Kia Sportage History
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The Kia Sportage is a compact crossover SUV that combines a resilient chassis with all-wheel drive surefootedness for off-roading and compact dimensions that make it at home in urban environments as well. With generous seating for five, fuel efficient engines and bargain basement pricing that starts below $17,000, the Kia Sportage is an excellent package for value-conscious buyers.
The first generation of the Sportage was introduced in 1993 and faced an uphill battle from the start due to tough competitors like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. Its strengths were its almost car-like dynamics and prowess both on and off the road. Despite a strong start, however, the vehicle was eventually discontinued from sale in the U.S. in 2002 and wasn’t replaced until the second-generation model arrived in 2004.
By this time, the compact crossover SUV segment had exploded with newcomers like the Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute and Hyundai Tucson, so competition was rife. The second generation Kia Sportage was criticized for being too big and had having lost the off-road prowess of its predecessor, though a new V-6 engine was added to the lineup and overall fit and finish was improved considerably.
A facelifted version was introduced in 2008 and featured a few minor styling updates to keep it fresh against its rivals. The changes consisted of new-look bumpers, revised headlights and an updated dashboard and instrument panel. The base Kia Sportage features a 141 horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive as standard, while the range-topper comes with a 175 horsepower 2.7-liter V-6 engine and all-wheel drive. Transmission options include a five-speed manual or an outdated four-speed automatic. The most fuel-efficient model is the base four-cylinder model with the five-speed manual, which returns an EPA-rated fuel economy of 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
Later this year will be the introduction of a brand new 2011 Kia Sportage, which comes onto the market with crisp new styling, a longer wheelbase, more interior and cargo space, and an improved ride. Mechanically, the latest Sportage shares much in common with the 2010 Hyundai Tucson though there will be some differences. A four-cylinder engine with direct fuel injection and either six-speed manual or automatic transmissions will be on offer. Two-wheel drive will come as standard though customers will have the option of all-wheel drive.
The 2011 Kia Sportage made its world debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show and is entering production at a plant in South Korea. Oddly, from 1995 to 1998, the Sportage was built by independent vehicle manufacturer Karmann in Germany for the European market.
