GENEVA — Kia has released details on its redesigned 2011 Sportage. The third-generation compact SUV goes on sale later this year in global markets
Kia President Hyoung-Keun Lee described the new five-passenger Sportage as "urban-friendly and fully in tune with changing consumer expectations and demands."
The new model is longer, lower, wider and lighter than its predecessor, with styling cues that tie it directly to the larger Kia Sorento. Two- and four-wheel-drive variants will be available.
For the European market, the new Sportage will be built at Kia's plant in Zilina, Slovakia, and will go on sale in late summer.
At launch, Kia will offer a 161-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and a 134-hp 2.0-liter turbodiesel. Transmission choices include five- and six-speed manuals and a six-speed automatic.
By the end of the year, Kia also plans to offer European customers two smaller four-cylinder power plants: a 138-hp 1.6-liter gasoline unit and a 113-hp 1.7-liter turbodiesel. Both engines can be ordered with the optional Intelligent Stop & Go system.
The 2011 Sportage will offer a wide variety of options, including a new rearview camera with an LCD display built into the rearview mirror, leather upholstery, xenon headlamps, keyless entry, engine start button, satellite navigation and a full-length panoramic glass sunroof.
Inside Line says: A completely different look and feel, compliments of the new Hyundai Tucson. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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mungmibear says:
02:50 PM, 03/22/2010
This would definitely sell in the U.S. market
j2j says:
12:37 PM, 03/04/2010
Meant to say "due to the missing rear windo panel."
j2j says:
12:35 PM, 03/04/2010
It's a good, clean sharp design, albeit more like a hatch (due to the rear window panel) than a CUV.
charlesb says:
11:05 AM, 03/04/2010
It's pretty ugly.
jm1212 says:
04:34 PM, 03/03/2010
i hate that C-pillar. at least the Rougue, Rav4, Outlander, Equinox, and Tuscon give you somewhat of a window to attempt to see out of. this one has none.
m89 says:
03:04 PM, 03/03/2010
I have to say, while it's far better than the previous generation, I still don't like it. I think the new Tucson looks FAR better than the new Sportage. Still, I do like how Hyundai has differentiated both vehicles from each other (the last generations were obvious rebadges).
powermaxx says:
02:18 PM, 03/03/2010
I keep wanting to buy a pickup but this is one sharp looking SUV
notabigdeal says:
12:01 PM, 03/03/2010
Remember this is geared for the asian/euro market that is way more sensitive to fuel economy then HP. Thus smaller engines that get the job done are preferred to the big boys. they probably could get the theta in there but just won't get the fuel economy figures. perhaps in america the 200hp would be offered later.
ozibuns says:
11:55 AM, 03/03/2010
how does Ford manage to maintain such high sales of its ancient Escape when competitors keep coming up with cars like this one??? They must be giving them away!
kingisback350 says:
11:30 AM, 03/03/2010
Hyundai/Kia are taking over the world... Watch out Toyota Honda