ASK Kia if size matters and the answer is most definitely "Yes!". That is, especially when it refers to their latest model, the new-look Sportage, which is designed to provide an a la carte approach to motoring.

At the European unveiling of the new edition of the best-selling range, Kia's UK boss, Paul Williams, described it as "the coolest number" and promised that the sports utility vehicle (SUV) would prove a serious challenger and rival to the Honda CRV, Land Rover Freelander, Nissan X-Trail, Toyota Rav-4 and even to the BMW X3 and Volvo XC90.

Comparing it with the last two leisure vehicles would seem to be wishful thinking, but face to face with the others, well, that is another story.

The new Sportage is roomier than most, providing more essential head and leg room, especially for those having to sit in the back, and there is also more room for luggage or any other bulky cargo. It also comes with some seriously perky engines.

There was a time when to mention Kia brought the response "Who?" or "What?". But today Kia is known as one of the fastest-growing car manufacturers in the world, and J D Power, the independent organisation that collects car owners' impressions, says that Kia has proved to be the most improved brand for the past two years. A sure sign of its progress is news of its first main-land European assembly plant, ready for producing more than 300,000 vehicles a year from 2006.

Sportage is one of several different models built by the Malaysian-based manufacturer, a line-up that includes city cars, luxury saloons and also the UK best-selling Sorento people carrier.

Compared to Kia's earlier rugged sports utility, the all-new model was created to meet a radically different design concept. It is more sporty and good-looking, nice and comfortable inside with attractive dashboard design, and also provides a top-hinged tailgate with a flip-up window. Designers have even moved the spare wheel from under the car to the security inside the boot without losing any essential cargo room.

The original Sportage, launched in 1993, was the company's bestseller globally, with over half a million units sold. Once production of its successor begins big time, Kia reckons that around 100,000 will be built for export annually, 20 per cent of them going to Europe and three times that many to the United States.

Although Kia has kept the Sportage name, the new car is a very different kind of Kia, offering customers the benefits of three different vehicle types, but altogether in one package... an a la carte mix offering the smooth ride and comfort of a passenger car, the easy access and all-wheel grip of a sports utility vehicle, and the load-carrying ability and seating versatility of an estate.

When it goes on sale next year, it will offer three engines, two transmissions, two equipment levels and a range of premium options. Owners of the new model will be able to enhance the sporty elegance by choosing the Monotone exterior finish, with all external components painted in body colour, either cheery black, satin silver, smart blue or smoky brown.

They will also be able to indulge in the premium, package, featuring orange-brown leather upholster and trim, with brushed aluminium and chrome metal detailing, to contrast with the black trim panels and deep-pile carpets.

The car also features a fully independent suspension suited to both on and off-road driving conditions. Riding on 16-inch alloy wheels, and coupled to its long wheelbase, the Sportage provided a stable ride and drive performance.

The car's off-road ability was put to the test through the rugged countryside of Mallorca: on rocky paths normally used by the island's goats and equally nimble shepherds. Despite a night of torrential rain flooding the off-road section, the 2.0-litre turbo diesel Sportage wearing day-to-day road-wheels handled the conditions well. Equally, it was at home on the open road, providing a comfortable ride, and lots of essential acceleration when needed.

Overall, there will be three engines in the range. Two-litre petrol and diesel units are both available either with manual or with H-matic four-speed automatic transmissions, and a 175bhp 2.7-litre V6, which gets the automatic only. All versions have full-time electronically controlled four-wheel drive.

The most popular engine choice is expected to be the 112Ps 2.0-litre CRDi turbo diesel.

Traction control is fitted to most models and an electronic stability system is also available. All-disc braking power is supported by ABS anti-lock and electronic brake distribution.

The unique rear seat has a new flat fold system, which lowers the cushion into the foot well and ensures the backrest also folds down to create a square-sided, flat-floored cargo area, all done without removing the head restraints. The load area extends to 1.6-metres, and by folding the front passenger seat there is room for even longer items.

Safety features include curtain and side airbags.

Unfortunately, Kia's bosses were reluctant to talk prices. To reveal the prices so far in advance of the car's arrival in the showrooms, will (they argue) allow competitors time to revise theirs. So it's a case of being patient, but based on previous experience, the price-tags are likely to give the rivals a run for their money.

Updated: 09:36 Friday, November 05, 2004