I seem to have developed a passion for 4x4's; I think it might be the elevated height of the Kia Sportage that makes me feel superior to other road users. I hated my female counterparts who drove Toyota Land Cruisers down residential roads at peak times, but now I feel positively envious of them. My main concern was the manufacturer possibly compromising on many of the luxury features that come as standard on some of its competitors, but I was pleasantly surprised. I would love to own a 4x4, but I am the first to admit that I'm terrible at parking. I have problems parking my supermini, so I can't even begin to imagine the sticky situations I could face in the Sportage.

At the time of its launch, Vice President of Kia Motors Europe, Jean-Charles Lievens, stated that the new Kia Sportage was "A next generation vehicle - sporty and elegant, adaptable and spacious. It will offer Kia consumers three modern vehicles in one - with passenger refinement, ride and handling, SUV exterior, ease of access and four wheel grip, plus estate-like versatility, people space and cargo space." I suppose I was expecting some kind of super-car after reading that statement, and I was disappointed when I went for a closer inspection. I wouldn't go as far as saying it is three modern cars in one, maybe a 4x4 with a family hatch price tag. I did agree with him on the space however: there was plenty of room in the boot, with the choice of loading items through the tailgate, or just opening up the rear window and placing them onto the parcel shelf. If you need lots of room, you will be pleased to hear that not only do the rear seats fold down flat but also the front passenger seat can be folded down to house extra long loads or just for that additional carrying capacity. The rear seats have lots of space with plenty of places to fit screwed-up jumpers, discarded crisp packets and gameboy games. There is a handy drinks holder for the cans of lemonade (or something sugar free if you are on a long trip with the kids) and the netting on the back of the front seats creates the perfect place to stash colouring books and magazines. If safety is your main concern, then you will be pleased to hear that every model in the Sportage range has front, side and curtain airbags fitted. The XE, XS and TITAN models come with childproof rear door locks and impact sensing auto door unlock to keep the young ones out of harm's way.

I was pleasantly surprised as I stepped into the Sportage. I adjusted the seat with ease and rejoiced in the air conditioning. I was most pleased with the dedicated sunglasses holder located by the rear view mirror and I was similarly impressed with the electrochromic rear view mirror that contains a built in compass. Probably a useless piece of technology, but it made me think about which way I was travelling (possibly diverting my attention from the road!). It would be handy if you got lost at the top of a hill in the middle of the Lake District but this isn't the sort of car that I would advise you do that in.

I could easily live with one. I'm definitely a king-of-the-road driver and the elevated driving position made me feel invincible. The main flaw for me was that the car seemed to lack personality. I love cars to have a sense of character and I just didn't feel inspired. The Sportage felt a machine that was made to transport the kids to and from the school and nothing else. However, it is easy to see how the Sportage will attract young families who value the good looks, high specification and the economy of a diesel engine. 21st February 2008