2014 Kia Sportage Full Review

The 2014 Kia Sportage is definitely among the leaders of the class when it comes to design. It is also a bit more fun to drive compared to the RAV4 or the CR-V, but it lacks their practicality and space, especially in the back. The Kia Sportage’s 2014 facelift proves that compact crossovers can be well designed, stylish and fun to drive, especially with numerous optional features which, in turn, can affect the price significantly.

2014 Kia Sportage

In Short...

The exterior follows the crossover pathway, but it is also reminiscent of some hatchbacks that are far more stylish. Slight tweaks made the new Sportage only better and more modern which leaves us to wonder what the all new model will look like since this one is already top of its class on the outside.

Even though the interior experienced some improvements, it does not bear the dominance over the competitors that the exterior boasts with. Dashboard and central console have benefitted from new materials that are noticeably softer, there is more standard equipment all around the cabin, the multimedia and navigation screen on high-end models is very easy to use and stunningly responsive, but the designers of the new Sportage turned more attention to looks and less to practicality. We can not really say it is cramped, but there is more space in the competitors and it is organized better. Also, side windows are short which significantly reduces visibility. However, buyers who are not primarily looking for space might be drawn towards the 2014 Sportage due to all the benefits that the designers decided to offer, as well as very enjoyable looks.

Regardless of the image, the US buyers will not have the option of the manual transmission

The 2.4-litre, four-cylinder engine from the test (a diesel version and 2l petrol are also available) provides 182 horsepower at 6,000rpm and 177 pound-feet of torque at 4,000rpm. This is more than enough to move the Sportage easily. The engine is paired up with a six-speed automatic transmission as the only option on the 2014 Kia Sportage.

The 2014 Sportage offers great design, suitable powertrain, loads of standard equipment as well as numerous optional perks that can influence the price significantly and bring it from the starting MSRP of $22,995 to $38,295 for the top model, which is still competitive compared to other cars in its class. With this kind of versatility, loads of perks and competitive price, the 2014 Sportage is definitely a good option in the compact crossover segment. Read the detailed review below.

On the Outside

Compared to the exterior of the previous model the 2014 Kia Sportage got only slight modifications, which is a good thing since the preceding Sportage looked great. The changes include the new grille design with chrome frame bordered by new HID headlights, LED rear lights and new alloy wheels that are available in three sizes ranging from 16 to 18 inches.

These changes brought even more appeal to the already beautiful and sporty car. The front, with its new protruding nose, now looks more aggressive, mostly due to the angry appearance of the headlights which prevent the stylish, though pretty conventional grille from making the car look timid and ordinary.

Side view shows that the new Sportage is a proper SUV, even though it is labelled a compact crossover. The profile is massive, with high doors, but somewhat narrow windows. There are not many distracting details on the side, but this feature is actually good – the car looks clean and reliable.

The back is similar to the side. Large rear door is accompanied only by the LED lights, a big Kia logo in the middle and model nameplate in the lower left, but subtly curved lines make the Sportage seem elegant and stylish rather than dull. On the overall, the 2014 Kia Sportage looks better than most of its competitors – it is sportier, more elegant and somehow seems less bulky.

On the Inside

The cabin is very well designed. The revamp brought softer materials, even though the plastic is still pretty hard, and the build quality is of the highest standards. Generally, the new Sportage brought significant improvements on the inside. They paid attention to little things as well, relocating the speakers in doors to provide sound of better quality, for example.

Standard features include the six-speaker Infinity audio, USB, aux input, satellite radio, 60/40-split folding backseats, Bluetooth and audio and cruise controls on the tilt steering wheel.

2/3 folding seats

Not a completely flat surface, but still enough space

The heated telescoping steering wheel and six-way power adjustable heated seats are optional, as are the UVO eServices, push-button start, leather upholstery, cooled glove box, rear-view camera and  rear parking sensors, which can be very useful having in mind the small rear window. The navigation screen is simply great. It is a large 7-inch unit that is visible even in strong sunlight. It is very intuitive and easy to use and the response of the touchscreen is simply amazing. There are no lags, everything is smooth and the buttons are very big. You will not have problems with the navigation screen.

The instrument cluster is very visible and stylish. It is divided into three sections with the speed indicator dominating the board. Soft instrument lights and tastefully designed dials make the instrument cluster readable and enjoyable to look at. The 4.2-inch TFT screen is placed among the instruments and it gives information about driving data, trip and outside temperature. You can also opt for the 4.3-inch audio system touchscreen.

Climate controls are placed on the central panel below the navigation screen and these two have similar inclination, which is great for quick and easy use. Everything is at reach and the driver will really enjoy the 2014 Kia Sportage.

The only downside that the driver might notice is the fact that the side and rear windows are not very big, and that huge A and C pillars really impair visibility. Other complaints might come from the back seats. They are small compared to the best vehicles in the class as is the cargo space and this is where the Sportage shows that it is intended mainly for people who need an SUV, but do not require loads of space – maybe families with small children who will not mind the tighter back seats – and who are not ready to forget the stunning looks in favour of utter functionality.

Under the Hood

The mentioned 2.4-litre petrol engine provides enough boost. It now packs 182 horsepower, compared to the 176 horsepower of the previous model, and this seemingly insignificant increase is actually the result of tweaks that improved the engine response bringing it to a more noticeable levels. The 177 pound-feet of torque are available at 4,000rpm which is early enough to give you that kick when you need it without going into the red on the rpm dial.

The six-speed automatic transmission is pleasingly smooth though the shifts could be a bit faster. The manual has been discontinued so it is not an option in the new Sportage.

This kind of a setup provides fuel economy of 7.8 L/100 km on the highway and 11.4 L/100 km in the city. These figures are not really top of the class, but they are acceptable and, if you have in mind how fun it is to drive compared to the competitors, even welcome.

This fun factor is further increased thanks to agile and quick steering. The 2014 Sportage seems planted and simply as heavy as it is (3355 pounds), but all this means that the ride is not as comfortable as it is in top compact SUVs, which will be the biggest problem for the passengers in the rear where the space can get a bit tight for taller people.

You can get standard front-wheel-drive or optional all-wheel-drive, but even the first option comes with the hill start assist and hill descend control all of which make off-road perils a lot easier. Even though this is an SUV, its natural habitat is hard road surface.

Safety Features

The 2014 Kia Sportage is a very safe car. Actually, safety might be its strongest point. It features 4-wheel ABS disc brakes with brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, child safety locks, active front head restraints, hill start assist and hill descend control, optional rear view camera, side airbags at the front and side curtain airbags for both rows of seats. In addition, it performed remarkably well on Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests and received the highest 5-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Images: http://www.netcarshow.com/

2014 Hyundai Accent Full Review

The 2014 Hyundai Accent is a subcompact with significant improvements compared to the previous version which brought it to the title of one of the best equipped cars in its price class. It is obvious that Hyundai intended to make an affordable and versatile vehicle – coming in three trim levels and sedan and hatchback body types - but with just enough perks to make it stand out from the rest.

2014 Hyundai Accent

On the Outside

Looking at the 2014 Accent, we have to say that it is up to date. It follows the same line that Elantra and even Sonata are a part of, with some of Hyundai’s own styling solutions. Still, there are significant differences in the appearances of the two body types.

The hatchback is just great. It has that familiar profile that adds a lot to the aggressive side of even very inhibited cars (which the Accent is not), so, combined with several sharpened edges and ascending profile line, the side view makes the 2014 Accent hatchback look just beautiful.

Hyundai Accent Hatchback

On the other hand, the sedan seems far more timid. The side ascending line is still present, but the relatively short and very angled hood and similar rear window and trunk make the car’s top seem like one continuous line. Now, this continuous line is generally a good idea that adds a lot of style and smoothness to larger cars, but when a car is on the short side, as is the case with the sedan version of the Accent, there is not enough space for the line to develop and the car’s top line seems a bit egg-shaped. If there weren’t for the small upward part at the end of the trunk, the sedan would be a bit reminiscent of the very rare sedan version of the Peugeot 206, which was disliked as much as the 206 hatchback was adored.

Hyundai Accent Sedan

Simply a lot better than the sedan

The front of both versions is great. Large, angled headlights direct the eyes to the elongated trim on the grille that holds the Hyundai logo. The front seems a bit massive, which is good, but this is a feature of almost every modern car regardless of its class.

Both versions look the same from the front

Exterior features include the body-colored handles, optional fog lights, 14-inch steel wheels and a lot better looking 16-inch alloy ones, optional projector headlights with LED accents, while the hatchback also features the rear washer and wiper and optional rear spoiler and sunroof.

16-inch alloy wheels

On the Inside

The cabin is even better. The low-gloss plastic elements are of surprisingly high quality, which is not often the case with modern cars even in more expensive models. The dashboard finish reminds of carbon fiber and this adds a lot to the cars appeal.

Surprisingly good materials of the interior

The central console is big enough and easy to use, even though the space around the small, but very clear screen is packed with buttons. Each of the buttons has an unambiguous function and is large enough to be pressed easily even without looking after some time in the car has been spent. The dials under the screen control the air conditioning. The central console is not as prominent or modern as it is in some of the competitors’ cars – namely the new Fiesta – but this is actually a good thing because in a car of these dimensions it leaves a lot more room for passengers, while still retaining full functionality and serving the design purpose.

Well designed and lit interior

Driver’s position is good, everything is at hand and easy to use and the steering wheel is just perfect – it has a somewhat conventional shape, but with large buttons and silver details that make it pretty stylish. Looking at the instrument cluster is a pleasant experience, due to softly colored lights and fine placement of all the elements.

Nice, clear and easy to read instrument cluster of the 2014 Hyundai Accent

There is no navigation or leather upholstery available, but, depending on the trim level, you can get keyless entry, alarm, air conditioning, auto up driver's window, telescoping steering wheel, sliding sun visors, one-touch turn signals, stereo with iPod connectivity and MP3, USB port, satellite radio cruise control and audio controls on the steering wheel, chrome door handles and even Bluetooth connectivity. The interior has a far better finish than in most of Hyundai Accent’s competitors.

Just some of the useful modern features

Rear space is pretty good. Five people will not welcome a longer journey in the new Accent – which is the case with all cars in this class - but four will have more than enough room. The only downside is the headroom in the sedan version which can be a bit insufficient for taller passengers.

Not very roomy, but not cramped up either

2/3 folding rear seats add a lot to practicality of the 2014 Accent

They do not give way to flat surface at the back, but the space gain is still significant

Under the Hood

All three trim levels have the same engine – a 1.6l, four-cylinder unit that produces 138hp and 123 lb-ft of torque. However, even though it produces the most power of all the cars in the class, it is still kind of unremarkable to drive getting to 62mph in about 10 seconds. The engine can be paired up with a six-speed manual or optional automatic both of which provide great MPG figures ranging between 27mpg in the city and 38mpg on the highway. Automatic version also has the Active Eco button that adjusts the response of the engine and transmission to provide better fuel efficiency.

When it comes to safety, it is pretty standard. Side impact tests showed somewhat lower results, but altogether the 2014 Hyundai Accent safety figures are pretty typical of the class including anti-lock brakes, traction control, side curtain air bags and side impact airbags at the front, active headrests and electronic stability control.

The Verdict

If you are on a budget that does not surpass $20,000, getting a 2014 Hyundai Accent is definitely a good idea. It provides luxury and comfort that surpasses most of its competitors; it looks better than most of them and requires reasonable expenditure with amazing balance between fuel efficiency, performances and space that is available. The sedan version is recommended only to buyers who require more trunk space than the hatchback offers, while everything else is on the hatchback’s side – it looks a lot better, has more perks available and even the company put higher emphasis on it. Still, as with any other car in this class, you cannot expect too much. It is a matter of preference and only a test ride will tell you if this car is perfect for you. On the paper, it looks like it could be.

Photos: http://www.netcarshow.com/