Yes, I'm the great pretender...this could be the theme tune of the Kia Sportage XS CRDi auto.

It's the big Sports Utility Vehicle that gives drivers all the image, power and security they crave – without the extra cost burden of four-wheel drive.

There are three such two-wheel drive vehicles that have been added to the Kia line-up (the XE and XE auto at £13,995 and £16,195 and XS auto at £17,495), all of which provide plenty of excellent value for money.

But 4WD fans can still choose from another seven all-wheel drive models that have forged such a good name for themselves in the renowned Sportage family.

And even the luxurious, top-range TITAN 2.7-litre V6 auto flagship can be bought for less than £20,000.

The front-wheel drive option seems such a sensible idea. Although big SUV vehicles are still popular family transport, how many of them actually venture off tarmac and really need the extra traction and stability of 4WD? Precious few.

Kia have quickly recognised that a shift in customer buying patterns sees a need for front-drive models with greater fuel economy and power CO2 emissions than their 4WD counterparts.

And whatever model is being considered, the Sportage offers fantastic value for money. Seven-year, 100,000 mile warranties are standard and the anti-corrosion warranty has been increased from six to 10 years and every single model in the range has six airbags, air conditioning, remote central locking, electric windows and mirrors and alloy wheels.

Kia has also been listening to customers about the Sportage's cabin and has made some important improvements there, too. Front seat cushions are longer and wider and, therefore, more comfortable and the rear seats are now mounted lower to provide a more comfortable position for passengers.

Kia have also cut wind noise in the cabin and made the trim more luxurious and tougher.

And the keen-eyed may notice new body-coloured bumpers, larger door mirrors, revised front grille, black-bezel headlamps and fresh alloy wheel designs.

But as Sportage was only revised in 2005, it's a freshen-up rather than major facelift.

And it's such a useful and versatile vehicle. All-round space is huge, with generous headroom, width and good rear legroom, and the Sportage boasts a clever two-piece tailgate, so that items can just be popped in quickly as the upper glass opens up, rather than having to heave open the whole rear door.

Rear seats split 60:40 fold easily and the cushion slide automatically to provide a completely flat, spacious load floor when necessary.

The CRDi auto version I tested is likely to be one of the best sellers, with a decent 35.3mpg overall figure an attractive proposition.

It provides powerful, smooth acceleration and quiet cruising and the four-speed auto box changes sweep in almost unheard and unnoticed – there's also a sequential 'manual' mode if you want more direct control.

The Sportage is a sensible choice if you are seeking car-like driving performance. Firmer steering puts the driver in command, the ride is excellent and a surprisingly tight lock makes the vehicle agile and easy to park and manoeuvre.

Families will appreciate the generous amount of oddments space, including three cup-holders around the centre console, a deep centre box and door bins with built-in bottle recesses.

The smart, well-finished interior and totally simplified dashboard layout show just how far Kia has come in terms of quality and are further indication that this is a company really going places.

And the new 2WD Sportages are a sensible move at a time when customers really need them. Sometimes less really can be more.

At a glance:

• Kia Sportage with choice of 10 models from £13,995-£19,995.


• Front-wheel-drive XE, XE auto and XS auto versions added to expanded range.


• Seven-year 100,000-mile warranty.


• Anti-corrosion warranty increased from six to 10 years.


• Diesel automatic available for first time.


• Improved steering response and body control due to newly-tuned power steering.


• Production switched from Korea to Zilina, Slovakia.


• More class and practicality in the cabin.


• Wider, more comfortable front seats.


• Rear seats can fold flat and are mounted lower to give more comfortable position and increase headroom.


• Sportage is one of roomiest cars in class, thanks to unusually long wheelbase and skilfully-packaged mechanical components.


• Front and rear leg and headroom are amongst best in class.