2011 Kia Sportage
I am not a big fan of Korean-made cars, but when I had heard some unique things about the redesigned Kia Sportage for 2011, I just had to take a look at it for myself. The Sportage is a bit bigger with really aggressive lines for a more aerodynamic look, and it is in line with most of the crossover SUV’s; particularly the Hyundai Santa Fe. Of course, the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 would be suited in that category also. Now, my impression of this car was, “Wow, now I am starting to get a bit of a vibe here.” Being a crossover rather than a full “SUV,” the Sportage rides a lot more like a car than an SUV due to its independent suspension. With this being the case, I think this would probably be the only Korean-made car that I would really consider.
The Sportage comes in three different trim levels: There is the base model, the LX and EX (similar to what Honda has with its models). The base model comes with your normal cloth seats with 60/40 split-folding rear seats, air conditioning, power windows and locks, and a 12-volt outlet. The LX comes with optional 17-inch alloy wheels and navigation system with a backup camera, cargo cover, as well as an optional cooler in the glove box for your sodas and drinks. The EX model comes with a 6-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, and leather seats are standard.
Safety is pretty much #1 for Kia thanks to its steel unibody construction and an array of safety features. Dual front advanced airbags as well as dual front seat-mounted side airbags are standard on all models, not to mention 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, Brake Assist, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, and Downhill Brake Control. TPMS is also standard on all Sportage trims as well as side impact door beams and front and rear crumple zones. Try all of those features on either a Honda CR-V or a Toyota RAV4.
All three Sportage trims come with only one engine: A 2.4-liter DOHC inline-4 with continuously variable valve timing (CVVT) that produces 176 horsepower and 168 lb-ft. of torque. A 6-speed manual is standard on the base Sportage while the LX and EX models come with the 6-speed electronically-controlled automatic with overdrive and Sportmatic. The Sportage can come in either front or AWD, which is optional on the LX and EX models. As far as acceleration goes, the Sportage does not really have the “sport” to back it up. A time of 9.2 seconds from 0-60 seemed pretty descent for a crossover. If you are an aggressive driver like I am, you will probably be disappointed; however, if you are a moderate driver or have a light foot, you will not be disappointed. It is either you are going to love the performance or hate it. Fuel economy is very good thanks to it’s ECO mode; the Sportage gets about 22 miles per gallon in the city, and 31 on the highway, almost as good as a stock Volkswagen GTI.
I guess after test driving the new 2011 Kia Sportage had made me underestimate Kia. It has everything I wanted as far as standard features such as Bluetooth and iPod integration, as well as descent fuel economy, ride, comfort, and cargo.
