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By
EWAN KENNEDY
3 September 2007
Keen to attract new buyers, Kia has greatly increased its choice
of Sportage models and now provides something for just about anyone
looking for a practical vehicle at a modest price.
Until now the Sportage has played purely in the 4WD market, now
a 2WD version is also on the list. This extra model not only has
the simplicity and lower weight of a vehicle that only runs a
single differential and no longer has a driveshaft to the rear,
but also comes with a 2.0-litre petrol engine to further reduce
costs. Until now all Sportages were powered by a mid-sized V6
petrol engine, which, incidentally, is still available.
The new 2.0-litre Sportage engine is a modern twin-cam unit
with variable valve timing, it puts out a reasonable 104 kW, and
184 Nm at 4500 rpm.
The best news of all is that the 2WD Sportage LX is priced at
just $24,990 with a five-speed manual gearbox and $26,990 with a
four-speed automatic transmission. These prices include alloy
wheels, air conditioning, a single-CD four-speaker audio system,
cloth trim, leather trimmed steering wheel and gear lever, as well
as power windows and door mirrors. Safety items include dual
airbags, and ABS brakes. The Kia Sportage LX 2WD is certainly no
stripped-down price leader, it offers exceptional value and is
likely to provide everything that most buyers need.
Also added to the Sportage range is an economical turbo-diesel
engine. This 2.0-litre unit has common-rail fuel injection and a
variable geometry turbocharger. Its outputs are 103 kW, and 304 Nm
between 1800 and 2500 rpm.
The turbo-diesel is only sold with a six-speed manual gearbox,
which could prove a drawback to sales. However, those who are
serious about minimising emissions and fuel usage are well aware
that a manual will give about five to ten per cent improvements
over an automatic.
Priced at $32,490 the Kia Sportage CRDi is sold only in 4WD
format, and in virtually the same luxurious ‘EX’ model level
as the $30,990 petrol V6 4WD. As well as the equipment already
listed for the LX, the Sportage EX also has wider wheels and tyres,
though still with the same diameter of 16 inches; body side
mouldings, bumpers that are finished in the same colour as the
body; a six-CD audio with extra two speakers and the ability to
handle MP3 inputs.
On the road, the latest Kia Sportage variants are smooth and
quiet with an air of interior refinement that’s not far off that
of a passenger car of a similar price.
We did a fair bit of off-road driving in the new turbo-diesel
and came away most impressed with its ability to handle some
medium to heavy-duty conditions. With the 4WD system locked in, it
coped with beach running as well as harsh and rutted dirt tracks
that were pretty slippery at times. On no occasion did we feel
anything other than secure within the Sportage.
The performance of the new 2.0-litre Sportage may prove
marginal for some people. We were only able to test it in
automatic format and found it to have just enough torque. To the
extent that on our test hill, a sealed public road which is
admittedly unusually steep, it could only get up by using first
gear in a couple of the toughest places. It also required a gear
lower than usual in general road running. On the flat it was fine
and gave decent performance in a refined manner. We will try for a
re-test later of a 2.0-litre with a manual gearbox.
Interior space is good for four adults with stretch out room in
the back seat. The rear-seat backrests (they are in a 60/40
arrangement) can be reclined in a number of stages. They can be
folded completely flat with an easy flick of a single lever. The
front passenger seat can also be folded flat to give plenty of
interior length that provides excellent versatility.
Kia's Sportage is about to celebrate its tenth birthday in
Australia and during that decade some 15,700 have been sold. It
has built up an excellent reputation as an honest vehicle that
provides good value. These new models will certainly enhance its
prospects in one of the hardest fought of all Australian vehicle
segments.
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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