Kia 4x4 has finally made it after many years in the
Australian doldrums, Lets face it Kia four wheel drives hasn't really impressed
has it.?
Kia sportage this time is right !
The Kia Sportage, Mid 2010 and a welcome upgrade in
looks dimensions and features.
Kia have this time finally produces a SUV that may be memorable and a
far cry from other produced bearing this name.
The new Kia sportage for 2011 is 90 mm longer and 15mm wider.
Height has reduced by 60 mm giving this SUV a better look than the
older models.. The down side here for anyone contemplating off road is
that the ground clearance has also reduced. You can see where the
thinking is, this vehicle has more appeal for the suburban driver than
anyone outside . .
The Kia is impressive
So first impressions , its better on the eye , longer and you can fit
more inside.
Keep in mind there is the base front wheel drive model. This vehicle is
one of those that gets you in on base model pricing and will quickly up
sell you.
Power wise the 2.4 petrol offers 130 KW with 227 Nm of
torque. But folks this is Australia lets look at the Turbo diesel 16
valve variable geometry .
Peak power is 135 Kw and 393 Nm of torque similar to the closely related
I35 Hyundai. Most about the two is similar but the All wheel drive
system is exclusive to the Kia sportage as is its suspension and
steering.
Kia boast that certain tweaks have been applied for the Australian
vehicles.
The Koreans here have done some home work with testing prior to release
on Australian roads. Yes they are different ( the roads I mean) in
most cases and in recent years have lost condition compared to the main
highways..
Economy and Price
Economy is positive with the petrol 8.7 L /100 Km and the diesel
7.5l/100Km.
Towing un-braked of the Sportage is 750 KG Un braked and a good 1600 kg
braked.
Weight overall is 1482 base model through to 1705 for the Sport-age
Platinum.
All looks good forKia sportage
although I must confess
it will take me a while to consider this vehicle over others in its or
near price range.
Lets now consider the retail
Base model 2WD 2 litre engine $25990
27,990 for the Auto.
The SLi with some nice extras in 2.4 petrol starts at $31,990 and the
one that impresses me the most is the Platinum at $35990 for the
manual and $38,990 for the diesel auto.
This has everything , leather, 18 in wheels,6 CD changer, sunroof and a
partridge in a pear tree but no Sat Nav.
In summary its a real vehicle this time from Kia with good ride, noise
levels and appointments, the hard thing to get my head around only based
on previous models is paying that kind of money for the KIA badge, buy
hey that's my problem
Kia Sportage Diesel SLi
Price $34,990 Engine 2 LT Turbo charged Diesel Power: 135 KW @ 4000 rpm Torque: 393 NM @ 1800-2500 rpm Transmission: AWD six speed gear box Length/Width/Height/
4440 mm/1855mm/1635mm Ground clearance 172 mm Kerb weight: 1609 KG Towing 1600 KG
Just 4x4 sales ,The latest off road
