What Car? Q&A - How much power does the Sportage have?

Q: I am looking at the Kia Sportage as a replacement for my Land Rover Freelander.

When comparing a new CRDi XE with a used one (exactly same spec CRDi XE) on your website I noticed that the BHP has increased from 111 to 138. The Sportage diesel has not changed so why has the power output, or am I missing something?
Alex Neely

A: The Sportage CRDi XE was treated to a more powerful engine at the end of 2005, and was available with the 138bhp diesel engine from early 2006.

The older 111bhp car is the cheaper alternative, but we’d recommend going for a new or nearly new Sportage. The 138bhp engine offers far more pulling-power and will undoubtedly be worth more when you come to sell.