The New Kia Sportage SUV
Published: 1st October 2004
Kia Sportage
2WD, 4WD drivetrains and running gear
The Sportage can be ordered with front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, depending on model. The full-time four-wheel drive system senses when one or both driven front wheels lose grip and automatically diverts up to 50% of engine power to the rear wheels. If necessary, the driver can engage 4WD at low speeds, dividing power evenly, 50%-50% to the front and rear wheels.
Sportage is fitted with fully independent suspension systems, front and rear, designed to deliver responsive on-road handling and a supple, comfortable ride on European roads, while retaining long-wheel-travel and a genuine talent to also perform with real ability off-road. Every Sportage comes with 16 inch alloy wheels, fitted with 215/65 R16 tyres. The all-disc braking system has anti-lock ABS with EBD as standard.
Primary and secondary safety
Kia engineers created a bodyshell with four structural rings - at the A, B, C and D pillars – to protect the occupant safety zone. Kia’s internal testing anticipates a 4-Star rating in crash safety tests. The Sportage is equipped with an ‘intelligent’ airbag system which gauges the severity of an impact and side airbags, curtain airbags, traction control and an electronic stability program are available.
Future sales assured
Created to give Kia a bold new challenger in the small SUV segment, the Sportage will play a major role in the brand’s continued rapid growth in Europe and all around the globe. The New Sportage is sure to be an instant sales success when it goes on sale in Europe next month. In Korea, customer orders in the first 10 days reached 15,000 units and in Europe the SUV market is set to grow to 1 million by 2008, with 35% accounted for by the small SUV segment.
Kia Sportage
Our Kia Sportage Guide lists the full specification of the current UK Sportage range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £13,995 - £19,195
Body Style:
Fuel:
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Models in the range: 8
We have road tested the Kia Sportage, to read our in-depth car reviews:
Kia Sportage Review - Aug 2005
Kia Sportage Review - Nov 2006
Kia Sportage Review - Jan 2008
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 21st Sep 2008
