Good things do come in small packages, at least that is something Kia Motors has tried to convey down through the years with its diminutive Sportage crossover.First rolled out in 1993, it took Kia nine years before an updated model was introduced and another nine years before its third generation Sportage hit the market. The 2011 Kia Sportage represents the first year of the latest generation crossover and comes just in time, at least from Kia's drawn-out model change perspective.
New car Design
Introduced at the 2010 New York International Auto Show, the next-gen Sportage is based on the Kue concept, itself a New York show debut in 2007. Offering fluidic design and cutting-edge technologies, Kia hopes that the all-new Sportage will dominate in a segment where few other manufacturers offer much competition.
Inside, the Sportage features what Kia calls its "three-pot instrument panel" and a steering wheel with optional paddle shifters. These changes are meant to emphasize the sporty side of the compact crossover, adding touches not common to its segment.
Trim Levels
Available in two trim levels-LX and EX--the LX offers many amenities standard including air conditioning, power windows, 12-volt power outlets in the front and cargo areas, tilt-adjustable steering wheel and height-adjustable front seats. The EX steps it up a notch by offering a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, telescopic steering wheel, illuminated vanity mirrors, automatic folding rear seat, keyless entry with alarm, a dual temperature control air-conditioner with ionized filtration, illuminated and cooled glove box, power driver's seat with lumbar support for additional comfort and support.
16-inch tires are standard on the Sportage with 18-inch alloy wheels standard on the EX. The EX also features body-color heated side mirrors, roof rails, a rear spoiler, chrome body trim and door handles and a chrome-accented radiator grille.
Powertrain Improvements
inside a car
Under the hood, a 2.4-liter DOHC 16-value four-cylinder engine with Continuously Variable Value Timing is standard, replacing the previous generation's 2.7-liter V-6. The new engine is more powerful and fuel efficient than the previous model's engine, as Kia takes advantage of important technological advances. This engine can be paired with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission; the Sportage is available in front- or all-wheel-drive.
Safety is important to Kia and is evident in the Sportage which features traction and stability control, electronic brake distribution, anti-lock brakes, hill start assist, downhill brake control and tire pressure monitoring. In addition, front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, side curtain airbags and front active headrests is standard on this not so average Kia Sportage.
