GO WEST: The new Kia Sportage is a sure-fire hit and the perfect SUV to enjoy a road-trip in

I am so fortunate where I live in Northern Ireland; my central location means that I can be virtually anywhere in no more than a little over ninety minutes.

This choice gives me perfect access to test driving a new car and of course I have favourite roads and places.

Recently I had the new Kia Sportage on test, an SUV which just happens to be a top seller in Northern Ireland.

So I headed west as I often do to one of my favourite counties in Ireland- Fermanagh. 

I have tested every generation of the Sportage and the latest is by far the best.

My test example this time round was in GT- Line trim; this the most popular in the comprehensive range.

The Sportage has been with us since 1993 and the current model is fifth generation.

Surprise, the Sportage is not an EV but relies on petrol power which is sure to please in this corner of Ireland.

My test example was a petrol hybrid, a good choice in my book and reasonable performance with the sprint from rest to 62mph in under ten seconds.

Combined with a seven speed automatic transmission, driving is simply a breeze.

County Fermanagh over the years has been my testing ground with a variety of roads and a fair share of the dreaded potholes.

Not only does the scenery welcome you with its numerous lakes and unforgettable sunsets, but I have certain roads which highlight a challenge for any vehicle.

There is a link road off the main Enniskillen to Kesh route which challenges with its many bumps to Irvinestown, a real suspension tester if there ever was one and the Sportage performed well with little disturbance to the humans on-board.

Over the years in coming to this area I have discovered many excellent places to eat.

And just this year I came upon Cobblers in Ederney, a bistro pub, where not only does Donal and his staff provide the warmest of welcomes, but outstanding food.

Kesh is yet another small village and often a stop at the Mayfly owned by well-known rally driver Garry Jennings.

Here, not only the food is good, but his craic is mighty with numerous tales of rallying.

I have to admit in this part of my world I really do not need sat nav; but it has to be put to the test and along with a raft of technology, this Kia excels.

The new Sportage is a very practical set of wheels as I discovered.

As late autumn looms the time comes to pack up our summer home by Lower Lough Erne and say goodbye to the Manor House Marina for a few months.

So the new Sportage is ideal for transporting, with the seats folded down, just under 1,800 litres to work with.

The combination of drive quality, looks and practicality makes this member of the Kia family a sure fire hit for me.