Don’t just take our word for it!
We’ve asked Northern Ireland’s leading road-trippers and adventure-finders NI EXPLORER to put a few of our latest Kias to the test.
They’ll be making the most of each model’s features – from the streets of Belfast to the Mourne Mountains, the Ards Peninsula, Causeway Coast and everywhere in between.
Hello!
This week, Northern Ireland's north coast was our destination - taking in some tourist hotspots and an overnight stay in Bushmills.
Our weapon of choice...
KIA SPORTAGE GT-LINE
What better vehicle for a coastal drive in than Kia's popular mid-size SUV - combining the comfort, efficiency and agility of a hatchback, with the additional space and higher driving position of an off-roader.
Add to that the GT-Line spec, which includes a number of lovely trim and internal spec features - plus the 'blue flame' colour option - and we've got a great road-tripper that looks great in a pic too.
Initially picking up the vehicle from Downeys Cars, we're greeted with the luxuries we've gotten used to...
Parking sensors, dual climate control, bluetooth, DAB radio, SatNav, reversing camera, heated front seats and push-to-start ignition (no need to insert a key)...
...which was complemented by the keyless entry function (key in your pocket, just press the little black button) >>
Like a lot of the latest Kias, the versatile boot-and-back-seat combinations was also a delight.
Our future back-seat road-trippers should love the heated seats and recline-ability!
Needless to say - plenty of boot space too. Our overnight luggage looking tiny in comparison...
(Note - these boot pics were taken at the end of the trip; the dirt being evidence of how we essentially used the boot as a wardrobe for our wet and dirty walking gear.)
NORTH COAST HOPPING
Our first stop was in the north-west, for a drive along Downhill Beach.
Very moody (and windy). This particular model was a 1.6L rear-wheel-drive - we'll definitely come back here and test out the All-Wheel-Drive version of the Sportage.