PICS: 2011 Kia Sportage gets STYLISH!

World premiere for all-new Kia Sportage at Geneva

Bold, athletic and sporty all-new Sportage to make its world premiere in March 2010 Marking a shift in design direction for the popular SUV

(Seoul) February 3, 2010 ? The all-new Kia Sportage crossover will mark a dramatic shift in design direction for the brand's popular SUV when it makes its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show on 2 March.

Embodying Kia's newfound visual dynamism, the new Sportage is a fresh, bold, athletic and sporty design that successfully blends the key features of an SUV ? the commanding driving position and heightened sense of security and raised ground clearance ? and envelopes them in a sleek and urban-friendly design with global appeal.

Longer, lower and wider than the previous generation model, the new Sportage will offer more space for people and cargo, with an improved ride quality thanks to a longer wheelbase.

The all-new Sportage crossover will be available at Kia dealerships later this year, with a range of highly competitive diesel and gasoline engines.

The world premiere of the new Sportage will take place on 2 March (8:45AM, CET) at the Kia Stand (No. 6441) in Hall 6 at the Geneva International Motor Show. View the attachments for this post at:

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From AB

***** The crossover is the high-fructose corn syrup of the automotive world. Think about it: Rather than using real sugar, Pepsi opts for a cheaper, highly refined and processed sweetener. Which, according to lots of studies, is pretty bad for us. Why would they do that? Higher profits, pure and simple. Likewise, CUVs offer all of the space of a comparably long station wagon or hatchback, get inferior mileage, don't handle as well, take longer to stop and in most cases offer none of the utility of a true off-roader. But guess what? They pull in fistfuls of greenbacks for auto companies.

Like high-fructose corn syrup then, car experts ("Hi, Mom!") can scream out their lungs until they're blue about the benefits of a more sensible, safer, smarter product (again, wagons). Yet consumers simply don't listen. The fastest growing automotive segment is ? of course ? the small CUV. Like the Snickers bar, the Twinkie and a twenty-piece Chicken McNuggets meal with BBQ sauce (all of which is mostly corn syrup), they are here to stay, forever. Buyers just seem to like the looks and the perceived safety that a high-riding vehicle affords them. Plus, for those with infant children, not having to stoop down to strap Junior into his car seat is the most luxurious feature on earth. With all that in mind, some CUVs are better than others ? and not only in terms of looks, but also handling, packaging, content and value. Is the new 2011 Kia Sportage one of them

The Sportage is arguably the Granddaddy of the CUV craze, as it was initially launched in 1996. That may not seem like a long time ago, but consider that the little Kia trucklet showed up before the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V or Ford Escape. Of course, when the Sportage initially arrived, the diminutive softroader packed a puny,

92-horsepower engine along with an archaic body-on-frame construction. In reality, the Sportage was actually an SUV, but it was one that wasn't terribly good at the roly-poly stuff. It looked a little funny, too. However, the Sportage proved to be a huge success for Kia, allowing them to offer customers a very inexpensive entry into the late-90s SUV-craze. In fact, the Sportage remains so integral to Kia's U.S. efforts that it's the only nameplate in the company's stockpile from the 1990s that's still on sale.

But while the Kia Sportage has always been cheap, it hasn't been particularly good ? especially in the aesthetics department. But as you've no doubt noticed, there's a new design sheriff in Kia-town ? Peter Schreyer, the man behind the Audi TT and Volkswagen New Beetle ? and he's already made taken some big strides at Kia. Specifically with the Forte, Koup and Sorento. Now comes the 2011 Sportage and it's easily the best looking of the bunch. Designed in California and featuring Kia's signature bowtie grille (no, not that one), the Sportage is instantly recognizable as a Kia ? to those who know what one looks like. Obviously, the reason for such strong design language (and to hire a superstar like Schreyer) is to make the brand more recognizable. We think Kia is well on their way, and like the Forte and Koup before it, this newest vehicle is leading the way.

Kia wants consumers to think of the Sportage as "a sports car wearing a backpack." A bridge too far, perhaps, but not entirely left field. The Sportage's target demographic is young, single men, the same sort of folks that purchase sports cars. Kia figures the Sportage will slot in between the smaller, cheaper Soul and the larger, seven-passenger, more family oriented Sorento. Even though the Sportage is clearly not a sports car (backpack or not), it does offer a number of sporting and even upscale touches that might just tickle a young man's fancy. For instance, it has LED running lights below the headlamps, exactly like an Audi R8 (a fact which no doubt has Ingolstadt's brand managers spitting nails in anger). Kia's also seen fit to include LED turn-signal repeaters in the side mirrors, another cue taken from pricier machines. Other thoughtful touches abound, including rear-parking assist, back-up camera, dual-zone climate control, ionized filtration A/C, a cooled glove box, a giant panoramic sunroof and a bottom-hinged throttle pedal, just like a Porsche. That last item is particularly appreciated by us.

The interior is about on par with the rest of the segment. Plasticy but fine, though people who really care about a finely finished interior will have to save their nickels for an Acura RDX. That said, the Kia's plastics are at least the non-greasy kind and our test vehicle had the bright orange accents and door panels that greatly helped break up an otherwise totally black cockpit. And the cross-stitched leather-wrapped steering wheel is quite excellent, CUV or otherwise.

Electronically speaking, top end Sportage models get either the nav-stereo system Hyundai uses for cars like the Genesis Coupe or Kia's brand-new UVO connectivity system. Think of UVO as Kia's version of Ford's SYNC. Both systems ride atop Microsoft's Windows Embedded Automotive operating system, or WEA for short. Like Sync, UVO (which stands for "Your Voice" and is pronounced, "You-Voh") lets you connect your Bluetooth capable phone to the car's infotainment system. Then, using just "your voice" you can place calls and even respond to text messages. Sadly, like SYNC, you're forced to use canned replies ? though with UVO, at least you can customize those replies.

The biggest difference between UVO and SYNC is that UVO will let you just say, "Play Led Zeppelin Black Dog," whereas SYNC currently requires an intermediary step where you must first say, "iPod," then the artist and track information. The UVO idea being that you might have "Black Dog" on your phone, a CD, your iPod, a USB stick or the Sportage's built-in hard drive. That being the case, UVO searches all of your media sources, finds the song you want then plays it. Pretty slick.

In theory, totally. Sadly, all the UVO-equipped cars we drove were pre-production ? both the Sportages themselves and the UVO units. Out of about fifty attempts to get UVO to work using our voices, two were successful. Are we panning it? We should, but we're not ? but only for one reason: As UVO shares the same operating system as SYNC, it has the potential to be an industry leader. Not only that, but the head of Kia's Connected Car unit is Henry Bzeih, a former SYNC engineer at Ford. We're therefore confident that Kia will get UVO working properly before it reaches consumers. For now, however, the jury remains unhappy ? and they had better get it working, as going forward, all future Kias will have UVO as an option.

But enough gizmology. How's the Sportage drive? Solidly, like a sportier version of the Hyundai Tucson, a vehicle that impressed us with its firmly tuned suspension and near-athletic moves. This should come as no shock: The Sportage and the Tucson share the same basic architecture. Compared to the previous Sportage, however, the difference is night and day. The new model is three inches longer, two inches wider, but just over two inches closer to the ground. Amazingly, it's also 200 pounds lighter than the outgoing model, though we suspect that figure is compared to the outgoing V6, and the

2011 Sportage can only be had with a four-banger. But here's the good news: the new 2.4-liter direct-injected inline-four (shared with the Sorento, Tucson and Hyundai Sonata, so far) produces more horsepower than the old 2.7-liter V6 ? 176 hp compared to 173 ponies. Torque is down a bit, however, from 178 pound-feet in the V6 to just 168 lb-ft from the 2.4-liter. And to hear Kia officials tell it, the Sportage will never be available with a V6. It will, however, be offered with Hyundai's 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbo motor, which should produce somewhere around 270 hp and 270 lb-ft of twisting force. Who needs those extra cylinders?

Back to the powertrain we actually drove. The grunt is enough to move the Sportage about in a quick ? if not genuinely brisk ? manner. Sports car? Again, not really. But definitely quick enough to easily merge onto highways and provide good entertainment when the going gets twisty. Just don't concern yourself with top speed. Speaking of which, the Sportage's suspension is set up unusually well for curving road duties. Up front, you'll find MacPherson struts and out back there's a multi-link configuration. For reference, the much-lauded BMW 3 Series is set up much the same way. The Sportage, then, can actually live up to its name. And there's more handling to come.

Remember the turbocharged engine we mentioned? It will ship with firmer, sportier shocks called HPD (high performance dampers). As it happens, the prototypes we drove around Washington state actually had the HPD shocks installed, so like UVO we'll have to wait for a production version to get the entire story. You can also opt for an on-demand all-wheel drive system that features a center-locking differential as well as the ability to "predict" conditions (i.e. use the traction control system to notice slip) and route torque front-to-back appropriately. We drove one AWD Sportage on smooth, dry roads from Redmond to Seattle, WA and noticed no handling difference between it and its front-drive counterpart.

On the negative side of things, the examples we drove felt pretty twitchy, with a ride quality that was sometimes jarring on bumpy, truck-worn freeways. It was also hard to keep one of them pointed straight. Again, these were pre-production vehicles. Moreover, the CUVs we drove were late coming in from Korea. So not only did the cars feature the wrong dampers, but Kia wrenches were actually changing out engine mounts the night before we arrived. As a result, all three of the Sportages we drove had different behaviors. This was most noticeable in each CUV's various steering feel. One was a bit slack on center, another felt under-boosted, and still the third had even more slack on center ? until we ran into/over a curb while trying to negotiate a traffic circle. Oddly, that jarring bump seemed to clear the problems up. Like the Tucson and most Kia/Hyundai products going forward, the Sportage features electronic assist power-steering, which is one reason why it manages 22 miles per gallon in the city and an impressive 31 mpg highway. However, electronic power-steering needs to be tuned to the tastes of the target market and again, we don't feel these pre-production vehicles were adequately tuned at all. Like UVO, we have faith that Kia will get everything sorted out by the time the Sportage goes on sale later this summer.

We know that a review of a not-ready-for-prime-time player isn't the most useful piece of consumer information ever written. Trust us, Kia knows this, too. However, assuming that the kinks get worked out of the production cars ? and they've pledged to do just that ? what we've got here is a pretty compelling, good-looking, sporty handling, inexpensive crossover. Kia isn't set on the numbers just yet, but they say that pricing should fall in line with the current Sportage. Figure a stripped-out base price of just under $17,000 with a fully-loaded AWD and UVO example going for around $25,000. Like its cousin the Hyundai Tucson, this represents great value when compared to competition like the RAV4, CR-V and Escape, especially as the Sportage looks remarkably better than all of them ? including the Hyundai. While we still maintain our starting mantra against CUVs as a segment, Kia's new Sportage is pretty easy to swallow.

*****

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Compact CUV Continues Kia's Design-Led Transformation

  • New design and AWD system for longest-running Kia nameplate * Sportage boasts more refinement, power, fuel efficiency, technology and convenience features than its predecessor

SAN FRANCISCO, July 20, 2010 /PRNewswire/ - The all-new 2011 version of Kia's venerable Sportage CUV takes its design "Kue" from the concept vehicle of the same name that was shown during the 2007 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. Completely and beautifully redesigned, Sportage offers more urban and fluid silhouettes than its predecessor while retaining the desirable benefits and functional features of the popular CUV. Sportage also offers increased levels of performance and efficiency, comfort and convenience and the latest in-vehicle technologies incorporated into all of Kia's latest new vehicles.

"Adding world-class design and cutting-edge technologies to an already successful value-packed CUV equation, the all-new Sportage offers Kia the opportunity to attract an entirely new and more sophisticated customer," said Michael Sprague, vice president marketing & communications, Kia Motors America (KMA). "The

2011 Sportage retains the functionality and versatility of the previous generation model but repackages the CUV into a sleek, modern and bold style with new proportions and a completely new look to help elevate the Kia brand further as a world design leader."

Available later this month, the 2011 Sportage offers image-conscious yet practical consumers more power (176 hp) and improved fuel economy along with the options of a panoramic sunroof, navigation, push-button start, rear camera display, LED daytime running lights and an air-cooled driver's seat (a compact CUV segment first). However, what first draws attention to the new CUV is the visceral connection drivers make with the striking new design of the all-new Kia Sportage. Also expected to be available in late 2010 is the UVO powered by Microsoft®1 in-vehicle communication and entertainment system based on the Windows Embedded Automotive platform.

"An increasing number of consumers are craving and expecting connected experiences in their vehicles including being able to quickly and directly access music files, change radio stations and make or answer phone calls through voice or touch-activated controls," said Mukund Ghangurde, director of product management for Microsoft's Windows Embedded business. "It's exciting to see Kia Motors embrace the power of the Windows Embedded Automotive platform to deliver Kia UVO. We look forward to our continued partnership to deliver connected and engaging in-vehicle experiences for drivers."

Available in three trims ? Base, LX and EX ? pricing for the dynamic compact CUV will begin at $18,2952 for the base trim, offering standard convenience features, including air conditioning, power windows, door locks and mirrors, SIRIUS® Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service,3 MP3 connectivity and Bluetooth®4 wireless technology. LX will start at $20,295* and will include standard outside mirrors with LED turn signal indicators and privacy glass. Moving up to the EX trim level offers a beginning price of $23,295* with standard features such as 18-inch alloy wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Emotion-Evoking Exterior Design

With a high beltline, sweeping angles and more pronounced wheel flares than its predecessor, the team at Kia's U.S.-based design center in Irvine, Calif. aimed to convey an even more demanding road presence within Sportage's compact size by emphasizing its hunkered-down position. The all-new 2011 Sportage projects a modern and clean CUV and greatly expands beyond the current generation's basic and reliable appeal. The full-sectioned body, defined by a spearing shoulder line throughout the length of the car, helps to visually connect the headlamps and tail lights. The crispness of this line, together with the lowered body, offers a distinct sense of precision while the pronounced C pillar gives a sense of solidity and balance when viewed from the side.

Drawing generously from the distinct styling elements of the Kue concept, the 2011 Sportage's front end proudly displays the new face of Kia, the brand's signature grill, with dramatic swept back headlamps, tabbed grill outline and a distinctive lower fascia treatment. The dynamically sculpted hood, framed by a distinctive windshield design, adds to Sportage's fresh appeal. The rear view offers a clean and contemporary look with pronounced unique tail lights set solidly within the rear lift gate. Longer, wider and lower than the previous model, the all-new CUV successfully retains the key features, including a commanding driving position and of security and powerful road presence, which helped make the second-generation Sportage so popular among consumers.

Starting with the Base trim, Sportage offers numerous standard exterior features, including 16-inch alloy wheels matched with

215/70R16 low-rolling resistance silica tires, body-color door handles, body-color and electrically adjustable side mirrors and a 6-speed manual transmission. The LX adds side mirror LED turn signal indicators, keyless entry, and tinted glass. Moving to the EX trim offers more prominent 18-inch alloy wheels mated with 235/55R18 silica tires, roof rails, a rear spoiler and chrome body trim and door handles. Available later in the model year will be the SX trim, featuring Kia's all-new efficient and powerful 2.0L turbo GDI engine. Contemporary and Comfortable Interior Space

Sportage's sleek aesthetic design from the exterior flows seamlessly into the interior, establishing an inviting and comfortable ambience with well-appointed features and the availability of numerous convenience and technology features. With the signature three-pot instrument cluster set prominently within the dash, Sportage's interior exudes contemporary design and an upgraded driving experience.

All LX models come standard with a host of convenience features including air conditioning, power windows, 12-volt power outlets in the front and cargo areas, power side mirrors with integrated LED indicators, tilt-adjustable steering wheel, keyless entry with panic alarm and multi-way adjustable front seats. Stylishly appointed cloth seats provide comfortable seating while 60/40 split-folding rear seats effortlessly accommodate driver and passenger cargo needs.

Further increasing the level of refinement, EX models benefit from a leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, telescopic steering wheel, illuminated vanity mirrors, automatic folding rear seats, a dual-zone temperature control air-conditioner with ionized filtration, illuminated and cooled glove box, and a power driver's seat with lumbar support for additional comfort and support. Both trim levels come equipped with an active EcoMinderTM indicator for optimal fuel-efficient driving.

Impressive technology features also come standard throughout, including an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system with SIRIUS® Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service. Also standard on both trims are auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting with MP3 players and Bluetooth® wireless technology connectivity with steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls to enable hands-free operation for compatible mobile phones. The 2011 Sportage also will be among the first Kia models to offer UVO powered by Microsoft®, an advanced hands-free in-car communication and entertainment system (standard on EX models) that enables drivers and passengers to answer and place phone calls, receive and respond to SMS text messages, access music from a variety of media sources and create custom music experiences. HD Radio® also will be made available to enhance listening enjoyment.

Available upgrades for the LX trim include 17-inch alloy wheels paired with 225/60R17 silica tires, navigation with SIRIUS traffic data, rear sonar detector and rear-view back-up camera, heated side mirrors, an air-conditioned and illuminated glove box, telescopic steering wheel, roof rails and a rear spoiler.

Sportage EX models can be further enhanced with available features, including leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, an air-cooled driver's seat, push button start with Smartkey, rear sonar detector and rear-view back-up camera, heated side mirrors and a panoramic sunroof. More Powerful, Fuel-Efficient Engine

The all-new Sportage comes standard with a 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine with Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT), offering more power (176 hp) and better fuel economy (22/31) than the previous 2.7-liter V6 engine. A more powerful but extremely fuel efficient 2.0-liter turbo GDI engine delivers V6-type power with a four-cylinder engine that produces 270-plus horsepower also will be available in the 2011 model year. Offered with either a front-wheel drive (FWD) or a Dynamax?all-wheel drive (AWD) configuration paired to either a six-speed manual transmission (Base) or a six-speed automatic transmission, consumers will have a variety of powertrain combinations to fit their driving needs. The six-speed automatic transmission, first seen on the 2011 Sorento CUV, is a proprietary design for Kia that was designed, engineered and built specifically for Kia vehicles, making the brand one of only three manufacturers to employ such a transmission. All automatics feature Sportmatic® clutchless shifting.

Perfectly suited for on-road driving through the city or on the highway, the FWD configuration offers an efficient package with responsive acceleration, enhanced fuel economy and impressive ride and handling. For drivers who typically face more difficult road and weather conditions, the AWD powertrain provides even more possibilities.

The Sportage's Dynamax? AWD system, co-developed by Kia Motors Corporation and Magna International, Inc., continuously monitors driving conditions and anticipates AWD system requirements, compared to other common AWD systems which can only react to conditions after they occur. This offers drivers the benefits of improved lateral stability while cornering as well as the removal of unintended over and under steering by reducing unwanted traction to the front and rear axles. Aimed at achieving increased torque and improved performance on every surface, Dynamax? offers true AWD for drivers who want an exciting driving experience with enhanced safety and performance.

Sportage's AWD design delivers 100-percent of engine torque to the front wheels during normal driving conditions, enhancing fuel economy, however when wheel slippage is detected a percentage of the torque is automatically transferred to the rear wheels to help maintain forward momentum. When driving in slippery conditions, such as rain, snow, mud, unpaved roads or off-road, the driver can manually select the "Lock Mode," distributing torque evenly between front and rear axles up to a speed of 25 mph for enhanced stability. New and Improved Platform

The 2011 Sportage is all-new, including its platform, which has been completely redesigned for the new CUV. With an overall length of

174.8 inches, overall width of 73 inches, wheelbase of 103.9 inches, Sportage is longer, wider and lower than its predecessor, enhancing handling and aerodynamics. Built on a unibody frame, Sportage utilizes independent front-and-rear suspension systems. MacPherson struts are used in the front and have been fine-tuned to improve feel and stability, while new side-load coil springs reduce friction. An all-new, multi-link rear suspension system is used in conjunction with new dampers and coil springs mounted separately to minimize intrusion into the cabin and trunk space and add to Sportage's handling.

The newly engineered suspension offers the same comfortable ride as the previous generation but also delivers improved handling characteristics with more precise responsiveness to driver input. Both the front and rear suspension systems are mounted on a lightweight hydro-formed subframe, to help isolate the occupants from irregularities in the road surface.

Significantly quieter and more refined than its predecessor due to an aggressive series of NVH reduction measures, the all-new Sportage employs a new bodyshell design with greater use of high tensile strength steel. Impressive 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.

To assist drivers when the vehicle is in reverse, an available back-up warning sensor helps the driver avoid contact with certain objects in the vehicle's path by triggering an audible warning when the vehicle approaches an obstruction, while an available rear-view back-up camera enables drivers to view certain items behind the vehicle. Competitive Warranty

The 2011 Sportage is covered by Kia's warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in this program are a

10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan also is part of the vehicle coverage. Kia Motors America in 2010

Kia Motors is in the midst of a dramatic, design-led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important segments at exactly the right time, contributing to the brand's continued gains in U.S. market share. With three new vehicle introductions and several other key initiatives planned for 2010, Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and with new technology such as the UVO powered by Microsoft® advanced hands-free in-car communication and entertainment system (expected to be available in select Kia models in the U.S. later this year). The launch of the all-new 2011 Sorento CUV, the official vehicle of the NBA and the first vehicle to be assembled5 at Kia's first U.S.-based manufacturing facilities in West Point, Georgia, further enhances the lineup, and is now in dealerships.

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AWARD WINNING 2011 SPORTAGE EXTENDS ITS PRODUCT OFFERING FEATURING SX TRIM WITH ALL-NEW FLAGSHIP ENGINE.

Sportage SX provides debut of 2.0L Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) producing power of a V6, while achieving outstanding fuel economy of a four-cylinder. Starting at $36,995, the 2011 Kia Sportage SX exudes value for Canadians

2011 Sportage will offer UVO infotainment technology powered by Microsoft® Sportage offers standard technological and safety features expected on vehicles priced much higher

MONTREAL, Jan. 13 /CNW/ - The all-new, completely redesigned 2011 Sportage lineup will be extended in late winter at Canadian dealer showrooms with the arrival of the all-new SX trim that features the all-new 2.0L Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) producing the power of a V6, while achieving the fuel economy of a four-cylinder engine. Starting at $36,995, the Sportage SX also offers additional standard equipment and design that distinguishes the Sportage even further from any other vehicle in the segment or on the road.

The all new Sportage SX showcases Kia's remarkable styling, and offers enhanced driving performance, as well as an upscale and contemporary interior with an impressive array of standard technological features. "The addition of the SX package to the all-new 2011 Sportage further enhances our positive momentum on the vehicle while introducing a whole new dimension to both design and power including exception fuel economy", said Robert Staffieri, Marketing Director of Kia Canada Inc. "The Sportage SX completes our powertrain offering for Canadians and the 2.0L Turbo GDI provides a high level of world-class technology. The Sportage is the first vehicle in Canada to debut this all-new flagship engine."

Incorporating many of the key styling elements of the Kue concept, the Sportage proudly displays Kia's new signature design language, with dramatic swept back headlamps, signature family grille, and distinctive lower fascia treatment. The dynamically shaped hood, framed by a distinctive windshield design, adds to its bold flair.

SX Powertrain The 2011 Sportage SX will offer the all-new 2.0L Turbo GDI engine which is a win / win / win technology that enhances power and fuel efficiency while at the same time reducing emissions. This is accomplished by injecting highly pressurized fuel directly into the cylinder (instead of intake tract) where a more complete combustion occurs resulting in the aforementioned benefits. A Twin-Scroll Turbocharger & Intercooler Turbocharging the 2.0L-T GDI greatly enhances power by forcing more air into the engine than would normally be possible. An intercooler cools the air for a denser, oxygen rich intake charge which results in even more power. The advanced 'Twin Scroll' turbo design greatly reduces turbo spool-up lag time and achieves a desirable early and flat torque curve (peak torque enters and maintains between 1850-3000rpm). The introduction of the 2.0L Turbo GDI engine to the Kia lineup is extremely exciting and is intended to showcase Kia's dedication to developing and utilizing state-of-the-art technology in Kia's design-led vehicle evolution. Technology such as GDI and Turbo allow Kia to design vehicles that achieve top tier performance, produce fewer emissions and opens the door to extraordinary fuel economy numbers. These powertrains will be the staple to designing future vehicles that utilize this combination of impressive technology.

The Sportage SX will be coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission engineered and manufactured by Kia Motors which is one of the most compact and fuel efficient transmissions in the market today. This transmission boasts fully variable hydraulic line pressure control (improves fuel economy) and adaptive learning which actually 'learns' the driving style of the driver and custom tailors the shift points. In terms of durability, the new 6-speed automatic transmission adapts to normal internal wear by adjusting hydraulic pressure to maintain that 'like new' shift feeling throughout the lifetime of the vehicle. Also added is a new feature called 'Neutral Control (NC)' that effectively shifts the transmission into Neutral while stuck in traffic (in 'D range' and with brakes applied >2 seconds) that improves fuel economy. 'Neutral Control (NC)' works in conjunction with another feature called 'Hill Assist Control (HAC)' that prevents any rollback.

SX Standard Features Building on the standard features found on the EX Luxury including Smart Key Push Button Start, Panoramic Sunroof, 18" Alloy wheels, Driver Ventilated Seat, UVO Infotainment System powered by Microsoft®, Premium Sound (7 speakers), Rear Spoiler, Deluxe Door Scuff, SX Leather Seating and Auto Dimming Mirror with Homelink.

UVO Infotainment System powered by Microsoft® The 2011 Sportage SX will also include as a standard feature the UVO or "Your Voice" for short, infotainment system. UVO is an innovative and intelligent in-car communications and entertainment system that will also be available in select Kia vehicles starting this spring. UVO provides consumer friendly voice and touch-activated experiences for simple management of music files and hands-free mobile phone operation. Co-developed with Microsoft® and based on Windows Embedded Auto software, UVO is an easy-to-use, hands-free solution that allows drivers and passengers to answer and place phone calls, receive and respond to SMS text messages, access music from a variety of media sources and create custom music experiences.

Entire Sportage Trim Grades & Powertrains The 2011 Sportage is offered in three trim grades: LX, EX and SX. The LX and EX trims are powered by the venerable 'Theta II Engine', a 176 horsepower, 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine, delivering more horsepower than the previous 2.0L I4 and 2.7-liter V6 engines. The Sportage offers either a 6-speed manual transmission (base) or a full featured 6-speed automatic transmission (all trims other than base). Fuel economy improvements of up to 12% highway and 21% city have been achieved depending on equipment levels on the 2011 Sportage with the 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine versus the outgoing model. Fuel economy numbers for the 2011 Sportage 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine are as follows:

2011 MY Sportage L/100 City Hwy I-4 FWD MT 10 6.9 I-4 FWD AT 9.5 6.3 I-4 AWD AT 10 7.1

Standard Features LX models come standard with an extensive list of convenience features including air conditioning, power windows, heated front seats, cruise control, tilt-adjustable steering wheel, height-adjustable driver's seat and keyless entry. Further increasing the level of refinement the EX models receive a leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, telescopic steering wheel, and power driver's seat with lumbar support. Impressive technology features come standard on both trims, including an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system with SIRIUS® Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service1. Also standard on both trims are auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting with MP3 players and Bluetooth®2 wireless technology connectivity with steering wheel-mounted controls.

Safety Features Like all Kia vehicles, the 2011 Sportage is equipped with a long list of standard safety equipment. All trims come outfitted with driver and passenger advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, side curtain airbags, front active headrests, four-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) /w Traction Control (TC), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Hill Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Brake Control (DBC). The Sportage also features 'Roll Over Prevention (ROP)' which is a passive system that helps prevent rollover accidents related to speed. A new to Kia feature is 'Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)' that passively monitors wheel traction, steering angle and g-force to ensure the vehicle is driving in the intended path, and if not, will assist the driver by mildly operating the steering wheel in the appropriate direction (through electrical motor).

The Sportage has also introduced motor driven power steering (MDPS) to the Kia lineup resulting in improved fuel economy by using an electric power steering motor instead of loading the engine with a hydraulic power steering pump. This system is custom calibrated to the preferred feel of a typical Canadian driver and is fully protected by multiple failsafe modes.

Warranty The 2011 Sportage is covered by Kia's comprehensive warranty program which offers unsurpassed consumer protection. Included in this program are a 5 year/100,000 kilometer power train warranty, a 5 year/100,000 kilometer limited basic warranty and a 5 year unlimited kilometer anti-perforation warranty. A 5-year/100,000 kilometer roadside assistance plan also forms part of Kia's comprehensive vehicle coverage. View the attachments for this post at:

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