THE latest version of Kia’s SUV sees it get a makeover and it’s looking a bit more interesting than before, with a bit more character to its face.

More importantly, perhaps, it also gets an upgraded infotainment system and driver aids, as well as a mild-hybrid in the 2.0 litre CRDi variant and sees the 1.7 diesel replaced by a more efficient 1.6 unit.

If you didn’t know, the Sportage is Kia’s best-selling car in the UK and it’s been building it for 25 years now, something that is celebrated with the Edition 25 model.

In all there are 21 variants with five engine choices, three gearboxes and six trims.

Entry level ‘1’ grade gets 16in alloys as standard, as well as electric windows all round, air con, digital radio, Bluetooth and USB, 12V rear power outlet, auto lights, reversing camera, smartphone integration, as well as hill-hold, trailer stability system, downhill brake control and cruise control.

While Kias might not be so cheap and cheerful these days, they’re still packed with more standard kit than most.

Buyers can build on that generous base spec with ‘2’ grade, which adds, 17in alloys, touch screen sat nav system, tinted rear windows, reversing sensors, heated front seats and lane-keep assist among other things.

Grade ‘4’ (there is no 3, for some reason) gives you a panoramic sunroof, front wiper de-icer, leather, power front seats, 360-degree monitor, premium sound system, sportier exterior features like black wheel arch mouldings and side sills, as well as front parking sensors and 19in alloys and more besides.

GT-Line sits between ‘2’ and ‘4’, says Kia (maybe explaining the lack of ‘3’, who knows) and is the sportier one, getting exclusive 19in alloys, exterior GT styling and sporty details inside such as red piping on the seats and that sort of thing.

GT-Line S gets all of that plus adaptive cruise control, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated and heated front seats, heated steering wheel, wireless phone charger, pedestrian detection and blind-sport collision warning.

Whichever one you go for, it will feel quality throughout and is an adept drive. It’s a comfortable ride and handles well, although there’s little here to excite as such.

There is a bit of off-road capability – or certainly the ability to do a bit of work when needed – though with the aforementioned hill braking and trailer stability systems.

The petrol we drove, the 1.6 non-turbo GDI with 130bhp, did lack puff, struggling to gain momentum and running out of steam when faced with hills. That said, it was good around town, with plenty of low-revs pull. MPG is a decidedly average 35.7 and we managed about that on a cruise.

There is also a turbo petrol with 174bhp for those wanting more go, but sacrifices MPG further to 32.1.

Far better, assuming you do enough miles, are the diesels.

The 1.6 has 134bhp and the 2.0 hybrid has 182, with MPG between 40 and 50.

The diesels are the favoured option for those looking for a bit more punch and torque, for sure.

Interior quality is very good, with a decent fit and finish, and as mentioned there’s plenty of tech available and you get more as standard than many rivals.

There’s plenty of space in the back and the boot is large.

The Sportage, although like much of the Kia range not ‘cheap’ anymore, remains, pound-for-pound, a great value option in this sector and of course there’s still the seven year, 100,000-mile warranty to boot.

Prices start at £20,670 and top out at £35,635.