KIA'S compact Sportage four-wheel drive now offers the extra appeal of an XSE Special Edition. It is priced at £12,995 and includes such extras as ABS, alloy wheels, air conditioning, rear roof spoiler, roof rails, rear wheel cover and remote central door locking.

The XSE is available in either ebony black or cool silver metallic.For those requiring an even more distinctive Sportage XSE, a special "bright pack" is available for £785 including VAT and fitting (based on average labour rate). This pack includes driving lamps, stainless steel front A bar, side-steps and rear wheel cover.

More than 9,000 Sportages have been sold in the UK since the car was launched in 1995.

Kia's Sportage has a proper off-road set-up with low range gearing and switchable four-wheel drive essential for those stickier moments off-road.