2011 KIA Sportage Launched

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By Alborz Fallah | August 02nd, 2010

KIA Australia has today launched the new Sportage. The third generation compact SUV takes KIA’s design language to a new level by sporting a modern, clean and elegant look from the front and rear.

The new KIA Sportage arrives in KIA dealerships across Australia tomorrow with the model expected to officially go on sale this weekend.

KIA Australia will bring Sportage here with a choice of three different engines. A 2.0-litre petrol with 122 kW and 197 Nm of torque (five-speed manual and six-speed auto), a 2.4-litre petrol with 130 kW and 227 Nm of torque (auto only) or the pick of the bunch, the highly acclaimed 2.0-litre R-diesel engine (shared with the Hyundai ix35) that puts out an impressive 135 kW and 392 Nm of torque (auto only).

Some of the package highlights include a full compliment of safety features standard across the range (including six-airbags), a unique Dynamax AWD system designed by Magna (different to the one used in the ix35) as well as LED daytime running lights and push-button start with smart key.

Interestingly high-end spec Sportages come with ventilated driver seats, a feature we are only used to seeing in luxury European cars.

CarAvice is currently attending the launch of the new KIA Sportage in Queenstown (NZ). Expect a full review in the next 24 hours.

Prices:

KIA Sportage Si 2WD Manual – $25,990 – 2.0L
KIA Sportage Si 2WD Auto – $27,990 – 2.0L
KIA Sportage SLi 4WD – $31,990 – 2.4L
KIA Sportage Platinum 4WD – $35,990 – 2.4L
KIA Sportage SLi 4WD – $34,990 – 2.0R diesel
KIA Sportage Platinum 4WD – $39,990 – 2.0R diesel

All-new Kia Sportage

Features: Si

• 2.0L Theta II petrol (122kW / 197Nm)
• 5-spd manual / 6-spd automatic
• 2WD
• 17” alloy wheels (225/60R17) with full-size spare
• Body coloured door handles & mirrors
• Metallic silver painted ‘Schreyer’ grille
• Electric mirrors with side indicators
• Front fog lamps
• LED-look rear combinations lamps
• Steering wheel mounted audio remote
• Height adjustable driver’s seat
• 60:40 split folding rear seats
• Rear armrest with dual cup holders
• Rear seatback folding straps
• Flat woven cloth seat
• 6 airbags (w. rollover sens) & Active front headrests
• ESP with ABS, DBC, HAC
• Keyless entry with burglar alarm
• CD player (USB/iPod) / 6 speakers
• Auto cruise control
• Manual air-conditioner

SLi

2.4L Theta II petrol (130kW / 227Nm) or
2.0L R diesel (135kW / 392Nm)
6-speed automatic transmission
AWD (Dynamax)

Si model features plus:

• Chrome door handles
• Chrome ‘Schreyer’ grille & belt line moulding
• Roof rails
• Rear spoiler
• Leather-wrapped s/wheel & shift knob
• Artificial leather covered door trim
• Rear view camera with in-mirror display
• Driver window auto up & down with safety function
• Auto light control (dusk sensors)
• 6-function trip computer
• Sunvisors with illumination and extension
• Dual zone full automatic climate control
• Electric driver’s seat lumbar support
• Tricot cloth seat

PLATINUM

2.4L Theta II petrol (130kW / 227Nm) or
2.0L R diesel (135kW / 392Nm)
6-speed automatic transmission
AWD (Dynamax)

SLi model features plus:

• 18” alloy wheels (235/55R18) with full-size spare
• Privacy glass
• LED type daytime running light (DRL)
• Power driver’s seat (8 way)
• Ventilated driver’s seat
• Front seat warmers
• Leather seats
• 6CD changer with external amplifier & sub-woofer
• Panoramic sunroof
• Smart key with button start
• Windshield wipers with rain sensor
• Cooling glove box
• Luggage net
• Back warning sensors

Engines

2.0-litre / 122 kW Petrol

Name / Type ‘Theta II’ / DOHC, four-cylinder in line, with dual CVVT
Capacity 2.0-litres, 1998cc
Max power 122Kw @ 6200rpm
Max torque 197Nm @ 4600rpm
Fuel system Multi-point injection

2.4-litre / 130kW Petrol

Name / Type ‘Theta II’ / DOHC, four-cylinder in line, with dual CVVT
Capacity 2.4-litres, 2359cc
Max power 130Kw @ 6000rpm
Max torque 227Nm @ 4000rpm
Fuel system Multi-point injection

2.0-litre / 135 Kw Diesel

Name / Type ‘R2.0’ / DOHC, four-cylinder in line, with single VGT
Capacity 2.0-litres, 1995cc
Max power 135kW @ 4000rpm
Max torque 393Nm @ 1800-2500rpm
Fuel system CRDi, common-rail, high pressure, direct injection
Turbo system Variable geometry turbocharger (VGT)

Suspension & Damping

Front Fully independent by subframe-mounted MacPherson Struts, with coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers. Anti-roll stabiliser bar.
Rear Fully independent by subframe-mounted multi-links, coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers.

Steering

Type Hydraulic power-assisted rack and pinion
Overall ratio 16.1:1
Gearing 2.99 turns lock-to-lock
Turning circle 10.58 metres

Brakes

Power Tandem 8+9 inch booster
Front 300 x 28mm ventilated discs
Rear 284 x 10mm solid discs
Parking brake Hand operated lever
ABS 4-channel anti-lock system with EBD
BAS Boosts braking power during emergency stops
DBC Downhill brake control maintains 8kph during descents
Braking 100-to-0 kph 43.5 metres

Wheels & Tyres

Si / SLi Alloy 17 in x 6.5J 225/60 R17 tyres
Platinum Alloy 18 in x 6.5J 235/55 R18 tyres
Spare Full size alloy wheel and tyre

DIMENSIONS

Exterior (mm)

Overall length 4440 Overall width* 1855
Overall height 1635** Wheelbase 2640
Front track 1614 Rear track 1615
Front overhang 890 Rear overhang 910
Ground clearance 172

*excluding door mirrors / **excluding roof rack

Interior (mm) Front Rear

Headroom 992 977
Legroom 1051 963
Shoulder room 1440 1400
Hip room 1364 1246

Capacities (all models)

Fuel tank 55 litres
Luggage (SAE) 740 litres (behind rear seats)
1547 litres (behind front seats, rear seats folded)

Off-road Capabilities

Approach angle 28.1 degrees Departure angle 28.2 degrees
Ramp over angle 17.7 degrees Roll over angle 45.0 degrees
Max climb angle 44.2 degrees

http://wetsonmoney.110mb.com wetson

nice to see new producy here
KA

Where is your navigation option KIA? I would like to see also an option for an electric tailgate.

Devil’s Advocate

Why pay $2000ish for the average nav option from the manufacturer when you can get a much better tomtom/navman/garmin for less than $500? The money you save will pay for map updates for years…

Jason

Looks good but I need more info. Surprised by the price I was hoping this would be cheaper than the ix35
Bi-xenon option like the rest of the world?
What platinum features can you upgrade an Sli?

Philthy

It is cheaper by a couple of grand, at least the diesel. Looks to be better specced too?

Yawnny

Those prices here are off road prices. So it looks like its the same price as the ix35 drive away.

Mike

Great looking car but I’m disappointed that we didn’t get the xenons on the premium. You’d think in a country as wide as ours that premium lighting would be a safety must have. Any hope of it being an option?
Satnav is at least solved easily aftermarket without risking copping a canary.
This aside I’ll be down to a dealer to check these out this weekend. I’d say it’s the right size & price for us.
G

Maybe it’s just me, but I think the C-pillar is too thick and will block rear view.

PN

I drove the new Sportage last night and yes the rear vision is pretty bad, however the Si model comes with the rear vision camera.

m2m

Love it to bits! An extremely important model for Kia and it’s bound to grab sales off the Rav4 crew! Once the optima’s in, I’m sure Kia will be a stellar force.
pinkie ponk

totally agree, ridiclous
fishman

Looks good, but base model is more expensive than a Dualis…not sure I see so much value in the Korean offerings these days.

And no manual diesel…that really sucks

Nath746

I agree… R-Series Turbo Diesel with Manual Transmission and Dual Range Transfer Box would make this good for anyone hwo wants to do very light off-roading but a lot of on-road driving but dont want an automatic

nickdl

Seems like you want a Grand Vitara…

That seems like a very small market that you are talking about there…

fourl6

the new Sportage is a world ahead of the Dualis, same size engine producing an extra 20kw, interior much nicer interior, it also makes the ASX look pretty amateur in comparison considering they are priced the same (base model)

fishman

Reviews of the petrol engines in the ix35 indicate they’re pretty woeful performers, so I doubt this will be any better.

This might have an extra 20kw, but crucially torque is the same, and this is a weightier beat…

matt

Nope, drove the Si and performance is actually pretty good.. definately more get up than the dualis.

David

Finally here…Wow ive been waiting for over 12 months for this car.I Will be at Kia all day saturday wondering which grade of sportage i want.
http://baji192.wordpress.com Baji

Man, the sportage looks exceptionally good! I’d take this over the ix35 anyday. I do wonder about the extremely thick rear pillar though. I hope it doesn’t cause too much of a blind spot.

Hyundai/Kia have really stepped up their game recently – world class design, world class powertrains and quality fit and finish. But they are still behind in terms of suspension and steering calibration and in my opinion, the interior materials and plastics looks and feels rather cheap.

jaykay

According to other publications, KIA has now got an Aussie suspension expert (apparently legendary former Toyota suspension guru), to ensure that all new KIA (starting with this latest Sportage) will have an “Aussie Flavour” suspension and handling. So, it will be interesting to see if the press are happy with this new Aussie flavoured suspension/handling, after copping significant criticisms in the past for it.

Bold

Toyota sold here have “Aussie flavour” suspension?????

http://baji192.wordpress.com Baji

Well based on most reviews, it seems that even Toyota can deliver a better and more compliant suspension tune and steering calibration than what Hyundai are offering Australia.

Lets just hope that Kia has it sorted.

Boney Maroney

The diesel looks like a great package, and the style a little more chunky than the IX35, which I like. Looking fwd to the review.

Daytime LEDS look quite stylish, and they really make the car standout ion the road.

Hope you guys get a chance to drive out to Glenorchy and Kinlock in it, is a lovely drive just out of Queenstown
Mad Max

Went and had a look today at our local dealer. Looks great. The interior looks good with a mix of soft feel as well as some hard plastics on the dash. No reach adjustment for the steering wheel which is a disapointment though. The rear seat legrooms a bit tight (I am tall though) which you would expect in this size of car. My only critisism (did not get to drive one) is that the boot floor is quite high, but having said that, you do get a full size spare which is an advantage. I also looked at a new Mitsubishi ASX and I would choose a KIA over the Mitsubishi. To me, the ASX felt cheap in comparisson, plus not Diesel/Auto combo is available yet.

fishman

I’d choose the mitsubishi as kia has no diesel/manual combo, and it’s also better value

nickdl

I think it’s quite simple.

Those on the ASX forum are complaining about the lack of a diesel auto, so buy a Sportage.

Those on this forum who are complaining about the lack of a diesel manual, buy an ASX.

fishman

Fair comment, but a choice would be nice.

I understand Mitsuibishis position because they dont have an auto engineered for their diesel yet, but Kia/Hyuandai have both available so I just don’t see why they don’t offer this – apart from anything it would give them a better value diesel offering

http://www.facebook.com/sammo.8191 Sam Moss

This is incredible value, almost too good to be true. 17 inch alloys and all the trimmings for under 26k is amazing, how can this not be a good seller? I really hope it finds a lot of friends in Aus as it not only looks stunning but is relatively easy on the wallet as well. I’m sure it’ll drive well too, hopefully better than the ix35, especially with that new all wheel drive system.

One thing of interest however is that only the Platinum model has real LED tail lights, the lower variants have “LED-look rear combination lamps” only. LED tail lights are a good safety feature and should be standard on all variants in the range in my opinion.

Hung Low

The only downside to the value stake is the extra $4k for the diesel option! A bit rich I think, especially if you buy the diesel for economy! 4k buys plenty of fuel for those not interested in performance!

Silver Streak

Also have been waiting for ages for this release. One thing that has surprised me is, that we’ve got 3 engines to pick from, maybe Kia Australia will follow up with these options on the Cerato, which only has the ‘under-powered’ IMO, 2 litre engine at the moment.
Good stuff Kia, will be at the dealer tomorrow.

Hung Low

They need a wagon version of the Cerato with the I30 diesel engine across the range!

Silver Streak

No, I’m afraid Hung Low, the days of the car based wagon are numbered, if not gone already and sales figures show it already. The market has swung to vehicles like the sportage here, be it 2 or 4WD.

fishman

So why are Holden selling so many Sportswagons?

matt

The sportwagon is a completely different league from the small to mid sizers.. Commodore buyers will be Commodore buyers.

Davo

Hey Car Advice: Any word on the NZ pricing/line up?
David

didnt see any at dealers today in Brisbane

http://carAdvice The Salesman

We all got them today.

http://superbitar.spaces.live.com Ibrahim

Fantastic Kia Motors Design of Sportage 2011,Sport-Age will hit the market world wide this is my expectation.
Nick K

Hmmmm… 38K for the top of the range diesel auto. Makes a VW look cheap. Worthy product killed by high prices.

Mike

The problem with the Tiguan is that while the base price is cheap enough for the TDI engine, the options add up very quickly & the space in the back is quite limited. I think you’ll find that with equivalent options the KIA is still priced very competitively.

Alan S

And having a diesel manual Premium would be even cheaper too as well as being even more fugal!?
Stehan

Checked out today one at Deception Bay Kia, I am not that excited as when I saw it the first time. The pricing is also mare than initially expected. The paint in the rear door on the inside is of very bad quality, I hope it was only for the SLI Auto I saw! It seems the paint was not sealed and really rough. Checked out a Great Wall and the paint was better on the rear door under the lip. Not happy at all. Good looks, but for the price there are too many competitors in the market. I wish the Opel (Holden or Vauxhall) Zafira OPC 2010 was available in Australia, would have been a better choice.

Nevel

O ya, the 2010 OPC Zafira is a stunner, seen the OPC in South Africa last year, it is a very fast beauty! Why doesn’t Holden Australia consider them! They are almost 4 years on the market and very attractive and fast. A bit pricy as the will go for the same price and more than the Holden Capita LX.