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March 24, 2012
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The Sportage CUV comes with the 2.4L Theta II 4-cylinder engine with Dual-Cam Variable Valve Timing, or with a 2.0L turbocharged version of the same Theta design (SX only).
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Kia Sportage 2011: Stylish, practical and affordable
Philippe Crowe
Kia has gone a long way since the first Sportage set wheels in Canada in 1999. The 2011 edition offers style, versatility and is packed with features often associated with higher-end cars.
Kia vehicles have been known to offer tremendous equipment for the price. This new generation of the Sportage CUV follows in these footsteps with standard features on all models like Bluetooth hands-free cell phone capability, alloy wheels, fog lights and heated seats.
The Sportage CUV comes with the 2.4L Theta II 4-cylinder engine with Dual-Cam Variable Valve Timing, or with a 2.0L turbocharged version of the same Theta design (SX only). This 4-cylinder engine comes with a 6-speed manual transmission on the LX, or can be paired with the 6-speed Steptronic automatic (optional on the LX, standard on EX and SX). Additionally, the Sportage can send its power either exclusively to the front wheels (FWD) or to any four wheels as needed (AWD).
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Rear leg room, at 963 mm, rivals some luxury cars while offering a trunk sized at 740 litres.
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The new body-style allowed the engineers and stylists to offer a spacious interior without sacrificing too much cargo space. Front occupants will find a lot of legroom as well as head and shoulder-room while being seated in comfortable bucket seats. The driver will also find easily a great driving position. Where the Sportage shines compared to the competition is in the generous space allotted to second row occupants. Leg room, at 963 mm, rivals some luxury cars. For example, a Volvo S80 offers rear occupants 890 mm of leg room and a Cadillac SRX offers the same passengers 929 mm of space for their legs. This is all done on the Sportage while also offering a trunk sized at 740 litres.
Back to the front row, driver and passenger will enjoy a clear dash and a centre console offering a clear view of the communication unit as well as the HVAC controls. The driver is facing a straightforward instrument cluster, with every important control within easy reach. As is becoming customary in modern vehicles, the steering wheel offers controls for the radio, cruise control and Bluetooth communication. Once again, these are well placed alongside a comfortably-rimed steering wheel and quickly become instinctive in their use.
Kia has been making statements style-wise lately and this redesigned Sportage is in the same vein. The lines of this CUV come out as being both elegant and aggressive. We heard many comment on how nicely-styled the Sportage is. The next comment was to ask if the Sportage was available in another color! As you can see in the pictures, our test vehicle was painted a not very subtle shade called Citrus Yellow.
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As is becoming customary in modern vehicles, the steering wheel has controls for the radio, cruise control and Bluetooth communication.
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Overall, the Sportage has matured in a very competent and versatile offering. It allows the choice between FWD or AWD, offers security, style and a high level of equipment for an amount that is not going to break the bank. It definitely has what it takes to be considered by fleet managers.
Specifications
2011 Kia Sportage
Starting MSRP $21,995
Engines:
2.4L 4-cylinder (176 hp @ 6,000 rpm / 168 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm)
2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged (260 hp @ 6,000 rpm / 269 lb.-ft. @ 1,850-3,000 rpm)
Transmissions:
6-speed manual (FWD)
6-speed Steptronic automatic (FWD / AWD)
Fuel Economy, Highway/City (L/100km):
Manual transmission, FWD 6.9/10
Automatic transmission, FWD 6.3/9.5
Automatic transmission, AWD 7.1/10
Automatic transmission, AWD, Turbo 7.2/9.7
Noteworthy Mentions:
4-wheel disc brakes with ABS and Brake assist;
Electronic stability control;
Heated front seats and remote keyless entry on all models;
Generous legroom;
High level of equipment, even in base versions.
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