New Sportage goes on sale

Kia’s new Sportage crossover goes on sale today at its dealer network across the UK. A full 16 model range is now available following the successful launch of a First Edition version which went on sale on August 1.

The extended line-up includes four engines, including brand-new highly efficient 1.6-litre direct-injection petrol and 1.7-litre turbodiesel units. These engines come as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive, while with the 2.0-litre engines buyers are offered the choice of five-speed manual or six-speed automatic on the petrol and six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions on the diesel.

All 1.6 and 1.7-litre versions of new Sportage feature Kia’s Intelligent Stop and Go (ISG) technology and sit under Kia’s ‘EcoDynamics’ banner, while the new Dymax intelligent all-wheel-drive system is standard on every 2.0-litre model.

The 16-model range is based on Kia’s familiar 1, 2 and 3 trim designations, with all-wheel-drive versions given the KX preface. There is also a special range topping ‘Sat-Nav’ grade of new Sportage 3 and KX-3, featuring a fully integrated 7-inch touch screen satellite navigation with built in reversing camera and upgraded audio sound system.

All versions are extremely well specified, as buyers have come to expect from Kia, and are covered by Kia’s pioneering seven-year warranty that can be transferred to subsequent owners as long as the 100,000-mile limit has not been reached.  Yet even with such a high level of standard equipment and warranty, prices start from £16,645

The First Edition model, which allowed Kia to put new Sportage on sale earlier than had been originally anticipated, is discontinued with the arrival of the complete line-up.

Sportage Performance – More for less

The new Sportage is longer, lower and wider than the more traditional SUV it succeeds. It also weighs around 90kg less and has a sleeker aerodynamic profile, with a drag coefficient down from 0.40 to 0.37 Cd. All of this has ensured that it is not only more stylish and sporty, but also more environmentally friendly.

Widened front and rear tracks enhance stability and driving enjoyment, while the reduced ground clearance aids fuel consumption and emissions at the same time as reflecting that the car’s role is increasingly less likely to be as an off-roader. All-wheel-drive versions of new Sportage are still more than capable when called upon to perform in adverse conditions, thanks to their intelligent, drive system – Dymax – from Magna Powertrain.

With the new 1.7-litre turbodiesel engine and the fuel-saving assistance of ISG, new Sportage is capable of average fuel economy of 54.3 mpg, while CO₂ emissions are only 135g/km – on 16”/17” alloys. Yet it is still a sprightly performer thanks to its 114bhp and 255Nm (188lb ft) of torque. The new 1.6-litre direct-injection petrol engine, which develops 133bhp and 165Nm (122lb ft) of torque, gives new Sportage even livelier performance, yet not at the expense of fuel economy or emissions. With the help of ISG, average fuel consumption is 44.1mpg, while CO₂ emissions are 149 g/km.

The 2.0-litre turbodiesel develops 134bhp at 4,000rpm and 320Nm (236lb ft) of torque from just 1,800rpm, which means new Sportage has a better power-to-weight and torque-to-weight ratio than the previous model with the older 2.0-litre diesel engine. Yet it is more fuel-efficient and less damaging to the environment.

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With the six-speed manual gearbox new Sportage 2.0 CRDi achieves (on 16” or 17” alloys) combined economy of 49.6mpg – 9.8mpg better than the old car – with CO₂ emissions of 149g/km, a huge reduction of 38g/km. But it also accelerates more quickly and has a higher top speed. Even with the six-speed automatic it betters the previous manual model, with fuel consumption from 40.9mpg (versus 39.8mpg) and CO₂ emissions from 179g/km (formerly 187g/km). It is also quicker and faster than the previous manual Sportage.

The range starts with the 1.6 GDi 1 priced at £16,645 rising to £26,170 for the 2.0 CRDi KX-3 auto Sat-Nav AWD.

Author: Faye Sunderland, November 2nd, 2010
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