The swamp-bogging ‘AIEEEE’-screaming tour guide might have been dropped from the adverts like a bad habit, but sales of Kia’s compact SUV, the Sportage, didn’t seem to suffer much. Sought after for its relative fuel efficiency, easy-to-drive handling and all-weather, all-trail capability, Sportage has found homes in the driveways of thousands of Canadians.
The value-based Korean automaker is now gearing up to launch the next iteration of their popular compact ute-- which they say will deliver more efficiency, power, safety and style than ever.
Maria Soklis is the Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer of Kia Canada. She comments that "the all-new Sportage is the latest addition to Kia's redesigned lineup. It’s an integral part of Kia's strategy to develop world-class, design-led products that exceed customer expectations for quality and value in the Canadian marketplace."
In a nutshell, Kia’s betting that a complete mechanical, cockpit and sheetmetal makeover will accelerate the momentum of the outgoing model.
Doing the accelerating in the case of the 2011 Sportage is an efficient new 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine paired to a six-speed transmission in the driver’s choice of manual or automatic. The new gearboxes and 176 standard horsepower turn in performance superior to that of the current model, even if said current model is powered by the optional 2.7-litre V6. In addition to more snap, the new Sportage is also easier on fuel.
Both front- and all-wheel drive configurations are available too, meaning shoppers can set up their Sportage as either an urban on-roader, or a weekend trail rig. Furthering Kia’s advanced powertrain lineup will be an available two-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder that will be hit the options roster later in the year.
In either case, Sportage’s new powerplants are bolted within an all-new body structure that’s lower, wider and longer than its predecessor. Kia officials say the re-dimensioning of the Sportage’s structure allows for more responsive handling and enhanced aerodynamics while maintaining the ride feel and commanding view customers expect. The new Sportage promises more comfort, too—thanks to a revised suspension and an engineering assault on offending noises and vibrations.
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| Korea’s hottest new crossover is set to hit the Canadian marketplace in the very near future, with pricing from under $22,000. (Photo: Kia) |
The value-based Korean automaker is now gearing up to launch the next iteration of their popular compact ute-- which they say will deliver more efficiency, power, safety and style than ever.
Maria Soklis is the Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer of Kia Canada. She comments that "the all-new Sportage is the latest addition to Kia's redesigned lineup. It’s an integral part of Kia's strategy to develop world-class, design-led products that exceed customer expectations for quality and value in the Canadian marketplace."
In a nutshell, Kia’s betting that a complete mechanical, cockpit and sheetmetal makeover will accelerate the momentum of the outgoing model.
Doing the accelerating in the case of the 2011 Sportage is an efficient new 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine paired to a six-speed transmission in the driver’s choice of manual or automatic. The new gearboxes and 176 standard horsepower turn in performance superior to that of the current model, even if said current model is powered by the optional 2.7-litre V6. In addition to more snap, the new Sportage is also easier on fuel.
Both front- and all-wheel drive configurations are available too, meaning shoppers can set up their Sportage as either an urban on-roader, or a weekend trail rig. Furthering Kia’s advanced powertrain lineup will be an available two-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder that will be hit the options roster later in the year.
In either case, Sportage’s new powerplants are bolted within an all-new body structure that’s lower, wider and longer than its predecessor. Kia officials say the re-dimensioning of the Sportage’s structure allows for more responsive handling and enhanced aerodynamics while maintaining the ride feel and commanding view customers expect. The new Sportage promises more comfort, too—thanks to a revised suspension and an engineering assault on offending noises and vibrations.
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| Visitors will take in the new powertrains and platform from a restyled cabin that boasts plenty of contrasting colors and textures employed towards a lively and upbeat look. (Photo: Kia) |