IN THE increasingly crowded crossover market, manufacturers are desperate to stay one step ahead of the game.

Barely a month seems to go by without a new model being introduced as rivals jostle for pole position.

Amid that backdrop, Kia has brought forward the fourth generation of its brand-redefining Sportage.

There was plenty to like about the previous version of this model - a fact outlined by sales of 100,000 units across Europe last year.

So altering something that is so popular always carries an element of risk, but there’s serious pressure in the motoring world to keep moving on.

One of the more significant changes is that it’s longer than it used to be by 40mm, with a wheelbase that’s 30mm longer.

These adjustments are good news on the whole for rear seat passengers because the new dimensions mean more legroom for people sat in the back.

The back doors are also a little longer than they used to be, bringing added practicality and convenience.

The new Sportage’s floor is also a little lower to the ground than before and, accordingly, the seat height is also a tad lower.

This makes it easier to get in and out of the vehicle, as well as providing more headroom for taller drivers and passengers.

In terms of how the vehicle looks from the outside, the changes are subtle - enough tweaks to keep the Sportage looking fresh and up-to-date, but not enough to make it loose its character.

Characteristics include narrow side windows, deeply sculpted sides and bold wheel arches, while the front is dominated by a wide interpretation of Kia’s ‘tiger nose’ main grille.

On a vehicle that is loved for its functionality and user-friendly credentials, the 17” alloy wheels and chrome surrounding the front grille lend the vehicle extra style.

Inside, the Sportage benefits from a clean, simple and straightforward layout. DAB radio with MP3 compatibility comes as standard, as does Bluetooth and USB.

The 7in touchscreen with satellite navigation is easy to use, while a reversing camera, neatly integrated into the satnav screen, makes life easy when you’re trying to squeeze into a tight space.

On a family day trip to the Peak District, we found the large luggage area, which is longer than before, to be a real asset in terms of practicality.

Indeed, there was no shortage of space for two adults, he children and our various belongings.

Kia uses a simple 1,2,3,4 grading system to indicate trim levels, although there are also new GT-Line versions which add an even more sporty flourish to the range.

The Sportage ‘2’, tested here, is powered by a 1.7-litre, 114bhp diesel engine. This engine, which Kia says is favoured by more than half of all Sportage buyers, is now more than 7mpg more fuel-efficient on the combined cycle, while its CO2 output falls by 16g/km.

The unit is punchy and sufficient for most situations, while the six-speed manual gearbox has smooth shift and makes for a pleasurable driving experience.

The vehicle is two-wheel drive, but still holds the corners well and seems to have plenty of grip. Higher up the trim trail, four-wheel drive versions are available.

The vehicle’s handling is helped by Electronic Stability Control and Vehicle Stability Management, counteracting any tendency of the car to understeer or oversteer in hard cornering or slippery conditions.

Kia says the fourth generation Sportage has brought major advances in fuel efficiency, with engines from previous incarnations of the Sportage being extensively revised to meet EU6 emissions regulations.

There are a number of different engines to choose from., including four engines with five power outputs and three transmissions.