Kia expects to sell 100,000 units per year outside of South Korea, with more than 60,000 destined for North America, 20,000 for Europe and the remaining 20,000 throughout other markets.
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| Expect the new Sportage to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show this September, with European sales starting shortly thereafter. (Photo: Kia Canada) |
Will it do as well as Ford's Escape or Honda's CR-V? That remains to be seen, but I wouldn't count out the feisty Korean. With Hyundai's backing, and the associated improvements in quality control that are expected with each new Kia, the Sportage should fare very well.
Look for the new model to first appear in the flesh at the Paris Motor Show this September.
Specifications:
- Price Range (MSRP): $21,000 - $31,000
- Body Type: 5-door SUV
- Layout: front engine, FWD (optional 4WD)
- Base Engine: 142 hp, 136 lb-ft, 2.0-L, 16-valve, DOHC I-4
- Optional Engine: 175 hp, 178 lb-ft, 2.7-L, 24-valve, DOHC V6
- Transmission: 5-spd manual or 4-spd auto with manual mode
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc (opt ABS)
- Curb Weight (min-max): N/A
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Cargo Volume (min-max): N/A
- Ground Clearance: N/A
- Towing Capacity (estimated): 680 kg (1,500 lbs)
- Fuel Economy (city/hwy): N/A
- Warranty (mo/km): 60/100,000 comprehensive
- Direct Competitors: Chevy Equinox, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Liberty, Mazda Tribute, Mitsubishi Outlander, Pontiac Vibe, Saturn VUE, Suzuki Vitara/Grand Vitara, Toyota Matrix/RAV4
- Web Site: www.kia.ca
Note: Additional larger photos are available in the photo album.
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