Kis Sorento - is no cheese

Sorrento makes great cheese, Mozzarella, Ricotta, Mascarpone, and delectable snack packs among them. Kia, the Korean purveyor of all things value, makes a great Sorento. Packed with yummy goodness straight from America, there is nothing cheesy about it.
This is pure American cheddar, engineered in Ann Arbor, MI and built in a glistening new plant in West Point, GA. Sure, some of the crumbs migrate back to S. Korea, but the bulk of what makes the Sorento is brewed in the USA. That becomes immediately apparent as you climb inside, take a bite, and head to Eisenhower’s Interstate.

Kia bills this hunk of nourishment as a CUV, or Crossover Utility Vehicle, because it is constructed as a unibody wagon without a separate frame. Riding on a four-wheel independent suspension system, it definitely behaves more like a car than a crusty old SUV. It feels tough, but rides smooth, and can tackle almost anything Aunt Martha or Uncle Ned can churn over.

Designers made Sorento’s exterior tantalizingly appealing with curves, angles, and crisp creases. Styling is based on the KND-4 concept from the 2007 L.A. Auto Show and includes Kia’s tabbed chrome grille, wrap-around headlamps, and taillamps carved into the liftgate. High ground clearance comes via 17” wheels (optional 18” chrome alloys on up-level models). Recessed lower body sills, angled rear windowline, and large foglamps help hide the CUV’s ample proportions, providing a fit appearance in a world of pudgy piggies. The hood is designed to flex and crumple to absorb shock if hit by pedestrians or bicyclists. Now that I think about it, our cream beige wagon kinda looks like cheese. Maybe pimento, with a little bit of spice.

Crossover or SUV, Sorento packs on enough inches to stuff up to seven passengers inside its finely-finessed shell. Once injected, you’ll feel like the Head Cheese inside a golden pastry. Sorento is equipped like an Acura MDX or Volvo XC90 with a touch screen, large analog gauges, smooth panels, dark woodgrain, two-tone leather seats (beige and gray), and gated gear selector. A bit sour, there is lots of hard plastic on the dash and doors…kinda like Kraft tries to fool us with premium cheddar – it is good stuff, but still not the awesomely-delicious cave-aged gold. You could watch one of Sorrento’s cooking videos on the rear seat DVD monitors and hear Martha Stewart whip up a batch of cheese-filled hors-d’oeuvres on Satellite Radio, but you’ll want to connect to friends through the car’s hands-free Bluetooth phone connection. View the world through an optional panoramic sunroof or rear backing camera.

Engineers whipped out a big ol’ can of Cheez Whiz when developing the powertrain. Powering this dairy farm is a 276-HP 3.5-litre V6 engine tuned like a Swiss watch; base models come standard with a 175-HP 2.4-litre four-cylinder. Both are coupled to a crisp-shifting six-speed automatic transmission. Standard front-/optional all-wheel-drive, locking center differential for severe weather and light off-roading, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control hold everything steady no matter the conditions. Hill Start Assist Control (holds vehicle momentarily while lifting from brake to throttle) and Downhill Brake Control give at least a pretense at off-road capability.

Grated or curd, roads are no match for the Sorento’s four-wheel independent suspension system and firm steering. It glides over almost anything without shaking its rump out of sequence with its better parts. Some might consider the Sorento a mild cheese, best suited for smooth highways. However, the crossover is sharper and demonstrates considerable bite off-road. It goes up trails like mozzarella sticking to your teeth while whipping up cream on the Interstate.

You’ll always be able to attack the master counter in a gourmet cheese shop and come home with the best from Germany, Italy, France, or Sweden. American and Japanese cheeses aren’t bad either, if you take them locally. The BMW X5, Mercedes ML, Cadillac SRX, and Lincoln MKX are great, but you’ll pay. Or, you could hustle through the Kraft section and go home with an affordable yet yummy number from Sorento. You’ll hardly miss the expensive stuff.

In the end, this story is the cheesiest thing about the Sorento. Go to www.sorrentocheese.com for great recipes, but melt down to your local Kia dealership for all the best value-packed CUVs they have to offer. Prices start at $22,395, but our test vehicle fermented to a briny $34,715 including Kia’s standard 10-yr/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, 5-Yr/60k limited basic warranty, and five-yr./100k anti-perforation warranty. Competitors include the Ford Explorer, Chevy Traverse, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Highlander.

By Casey Williams - MyCarData

Kia Optima - Totally new 2011 is a smart buy

Kia unleashes its redesigned 2011 Optima this fall. Targeting a very tough midsize-sedan segment that includes perennial favorites Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Chevy Malibu, as well as several others, the third generation Optima is the one Kia is convinced will finally have a real market impact. Sales of the first two generations were tepid at best, but Kia is confident that the latest version will sell in numbers that will challenge segment big dogs and increase market share.

Optimism within Kia's ranks for the 2011 Optima's fortunes aren't based solely on its many enhancements, but also on the growing momentum of the brand in general. Kia sees the watershed event in its history as the launch of the Soul. Executives there talk in terms of B.S. and A.S.: before Soul and after Soul. Since Soul rolled into showrooms last year, Kia sales have increased by 11 percent year over year.
Although Kia will eventually offer Optima in three trim levels, initially at launch only the entry-level LX and mid-level EX will be available. The sporty SX will follow a month or two later. Prices are unannounced at this writing, but look for them to begin at around $18,000 before destination charges for the LX, and continuing up to approximately $23,000 for SX.

Pinpointing a specific age group as a vehicle's core buyers is something akin to using an Ouija Board to make financial investments or a Magic 8 Ball to choose an appropriate mate; it's more luck than science. However in the case of Optima, Kia has "Gen X" firmly in its cross hairs. These are maturing adults spanning ages 35 to 49. Because of Optima's obvious value, the average age of buyers has the potential to skew much higher. Optima also has the potential to cannibalize sales from the Hyundai Sonata with which it shares a platform, engine, transmissions and other mechanicals.
Kia hosted an Optima first drive for journalists in Southern California in late September. There they provided EX versions with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Later the same 274-horsepower 2-liter turbocharged four powering the SX will be available in the EX as an extra-cost option.

Most drivers will probably find the 2.4L has all the guts they need. It develops 200 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. Answering the throttle with gusto, it sprints away from green lights without hesitation. It had plenty of pulling power attacking hills as well. Engine output is funneled to the front wheels by way of a six-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift mode and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. This is the optional transmission on the base LX that comes standard with a six-speed manual. Engine and automatic transmission work together flawlessly. Shifts are timely and smooth.

Fuel economy doesn't vary significantly regardless of the engine or transmission. When paired with the manual tranny, the 2.4L delivers an EPA estimated 24 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The six-speed automatic scrubs 1 mpg from the highway number. Matching the automatic with the turbocharged engine drops the estimated economy to 22 mpg city and 34 highway. If your goal is even better fuel efficiency, you might wait for the Optima Hybrid due in showrooms next year.

Providing a wonderful combination of ride quality and crisp handling, the four-wheel independent suspension uses MacPherson struts and coil springs in front, and a multi-link arrangement with coil springs in the rear. Disc brakes overseen by an antilock system reel in Optima's forward motion. Traction control, stability control, hill assist control and electronic brakeforce distribution are all standard, as are six airbags.
Telling the 2011 Optima from last year's edition is not difficult. The new styling is simply sportier and more memorable. Generally the latest Optima is longer, wider and lower than its predecessor. The wheelbase is stretched by 3 inches and the overall length by nearly 2 inches.

The longer wheel base and length should translate into a roomier passenger compartment, but they don't. A 2-inch gain in front legroom is balanced by about a 3-inch loss in rear legroom. Trunk space is up marginally to 15.4 cubic feet from 15 cubic feet.
Focusing on the driver, all of the controls and gauges are arranged for his ease of use. Tilted toward the driver at a 10-degree angle, the center stack houses controls for the audio and climate systems A chilled glove box keeps beverages cool, while the available panoramic sunroof allows lots of light into the cabin.

Capable of seating five in a pinch, the cabin is better suited for four. Sculpted front seats with generous side bolsters are designed to keep occupants firmly in place when putting Optima through its paces in the twisties. Better than average, the 60/40 split-folding rear seat also provides decent support for the two outboard passengers. A center pass through is ideal for toting longer items like skis. Leather seating is standard in EX and SX models, as are heated and cooled front seats.

Every Optima comes with full power accessories, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, and an audio system with CD player, USB audio input jacks and Bluetooth connectivity. Stepping up to the EX adds other standard features that include push-button-start ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, auto-dimming rear view mirror, and UVO, a hands-free entertainment and communications system powered by Microsoft. As with other Kia models, Optima can be upgraded with an Infinity premium audio system, navigation system and backup camera.

Even without knowing the actual suggested retail price, Optima is guaranteed to be an epic value. Stuffed with standard features and covered by one of the best warranties in the industry, Optima is a smart buy any way you look at it.

by Russ Heaps - MyCarData

Kia Sorento - Kia’s new crossover drives into the big leagues

Kia has come home – to the U.S, specifically West Point, Ga., just a tad south of Hot ‘Lanta.

And the first Kia to have Georgia on its mind and the U.S. on its “Made In The …” label is a radically re-visioned mid-sized Sorento crossover utility vehicle.
Gone is the rear- or all-wheel-drive body-on-frame based offering of the first generation past; now it’s a sleek front- or all-wheel-drive unibody design shared with the Hyundai Santa Fe, with room for five or seven folks on board. And along with moving into the 21st Century with its look, the Sorento also gains some up-to-date content.
Is it a Georgia peach, or are there some pits?

* Sorento silhouette – The first-generation Sorento was a simple design, with a look that reminded me of other company SUVs. Redesigned for 2011with design cues from the 2007 Kia KND-4 concept crossover, the new Sorento enters its second generation with a 183.9-inch length, about three more than its predecessor. And while it still looks like someone else’s SUV, that someone is now more like a Lexus RX350 in places. The chrome-edged grill with black honeycomb mesh and headlights that slide off it is the future face of Kia, and it’s nice. The headlights sweep back into the fenders, while a design edge atop the semi-clamshell hood sweeps into the windshield frame. The Sorento EX has matte black lower fascia, the fake brush guard design under the nose wrapping around subtle fender flares and a chunky lower sill, while the graceful roofline ends with a high spoiler, also a bit Lexus-like, accented by reverse angle D-pillars and ending with huge taillights and a big matte black bumper with reflectors and some mesh accents.

 There’s LED turn signal repeaters in the big side mirrors. Chrome door handles and a silver roof rack make up the jewelry, accented by polished 10-spoke chrome alloy wheels wearing Kumho P235/60R18-inch rubber. It’s a handsome design, especially in black, but not especially stand-outish – no one gave it a second look. Fit and finish was good.
* Kia comfort – Step up into comfortably high leather bucket seats, and the Sorento driver faces an all-black, low gloss hard plastic dashboard with veined dark plastic wood and a few chrome accents around the gauges, cup holders and door handles, plus some contrasting stitching on the seats and armrests. It’s a likeable, logically-laid out design. The 4-spoke steering wheels gets red back-lit stereo, Bluetooth cell phone, cruise and voice command buttons, and manually tilts and telescopes. It also has a meaty, grabbable leather-wrapped rim. Under the rounded plastic cowl, a central 140-mph speedometer flanked on the left by the 8,000-rpm tach and right by gas and temperature gauges, with a red LCD trip computer dead center on our 8,700-mile-old test vehicle. The center stack has a big LCD touch screen for navigation with traffic data and the powerful 10-speaker Infinity AM-FM-CD sound system with an iPod-specific adapter down below the three-zone (front and rear) climate control and heated seat buttons. That iPod jack is flanked by two 12-volt outlets. The hard plastic door map pockets are big, with water bottle holders, while the center armrest storage area is usable, as is the glove box. Nit-picks – it’s all hard plastic, even the inside door tops, although it offers a well-made look and feel. The rear wiper button is on the dash to the left of the steering wheel, when it should be on a stalk like most everyone else’s. And the navigation system refused to boot up one afternoon when I really needed it to select a cross-county trip, the Kia logo flickering for about 20 minutes before it revived. After that, it worked pretty well, even via voice command.

The front seats were firm and comfortable, 8-way power with power lumbar for the driver. In back, a reclining second row with good head and leg room for two, three in a pinch when the armrest with cup holders is up. Split and fold that row forward (the head restraints automatically drop) and you can squeeze two adults for short trips into the fold-down third row seats, where the rear a/c controls and more vents are located. But once I folded the second row flat, they were a bit tough to fold up again. And park people in the third row and there’s not much space behind them for groceries and stuff, even with the under-floor storage (partially filled with the jack). That said, there is a lot of room in here, 149.4 cubic feet of it, almost 12 cubic feet more than the first version, about five more in the cargo area. The rear hatch opens high, and the load floor is flat when second and third row are dropped. And when you add keyless entry and standard push button-start, plus rear sonar back-up sensors, a back-up camera and two moonroofs, it’s a nice modern touch.

* Kia get up and go – The base Sorento gets a 2.4-liter four with 175-hp; our EX had the 3.5-liter V-6 with 276-hp and 248 pound-feet of torque, hooked to a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission. The result was a decent launch and some decent passing power as we hit 60-mph in a good 7 seconds, the front wheels snatching first before the all-wheel-drive shifts power aft. Gas mileage was pretty good for a V-6, averaging about 20-mpg on regular – we saw the “ECO” mode light come on a lot, meaning we were economical with throttle control. It’s also quiet at highway speed bar some wind noise, probably from the roof rack. The rear head restraints also intruded a bit into rear view when deployed.

With independent McPherson front/independent multi-link rear suspension, the Sorento ride was comfortable and compliant, not too soft yet able to absorb bumps with ease. It also handled nicely on road for a crossover, with a bit of body lean in turns, understeer damped quickly by the stability control. The all-wheel-drive pulled us nicely through turns too.

Off-road, this soft-roader was a bit bouncy over rougher stuff, but never hit its suspension bump stops and offered buffered rebound. It was solid and quiet thanks to a well-done steel unibody. It easily handled sandy trails and grassy hills, a locking center differential distributing power to all wheels when we hit sandier spots. We also liked the hill descent control that tapped brakes to control downward hill journeys. With 7.2 inches of ground clearance, it’s just good enough for mild stuff. The power steering had a fairly precise feel with good feedback, and a nice tight turning radius. The brakes worked well, but the pedal wasn’t as precise in feel as some of its competition, and we had some fade after three simulated panic stops. For safety, driver and passenger airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags and side curtain airbags, with ABS, stability control and Electronic Brake Distribution.

*Kia economy – A base 4-cylinder front-wheel-drive Kia Sorento with 6-speed manual starts at $19,995, while our all-wheel-drive EX with V-6 starts at $28,895 with all standard above except: $2,000 Limited package with satellite navigation system, Infinity audio system that’s Sirius Satellite-ready, backup camera, 18-inch mirror-finish alloy wheels and red spotlight illumination inside. A second premium option package that costs $2,700 added leather seats with front heat, dual moonroofs, auto-dim rearview mirror with compass and HomeLink. With destination fee, call it $34,840.

For comparison, the Sorento may look a bit big, but it’s within five to seven inches of most of its domestic and foreign competition. Only a Toyota RAV4 Limited with its optional V-6 has almost as much power, and crisper handling, for about $28,000. A Mitsubishi Outlander GT’s 230-hp V-6 feels sportier too, for about $33,000. A GMC Terrain SLT has a peppy, fuel-efficient 182-hp four and a crisp feel on road, for about $28,000. But three rows of seats are still rare in this large compact class.
* Bottom line – As with its South Korean cousins at Hyundai, there’s a lot more going on at Kia in terms of design, quality and content for the price. The new Sorento is now a contender in the crossed compact crossover market, a little bigger in size than the others but not in feel. It looks nice, drives well, and is a peach of a crossover.
2011 Kia Sorento EX AWD

Vehicle type - 7-passenger crossover SUV
Base price - $29,095 ($34,840 as tested)
Engine type – DOHC aluminum V-6
Displacement – 3.5 liters
Horsepower (net) – 276 @ 6,300 rpm
Torque (lb-ft) - 248 @ 5,000 rpm
Transmission – 6-speed automatic with manual shifting
Wheelbase – 106.3 inches
Overall length – 183.9 inches
Overall width – 74.2 inches
Height – 69.1 inches
Front headroom – 39.2 inches
Front legroom – 41.3 inches
Second row headroom - 39.2 inches
Second row legroom – 37.6 inches
Rear headroom – 36.7 inches
Rear legroom – 31.3 inches
Cargo capacity – 9.1 cu. ft./37 w/2nd row folded/72.5 w/2nd and 3rd row folded
Towing - up to 3,500 lbs.
Curb weight – 3,935 lbs.
Fuel capacity – 18 gallons
Mileage rating - 19 mpg city/ 25 mpg highway
Last word – Kia’s crossover drives into the big leagues

by Dan Scanlan - MyCarData

Kia Sorento - Getting it right

It’s not often that we drive an all-new vehicle at any price in any segment that sufficiently answers all the questions. While the 2011 Kia Sorento isn’t perfect it comes as close as anything we've driven in recent times in the small crossover segment to get most things right.

The Sorento is a relatively inexpensive crossover that should suit the needs of a couple, or just an individual who values space and a high-riding experience with available all-wheel drive.

What makes the new Sorento — which is a 180-degree departure from the first iteration that ended with the 2009 model year — such a big story is that Kia has been building cars for the U.S. market for just 15 years. To get things so close to right in such a short time is astounding.

The new Sorento features car-like unibody construction departing from the traditional body-on-frame SUV configuration. This lends to a more car-like ride, better handling, and less weight leading to better fuel economy.
The Sorento, which can be ordered with three rows of seats, is positioned to not only compete with the compact segment led by the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V, but the smaller end of the mid-sized segment facing off with the Chevrolet Equinox and Nissan Murano.

The Sorento features crisp, pleasing styling that shouts SUV. The front end makes a statement with the new Kia grille design and flared back headlights that form a continuous arch. The rounded rear end with large LED taillights that extend into the lift gate and curving rear glass is well executed. And the slightly bulging wheel wells and slopping roof give the Kia an athletic profile.

The new crossover comes with either a frugal 4-cylinder engine or an energetic V-6.
The 4-cylinder making 175 horsepower is one of the not-quite-perfect aspects of the Kia. After 300 miles behind the wheel of the 2.4-liter we determined that we could live with it, but we really didn’t want to. While the four-banger got the job done for us with lighter loads and with a very economical fuel rating of 21 city and 29 highway in front-wheel drive mode, we had to dig into the accelerator more than once to quickly merge with freeway traffic.

The engine is tasked with pulling nearly two tons of vehicle (unloaded) and it struggles to reach 60 mph from a standing start, accomplishing the feat in pedal-to-the-metal time of around 10 seconds. Hampering more instantaneous power is the tuning of the six-speed automatic, which seems to be designed more for economy and less for optimum performance.
If you are less than satisfied with the smaller engine, Kia has a very satisfactory answer. Drive off the lot in the 276-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6. You will pay a higher sticker price (base 4-cylinder with automatic is $23,190, base V-6 is $26,190) and gas mileage is less (20/26 FWD and 19/25 AWD), but you will get rewarding performance and a 3,500-pound towing capacity.

Zero to 60 in the V-6 model has been measured at 7.8 seconds, which tells us that it should handle all daily driving chores — loaded or unloaded — with reasonable results.
The Sorento has more traits of a well-planted sedan than a sport utility on the back road twists and turns. Its suspension is tuned toward the extra firm side and the result is one of the best handling compact crossovers on the road. While we may be happy with the suspension because of the way we throw the car around, and the need for exceptional handling Sorento’s lack of compliance may discourage others. We understand that Kia has made a mid-year change to soften up the ride a bit making it more comfortable for those not as aggressive in how they approach the road.

What everyone will agree with is the Sorento’s cabin isolation. Road noise and especially wind noise are impressively muted for a vehicle in this price range.
Inside the Sorento is spacious for both front and second-row passengers. The third-row seat, as you might suspect, is tailored more for children than adults. And when in use it gobbles up much of the 37 cubic feet available behind the second row. With all seats folded, cargo capacity is a competitive 72.5 cubic feet.

We found the front seats wide and somewhat firm, but comfortable. With power seat controls and tilt and telescoping steering wheel it was not hard to find a good driving position. The view of the road is commanding, especially with the driver’s seat raised. Rear-seat legroom is good for the segment and to make long distances tolerable the rear seats recline.

We found that he interior is a pleasant place. The faux wood trim looks pretty good all things considered. The dashboard design is first rate and controls felt smooth and upscale. The navigation with backup camera is also on a par with competitors if you elect to spend the bucks.

If you are on a tight budget, but like the Sorento, the base models come well equipped and may include everything you want and certainly everything you need for the chores of daily living. The FWD model with six-speed manual transmission carries a base price of $20,790 including destination charge. The model that will interest most people looking for a good measure of standard equipment at the best price is the front-wheel drive version of the LX with six-speed automatic coming in at $23,190.
Standard features include full power accessories, air conditioning, tilt-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity, an audio system with satellite radio, cruise control, and outside mirrors with integrated LED turn signals. Standard safety includes antilock disc brakes, stability control, hill-start assist, hill descent control and a full range of airbags.

Of course, the Sorento can be loaded up with all the modern goodies topping out in the low 30-grand range. Our well-equipped four-cylinder EX test vehicle carried a bottom line of $29,340.

Built at a new plant in West Point, Georgia the Sorento is an excellent example of Kia’s determination to lift design, quality and utility to please its mass market customer target.


By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman - MyCarData

Kia Rondo - perfect for most situations

The 2010 Kia Rondo is a unique little car. It is a small SUV crossover that was introduced back in 2007. This will be the fourth year for the model, but it is still considered a hidden gem by a lot of folks and has yet to be really discovered. The 2010 model is generally much the same as the 2009 model with very little changes.

The Kia Rondo is not designed to do-all and be-all for everyone. It is the type vehicle that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside, yet it is fun to drive. It is a very functional means of transportation for families and it is priced really low for all that you get. It is more like a small station wagon for those who remember the functionality of station wagons. It comes with either a four-cylinder engine or a V-6 engine. Mostly, owners have said to get the V-6 because it provides a lot more power for the money. The four cylinder has been improved and provides about 175 horsepower, while the V-6 produces 192 horsepower. Fuel economy is good, but not spectacular. It ranges from 21 to 24, depending upon the driver and road conditions.

The Rondo has received numerous awards and accolades. One of these called the Rondo the “Best Family Car for Downsizing.” It is referred to as a crossover that is perfect fror a budget-minded family wanting to get rid of a big gas-guzzling SUV. The NADA guide book calls the Rondo a “Best Car Buy” with high marks in each of their top five categories.
The Rondo offers third row seating, which is adequate for short trips, but takes away all the cargo room. The third row seat will accommodate six foot tall adults, but the leg room is cramped. It is a nice-to-have feature when it is needed, especially for hauling around young children in an emeregency. The stereo system is nice and has iPod connections. It has a lot of interior space and feels very open. It provides a lot of visability. This is an inexpensive vehicle, so much of the interior is plastic and cloth.

The upgraded EX package provides a lot more and for very little cost extra. Beginning prices are in the $18,000 range. The EX model can go upwards to $22,000 or $23,000 or so, but for all the extras, it probably is worth the cost, especially the leather heated seats.

Most of the complaints are fairly minor and not unexpected for a low-cost vehicle. The interior light does not activate when the rear cargo door is open. There is not outside temperature gauge or compass, and there is not beep or other sound when the emergency brake is left on.

Bottom line – this little vehicle is perfect for most situations. The Kia Rondo offers lots of passenger and cargo room, good fuel economy, good ride comfort, a terrific warranty, a lot of features, and most of all, a great low price. Check it out and see if this is the hidden gem you have overlooked in your search.

By Alan Gell - MyCarData

Kia Rio - first photos of the All-New Rio

First photos of all-new Kia Rio released
- Korean spice and Latin flair for Kia’s B-segment newcomer
- Available in 3-, 4-, and 5-door body styles – depending on market
- Offered with wide range of fuel-efficient and low-CO2 engines

Kia Motors Corporation has revealed the first official photos of the forthcoming next generation Rio, which boasts a bold and distinctive personality, bringing the newcomer in line with the rest of Kia’s striking design-led model range.

Tasked with the difficult job of improving upon the remarkable international sales success of the previous generation model, the new Kia Rio will be available in three body styles (with 3-, 4- or 5-doors, depending on market), and has been designed to appeal to customers all around the world.

New Rio has its own interpretation of Kia’s signature grille, integrated with the headlamps to give a new twist on the Kia family look. In profile, the body to glass ratio and its strong wedge form give new Rio a dynamic sporty stance. The balance of the window graphic, wheelbase and overall proportions generates a ‘premium presence’ which is rare in this segment. Overall, new Rio combines European finesse with Korean spice to create a form language that communicates Latin flair.

The new model features a wheelbase extended by 70 mm (to 2,570 mm) and promises greater passenger space and comfort, together with increased cargo capacity to 292 liters (hatchback) and 390 liters (sedan). Exterior dimensions changes include: +55 mm (overall length), -15 mm (height) and +25 mm (overall width) to enhance the feeling of sportiness.

Inside, the new model will deliver a high level of quality previously associated with larger models – together with a wide selection of trim options.

Kia’s B-segment newcomer will be manufactured with an extensive range of six fuel-efficient and low-CO2 engines – from a 1.1-liter diesel unit generating 70 ps in Europe, up to a 1.6-liter GDI gasoline engine producing 140 ps for North America – with the powertrain selection tailored to best suit individual markets and local consumer preferences. An all-new, high-performance 1.2-liter Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) will also be available in Europe from 2012.

Soon-Nam Lee, Director of Overseas Marketing, Kia Motors Corporation, added: “This new model is a big step forward. The Rio has always been successful, and with this new incarnation we have a car which is extremely attractive, that people will want to buy for its looks.” Since its launch in 2005, global sales of the current-generation Rio have totalled more than 860,000 units. It was the company’s third best-selling vehicle in overseas markets during 2010 with sales of more than 219,000 units.

Source Kia - MyCarData


 

Kia Sportage EX AWD - fits in with royalty

You can call this Sportage Part II, or maybe Part four-by-four.
Back around Christmas, Kia sent us its dramatically restyled third-generation compact crossover, styling heavily related to the company’s dramatic “Kue” concept from 2007. But it was a front-wheel-drive model.

Now, with marathon commuting duties ahead for me, an all-wheel-drive model was available for the 330-miles of driving to and from the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. Would a South Korean crossover stand up in the rarified atmosphere, dueling on the tarmac with new Rolls-Royces and Bugatti Veyrons mixed with classic Duesenbergs and Allards? Let’s update the story, plus see how good it is for backwoods cruising as well.

· Kia koncours – The new Sportage seemed to fit in quite well among the cars around the concours, the new design very angular and wedgy, far better than the last-gen, as I said in December. The shield-shaped 4-bar grill is flanked by upswept headlights with Audi-like LED running light bars on the bottom edges, while our test vehicle’s metallic red color really brought out the gray trim around the chrome-framed fog lights at the bumper’s outer edges. There’s a lower air intake over a fake brush shield, the gray plastic carrying around to the edges of the pronounced wheel flares and along the sill line to lower part of the rear bumper. Crisp design lines work well on a long wheelbase shape with a sweptback windshield and squared-off tail with some aero roundness, while the 18-inch tires with silver and black alloy wheels gave it a custom look. We looked like we belonged, although everyone was looking at the Bentleys, Lambos and Spykers around it in traffic. But I guess when Kias start using the LED running lights we have seen on Audis and other German cars, maybe its time has come and gone.

· Sportage seating – It is still a bit hard to believe that a compact Sportage can be had with a heated/cooled power leather driver’s seats, a superb audio system with AM-FM-Sirius Satellite-CD-USB/MP3 audio inputs, touch-screen satellite navigation system with real-time traffic, and voice command of phone calls, SMS text messages and music media sources. Yes, there hard black over pewter plastic here, but well done, solid and creak-free. Like I said before, the interior lights come on when you approach with the keyless remote, a very classy import touch. Then there’s keyless entry and a start/stop button inside, just like a high-end import. A thick leather-rimmed steering wheel hosts stereo and cruise control buttons on the upper spokes, and voice command and Bluetooth cell phone on the lower silver ones, and it all tilts and telescopes as well. The central 140-mph speedometer with inset red LCD trip computer display flanked by an 8,000-rpm tach and gas and temperature gauges looks upscale too. This tester also had the panoramic sunroof with full moonroof (manual sunshades) over the front seats and a fixed glass roof in back. Back-up video and sonar assisted when maneuvering around a Lamborghini Gallardo in a parking spot. Back seat room was pretty good, with decent head and leg room and a fold-down center armrest. Split the seatbacks 60/40 and the slightly high but flat and wide storage area gets downright big, with storage underneath. And the rear deck is carpeted. This could be the comfy modern crossover when the Alfa Romeo is getting tuned up.

· Sportage systems – Our 8,800-mile-old Sportage EX AWD had the same 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine with 176-hp as we tested in December, but the new SX’s 270-hp 2-liter turbocharged GDI engine might have fit in better with the jet-setters. The front-wheel-drive tester we had a few months ago did 60-mph in 8.5-seconds. Add a few pounds with our EX’s all-wheel-drive and it did the same in 8.8 seconds, a bit slow off the line. It netted an average 24-mpg compared to the front-wheel-driver’s 18-mpg. Our driving did see the “ECO” reminder pop up on the gauges when you drive economically. The new platform, 174.8-inches long with a wheelbase of 103.9 inches, is longer, wider and lower than its predecessor. It’s all unibody with independent McPherson struts in the front and multi-link rear with new dampers and coil springs, perfect for the winding rural roads we used on our trip, a bit sports sedan firm while maintaining comfort. Like
I have said, it did get a bit hard-edged over some bad bumps, but never crashing on rebound. Handling was nimble, the all-wheel-drive front-biased most of the time, but bringing in the rears as needed to neutralize things when we pushed. There wasn’t a lot of body roll either. But the “motor-driven” power steering still has a very artificial feel at speed, with a noticeable assist. The all-wheel disc brakes did their job when a shuttle bus pulled out in front of me, with decent pedal feel and stopping power with minimal nose dive and no fade after a few hard stops in a row. Off road, our street-tired Sportage also did well in light to moderate conditions, with a full-time electro-hydraulic all-wheel-drive system with dash-mounted buttons to lock the center differential and offer hill descent control that taps brakes to walk you down a slope.

We took it down a pine forest dirt path and up and down some sandy hills, fairly light in slope since this was Florida. Power transferred to the wheels that needed it with no slip, while locking the center diff helped in one rutted sandy stretch. Hitting some 45-degree-angle hillocks saw decent approach and departure angles and nothing rubbing underneath as we crested the top despite less than 7 inches ground clearance. Again, the suspension was up to the job, if a bit stiff over ruts. Call the AWD a very good addition for rainy or snowy conditions, and able to get you to a beach or forested cabin. For safety, driver and passenger front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags and side curtain airbags with ABS, stability control (that can be shut off), Electronic Brake Distribution and a Brake Assist System. There are also grab handles on the center console

· Kia kost – There are three flavors of Sportage. The base model starts at $18,295 with 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, power windows/locks/mirrors, SIRIUS Satellite Radio with three months complimentary service, MP3 connectivity and Bluetooth wireless technology. The LX adds side mirror LED turn signals, keyless entry and tinted glass. An EX FWD starts at $23,295, while our AWD is $24,795 with 18-inch alloy wheels, roof cargo rails, rear spoiler and chrome body trim and door handles. Options included: $1,500 navigation with rear camera; and a $3,000 premium package with premium audio, heated front seats with driver’s seat cooling, keyless entry/start, double sunroof, rear sonar, auto-dim rearview mirror with Homelink, heated outside mirrors and cargo cover. Final price - $29,990, $2,000 more than the FWD EX we had in December. Competition includes Mitsubishi Outlander, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, Dodge Nitro and Kia’s sister ship, the Hyundai Tucson. The Mitsubishi, Dodge and Chevy are less, the others equal or more if fully loaded, with the CR-V getting the most power at 180-hp. Some also offer V-6s that will equal the Sportage’s hotter optional engine. And some have more precision in their driving.

· Bottom line – Like I said in December, the Sportage may be the best looking of all of the compact crossovers, and that helped it fit in with the royal set at the Amelia Island concours. Its level of fit and finish were good, and its level of fitment was amazing for its price and size – cooled seats, panoramic moonroof, leather, sat-nav and a great audio for just under $30,000! And while it had all-wheel-drive, its mpg was better. Just get rid of the electric power steering.
Vehicle type – compact 5-passenger sports utility crossover

Base price $24,795 ($29,990 as tested)
Engine type DOHC, 16-valve in-line four
Displacement – 2.4 liter
Horsepower (net) – 176 @ 6,000 rpm
Torque (lb-ft) – 168 @ 4,000 rpm
Transmission – 6-speed automatic with manual shifting
Wheelbase – 103.9 inches
Overall length – 174.8 inches
Overall width – 73 inches
Ground clearance – 6.8 inches
Height – 64.4 inches
Front headroom – 39.1 inches
Front legroom – 41.4 inches
Rear headroom – 38.5 inches
Rear legroom – 37.9 inches
Cargo capacity – 26.1 cu.ft./54.6 w/rear seats folded
Towing capacity – up to 2,000 lbs.
Curb weight – 3,355 lbs. (169 more than FWD)
Fuel capacity – 14.5 gallons
Mileage rating – 22-mpg city/31-mpg highway
Last word – Fit in with royalty, functioned OK off road too

By Dan Scanlan - MyCarData

Kia Sportage - Looks great and drives well

The scene was trendy South Beach in Miami Beach, circa November, 2004.
There to cover the Miami Beach auto show, I was navigating Ocean Drive in a first-generation Kia Sportage, done in blue, when I noticed people pointing at the little SUV.

Compact SUVs were not as common then, especially of the breed Kia, which had only come stateside a year or two earlier. So while this one in particular was sort of purposeful in looks, I didn’t know if the sophisticates of South Beach were looking at it, or the fact that it was a Kia.

Fast forward to Christmas 2010, and a grayish Twilight Blue 2011 Sportage. This one is a crossover with definite design cues from Kia’s 2007 "Kue" concept, as well as some serious sophistication in its class. So as we enter the New Year in a Kia, let’s see if this Sportage is getting some looks of its own.
· Sportage sophistication – Kias have been getting better looking since that boxy little first-gen Sportage, and its awkward-looking second-gen model. The Kue concept sure gave us a taste with a wedge shape flowing off squinting headlights and grill design. The production third-generation Sportage’s aggressive design was further honed by its new Irvine, California design team, and shares some of the Kue’s nose, profile and roof shape, for which we are glad.

The design has a high beltline and sleekly low roof line. But let’s take a gander at the nose first. The shield-shaped 4-bar grill is flanked by upswept slivers of headlights with an Audi-like LED running light bars on its bottom edge. The Kue’s lower grill shape, with its slim central slit and wider outboard shapes, has been modified with chrome spears on top and chrome-framed fog lights at its outer edges. There’s a lower air intake as well with a faux brush shield at the bottom, its black plastic carrying around to the edges of the pronounced wheel flares and along the sill line to cap the lower part of the rear bumper. There are some nice crisp design lines, especially the sculpted hood lines that framed the swept-back windshield. A shoulder design line runs off the top of the headlight to sweep aft and connect to the taillights, while a bit of the Kue’s carved flanks design survives here as well. The new Sportage is long in wheelbase, wide in stance and short in overhangs on a new platform that’s 174.8 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 103.9-inch wheelbase – three inches longer and wider, on a half-inch longer wheelbase. On those 18-inch Kumho tires with silver and black alloy wheels, it looked great, and bears a slight family resemblance to its big brother, the Sorento. But oddly, no one gave it a second glance – credit thoughts elsewhere during a busy Christmas weekend, perchance.

· Kia accommodations – It’s all hard black over pewter plastic here, but with decent graining and finish and padded black leather-look accents on the doors. And there’s some serious kit here for a compact crossover, starting with automatic interior illumination when you walk up at night with the keyless entry fob in your pocket. The thick leather-rimmed steering wheel hosts stereo and cruise control buttons on the upper spokes, and voice command and Bluetooth cell phone on the lower silver ones. The wheel tilts and telescopes as well, offering a clear view of the gently-cowled three-pot instrument cluster with a big central 140-mph speedometer with inset red LCD trip computer display flanked by an 8,000-rpm tach and gas and temperature gauges. Along with keyless door locks, there’s a keyless start/stop button next to a large LCD touch screen for navigation as well as a solid AM-FM-Sirius Satellite Radio-CD-MP3/USB iPod audio system with real-time traffic, with voice command of phone calls, SMS text messages and music media sources. Underneath, a gloss piano black trim with dual-zone climate control over a hard plastic iPod storage nook with the audio hookup and two 12-volt outlets. The 6-speed automatic’s gear shift is there, as are twin cup holders flanked by center console grab handles. There’s decent storage under the center armrest, as well as an OK glove box with a/c vent. Overhead, a panoramic sunroof with full moonroof (manual sunshades) over the front seats and a fixed glass roof in back. The navigation screen doubles as a back-up camera display, aided by back-up sonar sensors. And the front seats are heated, the driver’s getting 8-way power adjustment with power lumbar. They were comfortable and supportive, in a sturdy-feeling sports fabric weave with a blue and gray tartan plaid-like cloth insert that was a bit dweeby in looks, but OK. Back seat room was pretty good, with decent head and leg room and a fold-down center armrest. The seatbacks split 60/40 and fold to expand the decent size of a cargo area under a security cover, with a segmented cargo carryall area under the floor. It does have a high liftover, but the hatch height does clear 6-footer’s heads.

· Sportage systems – Our 7,000-mile-old Sportage came with the base 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine with 176-hp, more than the previous-gen’s V-6. A 270-hp 2-liter turbocharged GDI engine will also be available. The front-wheel-drive tester hit 60-mph in a nice 8.5-seconds, with decent mid-range passing power and fuel mileage that averaged about 18-mpg in mixed commuting, and only rose to 23-mpg indicated on the highway. . Like many compacts these days, it had an “ECO” reminder that popped up on the gauge package when you drive economically. A new platform, as we mentioned, hauled us around, all unibody with independent McPherson struts in the front and multi-link rear with new dampers and coil springs mounted separately to minimize intrusion into the cabin and trunk space. The resulting ride is sports sedan firm yet comfortable for the most part, only getting a bit hard-edged over some bad bumps, potholes or expansion joints on highways. Handling was nimble and predictable, with acceptable understeer when pushed and not too much body roll – call it sporty. The “motor-driven” power steering, on the other hand, had an artificial feel that needed minute corrections even as we got used to it. Good for fuel mileage it may be, but it didn’t have a good feel. The all-wheel disc brakes were good, with decent pedal feel and stopping power with minimal nose dive and no fade after a few hard stops in a row. For safety, driver and passenger front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags and side curtain airbags with ABS, stability control (that can be shut off), Electronic Brake Distribution and a Brake Assist System that recognizes when you come off the gas quick and on the brake and adds to the braking power. Despite having a front wheel drive model, we also had Downhill Brake Control, which locked the vehicle at slower speeds down steep grades, which we didn’t have any of in our Florida test grounds.

· Sportage salary – The Sportage comes in three trim levels, the base model starting at $18,295 with 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, power windows/locks/mirrors, SIRIUS Satellite Radio with three months complimentary service, MP3 connectivity and Bluetooth wireless technology. The LX adds side mirror LED turn signals, keyless entry and tinted glass. Our EX started at $23,295 and added 18-inch alloy wheels, roof cargo rails, rear spoiler and chrome body trim and door handles. Options included: $1,500 navigation with rear camera; and a $2,500 premium package with premium audio, heated front seats, keyless entry/start, double sunroof, rear sonar, auto-dim rearview mirror with Homelink, heated outside mirrors and cargo cover. Final price - $27,990. There’s a ton of competitors out there that all fit the compact crossover tag – Mitsubishi Outlander, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, Dodge Nitro and its sister ship, the Hyundai Tucson. Base-priced at a similar trim level, they range from $22,000 for the Mitsubishi, Dodge and Chevy to $24,000-plus for the others. Power output goes from 16-hp for the Mitsubishi to 179-hp for the RAV4 and 180-hp for the CR-V. Some of the competition even offers V-6s. As for driving, all are comfortable and competent on road, the RAV4 and CR-V maybe a bit more fun, while we hear the Rogue is very sporty as well. But with the prices and power close enough, it may be up to personal choice in style and equipment, although the Kia gets a lot of both for the money.

· Bottom line – The Sportage gets an “A” for styling, especially considering what its ancestors looked like. It also gets high grades for comfort, fit and finish of exterior and interior, and level of kit for the price. I wasn’t as happy with the fuel mileage, which should have been over 20-mpg during the general driving I was doing. And the electric steering needs more feel and less dull.

Vehicle type – compact 5-passenger sports utility crossover
Base price $23,295 ($27,990 as tested)
Engine type DOHC, 16-valve in-line four
Displacement – 2.4 liter
Horsepower (net) – 176 @ 6,000 rpm
Torque (lb-ft) – 168 @ 4,000 rpm
Transmission – 6-speed automatic with manual shifting
Wheelbase – 103.9 inches
Overall length – 174.8 inches
Overall width – 73 inches
Height – 64.4 inches
Front headroom – 39.1 inches
Front legroom – 41.4 inches
Rear headroom – 38.5 inches
Rear legroom – 37.9 inches
Cargo capacity – 26.1 cu.ft./54.6 w/rear seats folded
Curb weight – 3,186 lbs.
Fuel capacity – 14.5 gallons
Mileage rating – 22-mpg city/31-mpg highway
Last word – Looks great, runs well, steers OK

2011 Kia Sportage — Becoming Prince Charming

From a frog to a prince; boring to exciting. From ordinary and bland to cutting edge style. That’s the Kia Sportage story.

The 2011 Sportage indeed personifies Kia’s revitalization from just OK to a legitimate challenger to the long-standing Japanese brands. Other examples for the 2011 model year include the mid-sized Sorento crossover, the all-new just-out mid-sized Optima, which is the kissing cousin to the revolutionary new Hyundai Sonata, and the compact Kia Forte.

There was nothing wrong with the 2010 Sportage that a complete restyling inside and out and a reworking of the drivetrain and suspension could not improve upon. And Kia has done just that with the all-new 2011 Sportage.

The exterior styling is nothing short of head turning. And to say that about a small crossover is rare. The head turning mantra is usually reserved for newly minted sports cars and sedans.

Kia’s new look is a reflection of former Audi designer Peter Schreyer, now Kia’s global design director. And Schreyer is probably most responsible for the new family look — the sweeping grille flanked by swept-back headlamp enclosures.

Bold curvaceous fenders work extremely well with the optional 18-inch wheels (16-inchers are standard), and the rather unusual chrome-edged C-pillar leaves a wide swath of sheetmetal to flow into the back glass and set off the wrap-around taillights. It’s an attractive package. Unlike a lot of vehicles, it’s nearly impossible to find a bad angle from which to view the Sportage.

The interior styling is more mainstream, but attractive non-the-less. The gauge cluster is well done and flows neatly into the center stack, which is of a two-tier variety. The audio controls are on the upper level and the climate controls have been placed below. The layout offers a pleasing mix of shapes.

The Sportage not only looks good, but it drives quite well, too; but (there’s always a but) - it’s in the driving that we find the new crossover’s weak spots. First, the new 176-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission is adequate for the needs of an average family. But it is no flame thrower, although more powerful than the previous V-6, which has been jettisoned for the 2011 model year.

On one trip we carried five adults and the Sportage performed well enough to get the job done. Still we longed for just a bit more power and torque so the job would have been more easily performed and the drive less tedious.

Last summer when we tested the Sportage on mountain roads in northern California we found it up to the task helped along with a commendable lack of gear hunting by the six-speed automatic.

Still more horsepower would be welcomed. And Kia has the answer. Sometime during the 2011 model year, a turbocharged version of the engine will be offered and it will change the Sportage personality with 274 horsepower. Now that the Optima turbo is out, hopefully the Sportage turbo isn’t too far behind.

For those who measure performance by comparison, the current Sportage posts average crossover numbers with published 0-to-60 times from 9 seconds to about 9.5 seconds. Stopping distance from 60 is also average measured at 124 feet.

On the plus side is excellent gas mileage rated at 22 mpg city and 31mpg highway in front-wheel drive format. An all-wheel drive system that moves up to 50 percent of torque from front to back is available, but with a loss in gas mileage to 21/28.

The second obvious problem is with the suspension, which some have tagged as unduly harsh, especially on broken pavement We had no problem with the ride quality and we think most buyers will feel the same. But when considering a purchase, find some uneven pavement during the test drive and decide for yourself. On the road, the Sportage is solid and secure, although on-center feel suffers from the highly boosted electric power steering.

The switchgear is intuitive and gauges are clear and generally easy to read. One small criticism of navigation-equipped vehicles is that the audio system must be accessed through the nav screen. But that’s the case in more cars than not. We still wish all manufacturers would separate the audio controls from the screen. At least Kia has kept the climate controls on the dashboard. Navigation functions are easy to use and the maps are easy to read. We particularly like the night map, very cool.

We think the Sportage will work well as a long-distance cruiser for up to four adults. The interior of the Sportage is impressive from the look and feel of materials, and its relatively spaciousness both in front and back. Front seats are comfortable and finding a good driving position proved easy with the tilt and telescoping steering wheel and power seats. “But” --- once again a caveat; if you are long in the torso ingress is problematic. Because the power seat doesn’t go low enough and seat bolsters are a tad too high you will have to be a contortionist to prevent your head and neck from taking a beating.

Ample legroom in back should keep passengers content, and luggage space measuring 26.1 cubic feet should easily accommodate luggage for four people. Like most compact and mid-sized vehicles, three across in back is a squeeze that should be avoided except for short trips.

Storage has been well-thought-out by Kia designers. Bins and storage pockets are plentiful. A chilled glovebox is also available.

When hauling cargo is important, the rear seat backs fold forward to create 55 cubic feet of storage. This is probably adequate for most needs, but falls short of the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, both of which have 73 cubic feet available.

The Sportage has an impressive list of safety features including front side airbags, full-length side-curtain airbags, antilock disc brakes with brake assist, traction control, stability control, and hill descent and hill start control.

The crossover comes in three trim levels, base, LX and EX. The base model starting at $18,990 is probably more for advertising purposes, available only with a manual transmission. But some budget-conscience consumers may feel it is all they need. It comes outfitted with air conditioning, full power accessories and a six-speaker audio system with CD/MP3 player.

The LX will probably be the high-volume model starting at $20,990 in front wheel drive and $22,490 with all-wheel drive. The upcoming turbocharged model will come under SX trim, yet to be priced.

With its striking good looks, well-done interior and overall drivability our loaded top line EX FWD test car with navigation and premium package carried a bottom line of $28,490 including destination charges. How princely!

Kia Sportage 2011, Utilitário

Kia Sportage 2011

Kia Sportage 2011: 2011 apresenta Kia Sportage inclui aquecida e traseiro assentos dianteiros, o couro da parte / peça estofos pano, sede estofos em pele

Sistema Bluetooth mãos-livres com reconhecimento de voz, de governo remoto roda-montado controles de áudio, de 7 polegadas sistema de navegação, painel de instrumentos Super Vision (EX somente), ajustável iluminação dos instrumentos, sistema auxiliar de estacionamento traseiro, retrovisores câmera de segurança com visor de espelho Interior , sistema auxiliar de estacionamento manobra automática, controle climático automático bi-zona ar-condicionado.

2011 do Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage 2011 Características:

espelho negro suportes porta.

Manual ajustável espelhos retrovisores.

Matt grade do radiador de prata (LX).

Vidros fumados.

Alto brilho, aerofólio traseiro preto.

Corpo de cor pára-choques (2,5 resistente a impactos mph).

Telhado-montado antena de rádio.

Luzes de nevoeiro da retaguarda.

Parada alto-montado luz no spoiler traseiro.

2011 do Kia Sportage

Antes de entrar no Sportage é preciso ressaltar que, além de mais baixo, ele está mais próximo do chão: são 17,2 cm de altura livre do solo, ante os antigos 19,5 cm. Em compensação, ele cresceu 9 cm em comprimento (4,44 m), 15 cm em largura (1,85 m) e 10 cm de entre-eixos (2,64 m). Na lateral, os vidros estreitos acompanham a linha de cintura elevada, deixando o utilitário com ar esportivo. Mas isso gera um inconveniente para quem tem estatura de mediana a baixa: acomodado no banco da frente, o ocupante se sentirá de volta à infância, já que o assento não tem regulagem de altura. O visual da traseira é clean, com lanternas horizontais. “A intenção era chegar a um desenho moderno e limpo, feito para durar mais tempo e ter apelo junto a um público mais jovem”, diz Enrique Giner, gerente de design do centro de estilo da Kia na Califórnia.

O objetivo foi atingido, e o design ainda acumula a função de diferenciar o Sportage de seu irmão de grupo, oHyundai ix35. Apesar de compartilharem a plataforma e a maioria dos componentes, ambos têm acertos distintos. A começar pelo posicionamento na tabela de preços. Enquanto o ix35 custa a partir de R$ 88 mil, oSportage chegará às revendas após o Salão do Automóvel, em outubro, com preço inicial estimado em R$ 75 mil.

 

A versão de entrada terá câmbio manual de cinco marchas ou automático de seis. De série, contará com ar-condicionado, airbag duplo, rack no teto, sensor de estacionamento, acendimento automático de faróis, alarme, controle remoto para abertura das portas e entradas iPod/USB. A intermediária virá com as mesmas opções de câmbio, mas o automático poderá receber tração 4x4. Além dos itens acima, terá retrovisor com pisca integrado, rodas de liga leve aro 18, chave inteligente, bancos com revestimento de couro, ajuste elétrico do assento do motorista e controle de estabilidade. Por fim, a topo de linha automática (como a testada) soma aos equipamentos de fábrica airbags laterais e de cortina, teto solar elétrico e retrovisor interno com câmera de ré. Vai custar cerca de R$ 100 mil.

Agora, “simbora” para o interior. Calma, ainda não vamos falar da cabine. Vamos é para a pista de testes em Tatuí (SP). No caminho exploramos as respostas do motor 2.0 16V com comando de válvulas variável, 166 cv e 20,1 kgfm – um aumento de 24 cv e 1,3 kgfm, respectivamente, em relação ao Sportage que está nas ruas. A potência teve ganho significativo, ao contrário do torque. O desempenho geral melhorou, graças, também, ao novo (e suave) câmbio automático de seis velocidades. Só que basta uma subida para o Sportage se cansar e reduzir marchas rapidinho. O motor não grita como antes. Mas, nas retomadas, ele perde a serenidade que tem a 120 km/h com o conta-giros em apenas 2.500 rpm.

Console central é estiloso e interior segue a fórmula do visual externo, com linhas limpas. Iluminação em vermelho agrada

A versão 2.4 16V, que Autoesporte teve oportunidade de avaliar em São Francisco (EUA), é a ideal. Com 177 cv, seu torque nem é tão superior (23,1 kgfm), mas aparece um pouco mais cedo, a 4.000 rpm em vez de 4.600 rpm. Contudo, ela não virá ao Brasil. A novidade aqui será o 2.0 16V flex, no segundo semestre de 2011. Apesar desse pênalti no torque, o utilitário anda bem – foi um pouco melhor que o ix35 nas provas dinâmicas. Caso o motorista se empolgue e entre com vigor nas curvas, será surpreendido pela intrusiva ação do controle de estabilidade, que traz o carro para dentro da curva. O comportamento arisco é oposto ao da suspensão. Independente nos dois eixos, com estrutura McPherson na frente e multibraços atrás, ela privilegia o conforto e absorve bem as imperfeições da pista – embora seja firme o suficiente para transmitir confiança em trechos sinuosos. Como tem curso pequeno, ela bate com relativa facilidade quando se troca o asfalto pela estrada de terra. Mas não afeta o bem-estar ao volante.

Para esticar o passeio no off-road leve, não há dificuldades, já que os ângulos de entrada (28,1°) e saída (28,2°) são satisfatórios. Além disso, na versão 4WD testada há controles de descida e tração. Numa ladeira de terra, o primeiro manteve o veículo abaixo de 10 km/h. Sem ele, a velocidade atingiu 40 km/h na mesma condição. Em situações de pouca aderência, você pode bloquear o diferencial central (por um botão no painel), deixando a divisão de torque em 50% para cada eixo.

Porta-malas cede espaço sob o assoalho para o estepe, banco traseiro é bipartido

Agora, sim, chegamos ao interior do Sportage. Os acabamentos são benfeitos e contam com materiais agradáveis ao toque. O espaço é amplo, até em função da esticada que a carroceria recebeu. No banco de trás, o túnel central não chega a ser plano, mas afeta pouco o espaço para pernas, garantindo boa acomodação aos passageiros. O motorista também viaja com conforto, e encontra boa posição para dirigir, apesar da falta de ajuste de profundidade do volante – que, aliás, tem ótima pegada, com encaixe perfeito para os polegares. O que o condutor pode estranhar um pouco é o freio de estacionamento no pé (nas configurações automáticas) e o vidro traseiro pequeno. Depois de conhecer melhor o novo Sportage, fica ainda mais difícil o exercício de se lembrar do anterior, não é? Relaxe. No jogo da memória, o modelo atual é que promete ficar marcado na sua lembrança.