The Kia Sportage 2.0 CRDI [AWD] with a Swift Challenger 530 with an actual weight of 1558 kg is in general a good match and suitable for all journeys on all kinds of roads.
The motor preformance of the Kia is in general fairly good. But the weight of the Swift with a normally distributed User Payload (200 kg in the caravan and 200 kg in the car including passengers), is heavy. Try to move luggage from the caravan to the car and drive not too fast. Remember to load your caravan correctly, insuring that the noseweight of the caravan is sufficient and the weight is distributed properly. But even so, a starting caravan driver is better off choosing a smaller and less heavy caravan!
Flat roads
Towing Performance
207
235
Mountains
Risk of snaking
214
98
Weight ratio: 87% (97% of kerbweight)
1558 kg
1800 kg
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Kia Sportage 2.0 CRDI [AWD] Swift Challenger 530
Actual Weights
Swift Challenger 530: 1558 kg.
Kia Sportage 2.0 CRDI [AWD]: 1800 kg.
Noseweight: 85 kg.
Actual weight ratio: 87%.
Performance
The engine's performance is generally good on flat roads (performance score to compare 207 points).
Speeds of 72 mph (116 km/h) to 78 mph (125 km/h) are often quite possible.
There is more than enough power at low engine speeds (score to compare 235 points).
Higher revs (1600 rpm) are usually not necessary on flat roads, under most circumstances.
Acceleration from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) is theoretically possible in 23.4 sec.
In the mountains the performance is generally good (score to compare 214 points).
No problems are to be expected on steep mountain roads. Hill starts are possible on steep slopes up to 15%, but do require some experience from the driver.
On motorway inclines higher revs (2800 rpm) are needed.
A speed of 60 mph (97 km/h) is usually possible on most motorway inclines.
Weight
The towing limit of the Kia is more than sufficient (check this in your vehicle documents).
If you passed your driving test after 1 January 1997, you will need a B+E (or B96) driving license.
Weight ratio between the laden caravan and the loaded car is 87%. Common in the UK: the weight ratio between the laden caravan and the kerbweight of the car is 97%.
The risk of snaking at higher speeds, strong side winds and thoughtless driving is great. Even if the combination normally feels stable, the forces by deflection side to side are so great that it could be dangerous. Only if the driver has a lot of knowledge and experience in driving a caravan it should be safe to drive slowly. Proper and careful loading is essential! An electronic stability system in the car and / or on the caravan is definitely recommended.
Recommended noseweight is 85 kg.
Safe speed up to 50 mph (80 km/h).
Stability and safety score to compare is 98 points.
If the caravan starts to snake you should reduce your speed and slow down directly! Lift your feet off the accelerator and brake gradually. Hold the steering wheel into a fixed position.
Conclusion
Performance is fairly good.
Proper and careful loading is essential!
It's a perfect match!
Influence of User Payload on stability
Weight distribution and noseweight are vital in obtaining a stable caravan.