This fall we are anticipating the arrival of two more great KIA vehicles, the All-New Sportage and Optima. The Sportage seems to be closer to it's debut at Jim Butler KIA with general base model pricing being released last week. The 2011 KIA Sportage is drastically different than it's predecessor.
It has an aggressive design that makes the redesigned 2011 much more aerodynamic, sleek and bold. The versatility of the vehicle remains the same, very practical with the enhanced technology that KIA is pretty much implementing into every vehicle that they are coming out with. The value packed CUV (Cross-over Utility Vehicle), has similar offerings to the Sorento; panoramic sunroof, navigation, push-button start, rear-camera display, LED daytime running lights, assorted voice & touch activated controls, and an air-cooled driver's seat. In late 2010 we should also see UVO by Microsoft, an in-vehicle communication and entertainment system that is much like Ford's "Sync". UVO will allow you to access music files, respond to SMS messages, and much more.
Engines and Efficiency
The all-new exterior design displays noticeable body line changes that obviously decrease aerodynamic drag and that helps the ultimate goal of creating sleek, functional, and fuel efficient vehicles. Let's take a look at the engine options, standard all-new 2.4 liter 176hp 4 cyl. which has improved fuel economy and the same horsepower as the prior models' 2.7 ltr V-6. Want more? KIA is producing a more powerful and more efficient 2.0 ltr turbocharged 4cyl that delivers V-6 power and 270 hp which will be available in the 2011 model year.
The Sportage offers front-wheel drive or the NEW Dynamax AWD system. Dynamax delivers 100 percent of the vehicles power to the front wheels during normal driving conditions, but is continuously monitoring driving conditions in anticipation of AWD requirements. The continuous monitoring is what differentiates this AWD system from the competition. It is anticipating the changes in driving conditions, grip at all four wheels, and potential under/oversteer. The final result is a safer driving experience in all conditions.
Suspension
With a longer wheelbase, lowered stance, wider stance and a hydro-formed lightweight sub-frame combined with independent suspension on all four corners, the 2011 KIA Sportage will drastically outperform the previous model. The all-new Sportage has been designed to deliver a quieter ride as well by using more high-tensile strength steel.
Safety Features
Like all Kia vehicles, the 2011 Sportage is equipped with a long list of standard safety equipment. Both trims come outfitted with driver and passenger advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, side curtain airbags and front active headrests, four-wheel Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and a Brake Assist System (BAS), which recognizes an emergency stop and delivers significant braking power. Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Brake Control (DBC) also come standard on all models, the former assisting in preventing the vehicle from rolling backward when trying to pull away from an uphill gradient, while the latter locks the vehicle at a slow speed down steep grades so the driver can focus their attention on steering.
[Source: Autoblog, KIA Motors]
