The Kia Sportage has a problem, it’s called the Nissan Quashqai and the problem is a numbers game. The Quashqai sells 60k units per year  in the UK whereas the Sportage sells around 23k units per year. Therefore statistically the Quashqai is more popular, but is it any better? The Sportage is certainly a better sounding name and now it’s been re-designed for 2016. The differences are at first subtle but will the changes be big enough to enable the Sportage to catch up with the Quashqai juggernaut.

Styled by a former designer of Audi, the Sportage breeds a familiar design language that now features sharper styling accent tones.

The upright ‘tiger-nose’ grille, swept back headlights and low-mounted cluster LED lights give the eyes a lot to take in.

Around the back, the more tame design features LED tail lights and a couple of deep creases.

 All models come with alloy wheels, air conditioning, DAB digital radio and Bluetooth. It’s grade 2 that gains the 7-inch touchscreen, reversing camera and sensors, automatic lights and wipers and dual-zone air con which complete the car.

 As far as engines, there’s a 130 bhp 1.6-litre petrol and two 2.0-litre diesels with outputs of 134 and 182 bhp. If it’s economy you’re looking for, the 1.7-litre diesel’s 114 bhp and 280 Nm offer claimed figures of 61.4 mpg and 119 g/km of CO2.

 But the best performing engine is the 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol. The 174 bhp and 265 Nm result in a 0-62 mph time of 8.8 seconds with the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic ‘box, but specify it with the 6-speed manual and you’ll get the range’s worst runnings costs – 37.2 mpg and 177 g/km of CO2.

 All-wheel-drive models usually deliver power through the front wheels in order to save fuel. When needed, up to 40% of the power can be delivered to the rear wheels.

That’s not where the new Sportage’s practicality stops though.

The 491-litre boot offers more storage than that of the Renault Kadjar and Nissan Qashqai, and features a lower lip height over the previous generation to ease the loading of heavier items.

The Kia Sportage went on sale in the UK on February 5th, 18 variants based on 4 engines, 3 gearboxes and 6 trim lines are available.

Pricing starts at £18k for entry level 1.6 GDi six-speed manual 1  and rise to £27k for the 2.0 CRDi (134bhp) six-speed auto GT-Line before options are added.