefabricated to assure that our new products not only visage and find ‘European’ but that they accomplish just as UK customers necessity them to. Sportage has been in the UK for overfifteen geezerhood – I’m certain that the new generation’s striking designand zealous on-road noesis present gestate token with both our fast existingcustomers and fill who are new to the Kia brand.
