Kia Sportage Climbs To The Top

Kia Press Release
Source Kia UK

The new Kia Sportage launched in January 2005 takes Kia back to the top of the compact SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) class that it helped to establish with the original model more than 10 years ago.

With the latest version, the Sportage has been given a totally new lease of life that makes it ideally suited to motoring in the 21st Century. Sportier, more elegant, more spacious and more adaptable, it is radically different to the original car. The name may be the same, but everything else is different.

The Sportage continues Kia’s drive to launch new models which are modern, stylish and technically sophisticated, while retaining the marque’s strong adherence to value for money. With prices starting from just £14,495, a choice of two trims: XE and XS and highly-competitive insurance ratings, Sportage makes SUV motoring available to buyers previously priced out by the high costs of ownership.

The line-up starts with a 140bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine with continuously variable valve timing. Flagship versions are powered by a silky 173bhp 2.7-litre V6 engine with four-speed automatic transmission with manual mode. But with diesel now the fuel of choice for the majority of cost-conscious SUV buyers, the 111bhp 2.0-litre common-rail turbodiesel is particularly attractive.

All models incorporate Kia’s sophisticated intelligent Four-Wheel drive system (Active Torque Transfer system), which progressively transfers drive from the front wheels to all four wheels if slippage is detected. In severe conditions, four-wheel drive can be engaged manually with a lock function to override the programme.

The Sportage chassis has fully independent suspension; rack and pinion steering and anti-lock disc brakes all round, with electronic brake force distribution for maximum stopping power. Traction control is fitted as standard equipment on the XE while the XS version also has ESP stability control.

Longer (4350 mm), wider (1800 mm) and higher (1695 mm) than the average small SUV, the five-door, five-seater Sportage offers much of the technical sophistication and stylish looks of Kia's popular Sorento, but in a smaller package.

It retains the user-friendly top-hinged tailgate of the original Sportage, but the spare wheel is now carried internally, making loading easier and lowering the centre of gravity to improve handling. The glass screen opens independently of the tailgate, a major benefit when loading or unloading small items in confined spaces.

The rear seats have a unique ‘Drop & Fold’ one-touch system, which lowers the cushion and ensures the backrest folds fully flat to create a spacious, square-sided, flat-floored cargo area, more than 1.6 metres long. To accommodate even longer loads, the front passenger seat backrest folds forwards, lying flat on the cushion.

Interior space is best-in-class, with the largest capacity, front row legroom and second row leg and headroom.

Sportage is also big on passive safety features, with twin front airbags, front side and full-length curtain airbags, front seat-belt pre-tensioners with load limiters and three three-point rear seat belts.

The generous standard specification includes 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, a JVC CD audio with MP3 player, electric windows and door mirrors, front fog lamps, auto light control, remote central locking, tilt steering column adjustment, roof rails, a sunglasses holder and a wide range of handy storage areas.

XS versions add leather trim, front seat warmers, climate control, cruise control, privacy glass, electric tilt and slide sunroof and six instead of four speakers.