Main pageThe third generation of Kia Sportage compact SUV has been unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. The 2011 Kia Sportage CUV that is staged at the Kia stand now carries bigger dimensions than before. That translates?into 90 mm longer, 15 mm wider and 60 mm taller in comparison to the second-generation Sportage first released in 2004. The SUV is based on a similar platform that underpins the upcoming? Hyundai ix35 that, according to Kia, has been created with maximized customer appeal. "With the all-new Sportage, we have created a five-seat compact SUV with maximized customer appeal.” Kia Motors President Hyoung-Keun Lee said. “Despite the recent and ongoing global economic difficulties, Kia's market research indicates that demand for C-segment SUVs in Europe will grow steadily over the next five years as customers down-size their vehicles and new models focus attention on the segment.”
The new Sportage is powered by two petrol and two diesel engines. From the diesel option the customers get to chose from a new?R2.0 diesel that developes 100 kW and 204 Nm of torque, and a new 1.7- litre, 85 kW version of Kia’s ‘U2′ diesel.? The petrol engines include Kia’s revised 2.0-litre Theta II engine?that delivers 120 kW and 194 Nm of torque with the second GDI 1.6-litre direct-injected Gamma engine capable of producing 103 kW. The 2010 Sportage will be offered with both two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive drivetrains with both manual and automatic transmissions.
Kia claims their car provides “a commanding driving position, heightened sense of security and powerful road presence.” The 2011 Kia Sportage will cross the European shores later this year, while the Australians may expect the launch in early 2011.
Source: www.nitrobahn.com
