ALL-NEW 2005 KIA SPORTAGE MAKES ITS NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE AT THE CALIFORNIA INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW
Return Of Kia's Compact SUV Is Latest Example Of Company's Commitment To Value, Quality and Safety
Kia Motors America (KMA) unveiled the all-new 2005 Kia Sportage five-door compact SUV today at the California International Auto Show. The all-time bestselling nameplate from Kia returns -- in name and heritage. Other than that, it's a whole new ballgame.
The all-new Sportage gave Kia's engineers the distinct advantage of starting with a clean slate. New from the ground up, the Sportage was designed to offer customers the best benefits of three different vehicle types all in one compact stylish package:
• The smooth ride, agile handling and suspension refinements of a family sedan.
• The Sportage nameplate's rugged styling, high driving position, easy cargo access and the all-wheel-drive grip of an SUV.
• The cargo-carrying capability and seating versatility of a station wagon.
Designed with both young-at-heart and value-conscious customers in mind, the all-new Sportage features a longer wheelbase, wider track and more horsepower than its predecessor, and places a heavy emphasis on safety. The Sportage's long list of standard safety features includes: six 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 program (ESP).
'The 2005 Kia Sportage is the latest example of Kia's continuing commitment to move beyond its traditional strengths of high value by developing stylish, fun-to-drive vehicles that feature built-in comfort, roominess and a class-leading array of safety features,' said Peter Butterfield, president of Kia Motors America, Inc. 'In particular, the all-new Sportage appeals to both sides of the brain: the practical and logical left side, and the adventurous and creative right side.'
Although Kia retains the famous Sportage name, everything else about the car has changed. In a segment that Kia pioneered with the earlier, truck-based, body-on-frame first-generation Sportage, the small-SUV market continues to grow with vehicles that offer the comfort and packaging versatility of a wagon with the rugged styling and all-wheel-drive capabilities of an SUV.
Sporty and elegant, spacious and adaptable
Offering a spacious and adaptable interior, an attractive appearance inside and out, a user-friendly top-hinged tailgate, and an interior-mounted under-floor spare wheel and tire, the Sportage appeals to even the most practical sedan buyers. The Sportage's sleek aerodynamics and quiet, refined chassis tuning also make it ideal as an interstate cruiser.
Longer (171.3 in.), wider (70.9 in.) and higher (66.7 in.) than most small SUVs, the new five-seat Sportage offers customers the technical sophistication and stylishness of the popular Sorento in a more compact package. Generous dimensions and monocoque construction boost both passenger and luggage space, and greatly improve the ride and handling -- both on and off the road. Sportage's 7.7 inches of ground clearance make it easy to clear the curbs of civilized life and get to the camping spot unscathed.
The Sportage offers either front-wheel drive or full-time four-wheel drive -- both with traction control system (TCS) and electronic stability program (ESP) as standard equipment -- more headroom and legroom than many of its competitors, the choice of two engines, versatile seating, flat-floor cargo area and standard front, side and curtain airbags.
With the new rear ‘Drop & Fold' seating system, the seat cushion lowers and the backrest folds flat to create a spacious and flat surface that offers 66.6 cubic feet of cargo volume. To accommodate long items, the front passenger seat's backrest also folds forward to create an additional flat cargo area. Like the Sorento, the Sportage's top-hinged tailgate features a flip-up window for cargo-loading and -carrying versatility.
Multiple choices for maximum appeal
The five-door Sportage offers a choice of two engines—2.0-liter in-line four-cylinder or 2.7-liter V6—two-wheel or four-wheel-drive powertrains, five-speed manual or four-speed Sportmatic™ transmissions, and LX or EX trim lines.
Distinctive, modern styling, on-road SUV appearance
Echoing the visual sophistication of the Kia Sorento, the Sportage also makes use of 16-inch alloy wheels, high profile tires, and flared wheel arches to provide a strong visual presence. The long 103.5-inch wheelbase, overall width (70.9 in.) and modest overhangs push the Sportage's wheels toward the corners for improved stability, agile handling and a supple ride, and a more spacious cabin than competitors.
Set above the lower air intake, the horizontal bar grille is flanked by curved moldings that flow up into the hood and out into the wrap-around bumpers – implying strength. The generously sized clear-lens headlamps and front bumper air intakes are sculpted to imply power and durability.
The Sportage's long roofline with twin roof bars integrated into the sloping D-pillar – outlined by unique black moldings – adds a sporty flair. In line with the clean styling, the Sportage's spare is located inside, beneath the cargo area. V6 models also feature twin exhaust pipes.
Structural rings for maximum strength
Utilizing the latest computer-aided design technologies, Kia engineers gave the Sportage body shell maximum stiffness and strength, which translates directly to durability, low NVH levels, an optimum ride/handling combination and additional occupant protection.
A major transverse bulkhead at the front of the passenger cabin is shaped to resist side-impacts and supports the A-pillar, which is the first of four structural rings -- at the A, B, C and D pillars -- designed to help protect occupants. Each door is fitted with a crash bar to provide additional protection against side impacts.
Building in refinement, cutting NVH
As customers' expectations for ever more refined vehicles increases, Kia's efforts to decrease Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) have been taken to a whole new level. The five-door steel bodyshell was reinforced to generate less resonant sound, and noise pathways have been blocked with specially developed insulation pads. The NVH-reducing measures of the Sportage were designed to set a new standard for the class.
The driver's seat is equipped with dual-height adjustment, and electric heated seats are an option. With the rear seat folded, the length of the load area extends from 32 inches to more than 64 inches. Maximum cargo volume is 66.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat.
In addition to the versatile rear cargo room, the Sportage offers a range of storage areas including a large height-adjustable 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.
Kia has a reputation for packing a lot of car into a small sticker price, and the Sportage takes that tradition a step further. All controls are within easy reach of the driver; for both manual and automatic transmissions, the gear lever is located within easy reach on the center console. Power outlets are located both in the center console and in the luggage area.
Choice of powertrains
Kia's new entry into the small-SUV segment comes with the choice of two engines, a five-speed manual or four-speed Sportmatic™ 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- mid-range rpm. This engine generates 140-horsepower at 6,000 rpm 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™ transmission. The lightweight, compact, DOHC 24-valve all-aluminum 2.7-liter engine generates 173-horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque.
Choice of 2WD or automatic 4WD
The electronic control unit (ECU) in the full-time four-wheel-drive system detects when one or both of the front wheels lose grip, and helps to maintain traction by automatically diverting up to 50 percent of engine power to the rear wheels, as needed.
The 4WD system operates at all times without driver intervention. If necessary, the driver can engage a locked center differential at low speeds via a dash-mounted switch, dividing power evenly between the front and rear wheels. When traveling in this mode, the Sportage automatically and gradually reverts to front-wheel-drive when the vehicle speed reaches 20 mph.
Long-travel, smooth-riding suspension systems
Fully independent suspension systems front and rear are designed to deliver responsive on-road handling and a comfortable ride on a wide variety of roads, while retaining long-wheel-travel and a genuine talent to also perform with real ability off-road.
The Sportage's front suspension is composed of MacPherson Struts, a rugged, wide-based lower A arm and coil springs. At the rear, Sportage employs struts and coil springs, with dual lower transverse links and a single lower trailing link. For 4WD models, a larger, more substantial rear subframe supports the rear differential. And both models are equipped with front and rear stabilizer bars and gas pressure shocks.
Both rear suspension designs features gas-filled shocks designed to create minimum intrusion into the trunk space.
Four-wheel brake system, plus ABS and EBD
The Sportage's power-assisted four-wheel-disc braking system makes maximum use of the space available within the wheels. Ventilated front discs and solid rear discs deliver secure and stable braking performance with consistent pedal feel.
A four-channel, four-sensor, anti-lock brake system (ABS) is standard. This system incorporates electronic brake force distribution (EBD), which helps to distribute braking force evenly to all four wheels as weight shifts during cornering. The EBD adapts to individual wheel grip conditions, which helps to improve both control and stability. The standard traction control is a fully-automatic dual-mode system that either reduces engine power or apply the car's brakes – or both if appropriate.
All Sportage models come with 16-inch alloy wheels. The four-cylinder Sportage LX is fitted with 215/65 R16 tires, while Sportage V6 models make use of 235/60 R16 BF Goodrich tires.
Comprehensive standard equipment, warranty
Even as the entry-level model, the Sportage LX is loaded with standard equipment. Beside ABS, traction control, ESP, six airbags, and a choice of engines and drivetrains, the Sportage LX also comes with a host of items that competitors charge extra for. Features such as rear privacy glass, power windows with a driver's one-touch down feature, power mirrors, a roof rack, cruise control, and an AM/FM/CD stereo system with six speakers are all standard.
In addition to the V6 engine with automatic transmission, opting for the EX model adds a power-operated, one-touch sunroof, fog lights, heated outside mirrors, a leather-covered shift knob and steering wheel, illuminated ignition, 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® wireless control system, upgraded stereo system complete with subwoofer and external amplifier, and special body-color bumpers. The leather seats and trim are also available as a stand-alone option.
Like all of Kia's vehicles, the 2005 Sportage will be covered by Kia's comprehensive 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, and five years of roadside assistance.
The all-new Kia Sportage is built in Kwang-Ju, South Korea, and will be available in showrooms in January 2005. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.
by Kia
by Kia