Kia models are among some of the best looking on our market at the moment, begging the question are they more about style, than substance?

The company hit its current rich vein of styling form in 2008, and initially some models didn't have the driving dynamics to match their looks. One of the first models to get that balance right was the third generation Kia Sportage launched in 2010.

This model offers a compelling blend Euro styling along with hi-tech engines and all-wheel-drive system. Styling is unashamedly edgy with a slight sports coupe look about its shape when viewed from some angles. But unlike most sports coupes, the Sportage is roomy, practical and talented enough to attract younger buyers to the Kia brand.

Fitted with a completely new drive train it is on track to win the hearts and minds of buyers, with a choice of 2-litre and 2.4-litre petrol or a 2-litre diesel that all drive through a modern 6-speed sequential automatic. There is a good spread of pricing across the 6 strong model range starting with a 2.0 litre 2WD petrol and topping out at $52,000, for the Limited turbo diesel supplied for this road test.

Powering the Sportage is a 2-litre version of the 2.2 litre common rail R-series turbo diesel used in the larger Kia Sorento R. This smaller motor is a lusty performer with a 130kw of power and a more than useful 392Nm worth of torque available between 1800 and 2500rpm. This new found thrust is generated by new variable vane turbocharger technology that puts the Sportage among the most powerful turbo diesels in its class. Noise levels in around town driving were more intrusive than expected from what is touted as a modern and refined diesel. At open road speeds the engine backs off on the vocals and is barely audible, making it one of the smoother and more responsive highway cruisers among the compact SUV brigade.

The turbo boost kicks in seamlessly and with enough intensity to ensure the motor pulls strongly, even on relatively modest throttle pressures with very little turbo lag. Apart from one or two occasions when there was some slight hesitancy under full throttle from standing starts, the engine in the test vehicle was pretty much turbo lag free.

A six-speed automatic with tip shift manual mode is the ideal companion for the engine, quickly and efficiently mixing and matching gear changes to the demands of both the road and driver. This can be challenging balancing act but one this gearbox meets better than most and with surprising ease.

Kia has created a deceptively spacious cabin that is comfortable and quiet. There is plenty of front and rear leg room while the luggage capacity is as generous as you find in this type of model. While the dashboard isn't a blatant cut paste job from its big brother the Sorento R. it is pretty close to it. However, that is not such a bad thing, and there is a lot to be said for keeping it in the family, especially when it results in functional controls that are easy for the driver to read and use.

The premium positioning of the test vehicle is reflected in its exhaustive list of standard features. These include a tailgate-mounted reversing safety camera that displays on the rear-view mirror and while this safety feature is to be applauded, the image is a bit small. Other opulent touches that drive home the fact you are behind of the flagship of the Sportage fleet, are leather seats, a double length sun roof, electric driver’s seat, heated front seats, dual zone climate control air conditioning and privacy glass.

Kia have upped their safety game with structural elements designed into the frame and passenger cell to cocoon occupants in a crash, with front, side and curtain airbags play their part as well.

An intelligent all-wheel-drive system, known as Dynamax continuously senses road surface conditions and anticipates when AWD will be required. Kia claim this system is faster and more durable than your typical AWD systems and provides more stability and greater safety margins in adverse driving conditions. Another worthwhile feature that is lobbed into the safety mix is Downhill Brake Control to maintain safe descent on slippery roads.

A competent ride and composed road holding is down to a new suspension and steering system specifically tuned for driving conditions on New Zealand and Australian roads. At the front, the compact MacPherson Strut suspension offers improved feel and stability. A clever multi-link, fully-independent rear end with the dampers and coil springs mounted separately takes up minimal room in the boot, freeing up more space for luggage.

While body roll is not as pronounced as some of its peers its can develop into a bit of a handful if you start pushing the pace over undulating terrain or through tight corners. The firm feeling suspension actually turned out to be a bit of a softy proving generally compliant and supple. Apart from a few banging and crashing episodes over low-speed bumps, it didn't give any real cause for complaint.

This is not a serious off-roader with the 4WD nous to successfully thread its way along sticky or bumpy farm or forestry tracks. If this sort of driving is on your agenda then strike the Sportage off your shopping list. However, if you are after something versatile with “Head turning” good looks for nipping up ski field access roads, then it should be firmly ensconced near the top of your shopping list.

What’s the verdict? A genuinely appealing compact SUV at a decent price, that thoroughly deserves all the accolades and sales that have come its way.