New Kia Sportage

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By George Skentzos | August 28th, 2007

Kia has launched their new Sportage range, continuing the strategy to provide an affordable SUV with more choices in engines and equipment than ever before, while still delivering quality, safety and value in SUVs that have always appealed to Australian buyers.

The new Sportage will be offered in three variants. The base model 2WD LX model is available with either five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission and is equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 104 kW and maximum torque of 184 Nm @ 4,500rpm.

For those seeking a bit more performance, the EX V6 features a Euro-III compliant V6 engine which produces 129 kW and 241 Nm at 4,000rpm mated to a standard four-speed tiptronic style automatic transmission.

Finally, for those seeking modest power with fuel efficiency, the EX CRDi completes the Sportage range. Equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel featuring common rail direct injection (CRDi) by Bosch, a high performance Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) technology from Garrett and an exhaust particulate filter made by world leading manufacturer Engelhard.

The CRDi comes exclusively with a six-speed manual gear box, peak power stands at 103 kW whilst the 304 Nm is available low down from 1,800-2,500rpm whilst still delivering 7.1 litres per 100kms.

The EX CRDi includes Electronic Stability Program (ESP) as standard, however this may be optioned onto the 2WD LX model. Additionally, side and curtain airbags are also available as part of the Option pack for Sportage LX and the Limited pack for both the Sportage EX V6 and EX CRDi models.

The Limited pack includes leather interior trim and sunroof. The EX CRDi Limited costs $3,000 over the base model, while the EX V6 Limited also adds Electronic Stability Program (ESP) to the Limited pack for an additional $4,000 over the base EX V6.

Sportage LX manual $24,990
Sportage LX auto $26,990
Sportage LX auto $28,590 with Option pack

Sportage EX V6 auto $30,990
Sportage EX-L V6 auto $34,990 with Limited pack

Sportage EX CRDi manual $32,490
Sportage EX-L CRDi manual $35,490 with Limited pack

MatthewM

Off Topic: Does anyone know of a website that allows you to browse a database of cars by things like acceleration time, fuel consumption etc?
JW

Would be good if they got rid of the tacky black plastic. I hate 4WDs with unpainted or ‘accent coloured’ (looking at the Ford Territory) bumpers.
felix

When will the 2 liter sportages (manual) be available in WA? In all Perth-KIA dealer webpages , they only offer the old 2.7 l -automatic Model?
http://www.kiasportagenewmarket.com Sportage Newmarket

The 2011 Looks great!!
Aclandstreet

Just purchased [in 2012] the 2008 EX model in silver metallic. The paintwork has been exposed to Australian sun and heat and is in excellent condition. Except for the four external doorhandles. These are made of a tough but unexciting plastic, from which a poor coating of silver paint has worn with only modest use. the car has only done 68,000 km and looks as good as new in all other departments.
On a test drive, it handled corrugations on gravel road very well. Handling otherwise was just average for a 4wd. The road noise through the tyres and body shell was too loud, and you counted each change in the road surface. The engine was quiet in the Euro mode of restricted exhaust and tight breathing. Visibility all round was great, but you felt unprotected from extreme sun conditions by the tall windscreen. Body roll and lean were uncomfortable, notably at low speed. – As a driver I prefer a low slung car.
The baggage space was ok, but not equal to my old Volvo 870 wagon.
After enjoying Volvos, I find the seats mean and lean, but quite comfortable. The black seat fabric was in perfect condition.
The small centre armrest is adjustable, and I quite like it.
What I find disappointing is the audio combination. An inferior radio/cd, which also looks cheap and difficult to read in daylight. Matched with hollow sounding speakers, nowhere near Volvo quality.
We are a family of three with a small child. Most of our driving is on 70km freeway runs. We find this car very suited to the freeway, and enjoy its high off the road elevated view. We find the controls easy to use, and the car parks better than some larger 4wd examples.
The car is large enough for our family needs. More spacious than we expected.
The vendor from new is a friend who testifies that the car has been totally reliable. Their reason for selling was to purchase the new 2011 model given that this car was out of warranty after 5 years.
They speak of some regret. They were so happy with this car that the new model is disappointing, with its very small rear view window and little has improved.