Car Detailing for Kia Sportage

Detailing your Kia Sportage

The latest Sportage grew into a big crossover with a lot of cladding, and the X-Line version adds matte-black trim and roof rails that would look terrible with a glossy dressing, so we use a matte protectant there. The previous generation had its fog lights mounted high on the bumper where bugs collect in the housings. Both get a full interior with the curved screens finished dry, and the plug-in version gets its charge-port seal wiped before the paint is sealed.

What we watch for on a Sportage

• The current car's enormous body has wide cladding that fades and needs a trim restorer
• X-Line trims have matte-black trim and roof rails that must not be dressed with a glossy product
• The previous generation's high-mounted fog lights trap bug residue in their housings
• The curved twin screens smudge and are finished with a dry microfibre
• On the plug-in hybrid, the charge flap on the rear quarter traps salt and grit around its seal

Compact SUVs: cargo areas that do everything

Compact crossovers are family cars, gear haulers and dog taxis in one. The cargo floor, the rear seatbacks and the door sills collect the most dirt, while taller bodies catch more road spray along the sides.