2008 KIA SPORTAGE
11/14/2007
Kia
The Sportage has won a number of awards and fans since its introduction to the Kia line-up in 1993, and will continue to offer the same combination of comfort, convenience and safety features for 2008. A Consumer Guide "Recommended Compact SUV" and named a "Best Bet" by Car Book, Sportage has established itself as the value standard in the compact SUV category.
"As the longest standing vehicle in the Kia line-up, Sportage has continued to grow and become a standard of safety and value," said Len Hunt, executive vice president and COO of Kia Motors America (KMA). "Winning numerous awards since its debut more than 13 years ago, Sportage has been solidified as a leader in its segment and in this industry."
Capable Performance and Handling
Sportage comes with the choice of two engines, a five-speed manual or four-speed Sportmatic(TM) transmission, and the choice of either two-wheel or full-time four-wheel drive. The 2.0-liter, 16-valve engine uses Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) to boost performance, enhance fuel economy and reduce emissions at low and mid-range rpm. The engine generates 140 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 136 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm, giving the Sportage competitive power for its class.
For even better performance, a powerful V6 engine is available, mated to a four-speed Sportmatic(TM) transmission. The lightweight, compact, DOHC 24-valve all-aluminum 2.7-liter engine generates 173 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 178 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm.
Fully independent suspension systems in both the front and rear are designed to deliver responsive on-road handling and a comfortable ride on a wide variety of road surfaces, while retaining long wheel travel and a genuine talent to perform with true off-road ability.
Stylish Exterior
Sportage displays a rugged attitude with its exterior styling that includes multi-reflector headlamps, black exterior door handles, roof rails, front and rear towing hooks and a front end skid plate, standard on all LX models. In addition to the V6 engine with automatic transmission, upgrading to the EX model includes a power-operated, one-touch sunroof, fog lights and heated outside mirrors.
Opting for a Sport Package, available on LX V6 models, adds distinctive features such as fog lights, sport gauge instrument cluster, black mesh grille, dark metallic gray bodyside cladding, leather steering wheel and shift knob, rear spoiler, cargo cover and the AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers (standard on EX trim level).
All Sportage models come with 16-inch alloy wheels. The four-cylinder Sportage LX is fitted with 215/65R16 tires, while Sportage V6 models make use of 235/60R16 tires.
Spacious and Comfortable on the Inside
Sportage is an exceptionally spacious vehicle with an interior that can transport five adults in comfort, or fewer people and a wide variety of cargo with its innovative easy-to-use 'Drop & Fold' rear seat. Utilizing a 60/40 split cushion and backrest that allows the bottom cushion to move forward and down into the rear footwell area, it also allows the seat backrest to be folded completely flat and onto the same level as the trunk floor. This easy-to-perform operation can be carried out without removing the rear head restraints.
The 'Drop & Fold' rear seat, plus the fold-flat front passenger seat, gives Sportage users a large number of seating/luggage carrying combinations. With all seats occupied, the Sportage can carry three sets of golf clubs in the load area. Maximum cargo volume is 66.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. The fold-flat front passenger seat allows for carrying long loads or simply providing more legroom for passengers traveling in the right rear seat. The fold-flat seat also can be utilized as a "work table" for the driver when the vehicle is parked.
Access to Sportage's cabin is particularly easy, with large, wide-opening doors and generous legroom - 42.1 inches at the front and 37.2 inches at the rear. Front headroom is 40.7 inches, while rear headroom is 39.4 inches. Sportage's front seats also can be fully reclined (with head rests removed) to meet second-row cushions for sleeping.
In addition to its sheer volume, convenience benefits offered by the load area include: a rear-cargo under-floor tray (above the spare wheel), four tie-down anchors in the floor, side-wall storage with net, and a two-position rear cargo cover.
Sportage also offers a wide range of storage compartments, including a large center console with two-stage tray top, large lockable glove box, overhead sunglasses holder, map and cup holders in all four doors, rear-seat central armrest and floor-console dual cup holders.
The Sportage LX model is loaded with standard equipment, offering power windows with a driver's one-touch down feature, power mirrors, rear privacy glass, roof rails, and a six-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo system. Cruise control comes standard on all models. Upgrading to an EX model will add a leather-covered shift knob and steering wheel, sunroof, remote keyless entry system, a cargo cover and upgraded seat fabric.
The EX also offers a Luxury Package, which includes leather seats and interior trim, heated front seats, automatic headlamps, electrochromatic interior mirror with HomeLink(R) and an upgraded stereo system complete with woofer and external amplifier. The leather seats and trim are also available as a stand-alone option for the EX model.
Advanced Standard Safety
Earning a five-star crash rating in frontal and side impact crash tests from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2007, Sportage is designed with both young-at-heart and value-conscious customers in mind, placing a heavy emphasis on safety. Its long list of standard safety features includes: six standard airbags (two advanced front airbags, two front-seat-mounted side airbags, and two full-length side-curtain airbags); four-wheel disc brakes with antilock brake system (ABS); traction control system (TCS); and electronic stability control (ESC).
A four-channel, four-sensor, antilock brake system (ABS) is standard. This system incorporates electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), which helps distribute braking force evenly to all four wheels as weight shifts during cornering. The standard traction control is a fully automatic, dual-mode system that either reduces engine power or applies the vehicle's brakes - or both - when appropriate.
Industry-Leading Warranty
Like all Kia models, Sportage is covered by a comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in the package are a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year or 60,000-mile limited basic warranty, and a five-year or 100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan is also part of the comprehensive coverage program.