Autocar Reviews of Kia Sportage 2011. During the past few years Kia’s lineup has grown to include 3 kinds of SUV models as well as the stylish Forte sedan and Soul hatchback, all while improving quality levels and maintaining the brand’s traditions of affordability and good value. This rollercoaster of product launches doesn’t show any signs of slowing–even with the current economic crisis–with first the new 2010 Sorrento and now the 2011 Sportage due for launch soon.
The 2011 Kia Sportage represents the second generation model of this 5-passenger SUV. Like the 2005-2010 original, it will share engineering and powertrain basics with the lately redesigned 2011 Hyundai Tucson. The second-generation Sportage will have a graceful unique nose, fashionably high shoulders, and a roofline pinched to a sporty finish over the tail gate.
The 2011 Sportage is based on a front-wheel drive powertrain that places the weight of the engine above the tires that also propel the vehicle. This really is excellent for slippery-surface traction; AWD is available essentially as extra safety. Such as other AWD system’s, the 2011 Sportage’s will typically operate in front-drive mode but can automatically shuttle power between the front and rear wheels to sustain traction. It’s definitely not designed for serious off-roading – there’s no low-range gearing, for example.
The 2011 Kia Sportage will come in 2 models lineup consisting of base LX and upgraded EX trim, though the potential particular fuel-saver version could possibly be promoted as a third model. The 2011 Sportage is going to deliver only A 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine along with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic. A new 2.4-liter developed by Hyundai and code-named Theta II. This engine has 172 horsepower. The mpg average of LX with manual transmission and front-wheel drive can be 23 town and 31 highway and has a starting price of $19,000 for manual transmission and $22,000 for automatic. LX AWD versions could come in below $25,000. Automatic transmission will be standard on the 2011 Kia Sportage EX, which we estimate will be charged from about $25,000 with front-wheel drive and from around $27,000 with AWD.
The 2011 Sportage Kia will come with torso-protecting front-seat side airbags and head-protecting curtain side airbags for both seating rows. The curtain bags are designed to deploy in side collisions and when onboard sensors detect an impending rollover. Air conditioning, power windows and locks, and remote keyless entry are likely standards. Expect features such as leather upholstery, heated front seats, power driver seat, front windshield-wiper de-icer, and dual front automatic climate control. Many of autocar reviews expect that the 2011 Sportage’s standard audio system to boast steering-wheel controls and feature both USB and auxiliary-plug interface for iPods and flash drives. A premium stereo with separate subwoofer and Bluetooth audio streaming will most likely be part of a navigation-system option. That system will include voice activation and a rearview camera that displays on the a 6.5-inch LCD dashboard touch-screen -
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