Kia Sportage SUV

The Kia Sportage is a great example of just how far Kia have come in the last half decade. An excellent SUV, it was named CarBuyer's first ever Car of the Year in 2011, before claiming our Best 4x4 title in 2012. Its futuristic style - designed by the man behind the Audi TT - remains different from rivals like the Nissan Qashqai and Skoda Yeti and will suit people who like to be noticed. All versions are equipped with alloy wheels, tinted rear windows and LED daytime running lights as standard. It also looks good on the inside, where the list of standard equipment is as long as your arm (and more). If you look closely you may well find some cheap plastic trim, but that's just nit-picking given its surprising premium feel. The Sportage first came to market with only a single 134bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine with four-wheel drive, but it's now available with smaller petrol and diesel engines, plus a front-wheel drive option that makes the most sense. It comes with the seven-year warranty offered by Kia on all its cars, and what it lacks in brand appeal, it more than makes up for in looks, equipment and value for money.