I was lucky to be able to test drive it last weekend in JB. I was comparing the Sportage with Tucson and 3008.

Sportage drives like a Tucson. On the Sportage, the car accelerates well at medium throttle but the engine gets a bit loud and the shift wasn't exactly smooth. Overall, the Sportage engine does not sound and move as refine as 3008. However, that being said, it was not really a huge difference and the engine alone cannot be used as a sole point in the choosing of the car. I would say Sportage is still a good car and wins over 3008 (Tucson is already out of the picture as it a wee bit more expensive, has a waiting period of 3 to SIX months, and lacks a couple of gadgets and airbags found in Sportage)at an acceptable price (as compared to other crossover. Of course, can't compete with Forte with regard to value for money).

Sportage wins over 3008 in a few areas. Sportage has better exterior look (the biggest winning point), a bigger glove compartment (3008 has the deep side compartment but deep is ineffective if you like to organise your compartment and it opens up the wrong way), longer warranty, probably slightly cheaper running cost (as 3008 spare parts should be more expensive). 3008 on the other hand wins slightly in the interior look (some may disagree but i like the soft touches in 3008) but Sportage's interior is not bad at all either. Sportage interior does look upmarket (and better than Tucson). As told, the 3008 seems to have slightly better FC than both Tucson and Sportage.

In the end, Naza has gotten a bit greedy at pricing the Sportage but with regard to crossover segment, the Sportage still represent the crossover with the best value for money and I think it will be a good buy. The engine may not sound and move as refine as 3008 but it's really not such a big deal when the whole picture is brought in. This is my opinion of all these 3 cars.

This post has been edited by sengchee88: Jun 27 2011, 08:50 PM