THERE has been a Kia Sportage vying for business alongside the likes of the Land Rover Freelander, Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota RAV4 since 1995.

Recent times have seen much reworking of the Sportage SUV and, led by the so-called "tiger's nose", first seen at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2007, today's third generation has been the result of much change.

The new Sportage is a radical departure from the 2004 model it replaces.

Now combining the higher than average ground clearance, high driving position of an SUV with the high shoulder line and windscreen angle of a coupe, this is very much a member of the so-called crossover vehicle club.

Gone is the butch-like shape of the original compact SUV and, to borrow a line from legendary Danish storyteller, Hans Christian Andersen, this rakishly sleek newcomer has turned into a "very fine swan, indeed".

It displays a far more aerodynamic profile, sitting longer, lower and wider than its predecessor.

In fact, as opposed to being simply a mover of folk and their stuff like its predecessors, today's Kia Sportage also shapes up very much as an object of desire and, as such, continues to follow Kia's remarkable ability o be ahead of the game when it comes to analysing buyers' needs and tastes.

This latest Kia Sportage is billed as a five door, five seater crossover and the Korean car maker does point out that it has been designed to meet the requirements of younger families with a busy urban lifestyle.

Slightly larger than the second generation model, the new Sportage stands on a longer wheelbase which ensures greater legroom.

It also weighs around 90kg less and with a sleeker more aerodynamic profile buyers can now step into a car which is not only more stylish than its predecessor but also more environmentally friendly.

Its upmarket exterior is carried through to the interior where a beautifully constructed cabin is dominated by a dashboard deliberately designed to emphasise the increased width while the eye catching centre console adds further to a cabin which oozes quality with better quality soft touch materials.

Retaining its high command, fully adjustable driving position the new Sportage also delivers some fine all round space for passengers and their stuff.

Stowage space includes a large glove box, a spacious centre console and pockets in all four side doors while a quartet of cupholders add to the facilities.

A generous luggage bay provides some 564 litres of boot space which extends to 1,350 litres thanks to folding split rear seats with a one touch folding operation.

The 16 model range is based on Kia's 1, 2, 3 trim designations while four wheel drive versions are dubbed KX. Kit levels all round are generous with the 1.6 GDI 2 model featured here including the likes of  air con, electric windows all round, panoramic sunroof, six-speaker sound system with CD and MP3 compatibility, steering wheel mounted controls, cruise control, trip computer, reversing sensors and child safety rear door locks.

Also well to the fore are driver safety aids which include ABS braking with electronic brake force distribution, hill start assist control and electronic stability control with downhill brake control, while one of today's favourite fuel savers, Kia's Intelligent Stop & Go system, adds its contribution to the economics.

Paired with six-speed manual gearbox the front wheel drive Sportage model driven here delivers 133bhp which helps to orchestrate a pretty lively performance from the 1.6-litre direct injection petrol engine.

Surprisingly responsive, passing the 60mph mark comes in well under 11 seconds, while considerate driving can produce fuel usage in the order of a little under 50mpg.

The engine also helps the Sportage to provide decent stability in delivering some pretty fine athleticism on the tarmac while the handsome and stylish yet sporty shape shows it has much to offer the ever burgeoning Crossover customer -  not least its seven-year warranty.