WHOMEVER coined the term ‘faux-wheel drive’ when urban-oriented SUVs started entering the market was far too early, because back then at least they had all-wheel-drive systems under their bulked-up, high-riding bodies.

Now the market is full of big, boofy front-drive hatchbacks like the Kia Sportage Si, which are the epitome of faux-wheel drive.

Still saddled with many of the weight, centre of gravity and aerodynamic disadvantages that come with the traditional SUV compromise of having both on- and off-road ability – but with little to none of the latter – it is really difficult to like the concept of these cynically conceived machines.

So it is a credit to the designers and engineers behind the Sportage Si that we came away impressed.



Click here for the full review...