Sportage gets sales support

Kia has released two-wheel drive and turbodiesel models to boost its Sportage range. Launched this week, the new models also introduce option packs and added exterior colour options for the compact SUV, including the current 2.7-litre V6 model.

Pricing for the Sportage now starts at $24,990 for the two-wheel drive LX four-cylinder petrol model (pictured). The turbodiesel EX CRDi is available for $32,490.

Option packs including safety and equipment extras will be available after October, adding between $1600 to $4000 to prices, depending on model.

Following parent company Hyundai's lead, Kia joins only a handful of manufacturers to offer a turbodiesel option to local buyers of smaller SUVs. Hyundai had the market largely to itself initially with the (above compact) Santa Fe CRDi, until recently when Jeep released Patriot and Compass, SsangYong debuted Actyon and Land Rover returned to the market with a revised Freelander 2 with a diesel option.

The Sportage CRDi is equipped with a 2.0-litre common rail turbodiesel engine, rated at 103kW/304Nm. The diesel unit uses a Garrett turbocharger and features a self-cleaning particulate (soot) filter that Kia says doesn't need servicing and is designed to last the life of the vehicle.

The news is not all good for potential customers, however. The diesel Sportage is offered with a six-speed manual only, as preferred in European markets. Kia's says it's unlikely to bring an auto any time soon because the maker "doesn't have the combination available globally".

The model is also nearing update so development focus is centred on the next generation expected here some time in 2009.

The carryover V6 and new CRDi models use Kia's "intelligent" four-wheel drive system. Usually sending drive to the front wheels, the system detects loss of traction and will allocate torque to the rear wheels, to a maximum 50:50 split front-to-rear. The system can be manually activated to 4WD Lock mode for a fixed 50 per cent split, up to 30km/h.

The entry-level front-wheel drive Sportage LX is equipped with the Cerato's 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing, rated at 104kW/184Nm. It uses 8.2lt/100km and is Euro III compliant.

The LX is available with a four-speed auto with manual shift mode, or standard with a five-speed manual transmission.

The LX model also comes standard with 16-inch alloys, ABS, air-conditioning and power windows. An option pack offers ESP and side and curtain airbags.

Sportage V6 and CRDi will be offered with a Limited pack including side and curtain airbags, leather interior trim and sunroof. ESP is included in the V6 EX Limited's upgrade and comes standard on the CRDi.

While Kia expects better than three-quarters of buyers for its Sorento medium SUV (more here) will opt for the turbodiesel model, the company told the Carsales Network at this week's launch that most Sportage customers will be coming to dealers for the two-wheel drive petrol model.

"We figure around 25 per cent of buyers will be interested in the diesel Sportage," said Bill Gillespie, Director of Sales and Marketing for Kia Motors Australia. "The LX [two-wheel drive model] will be our volume seller."

Kia says the two-wheel drive LX model will appeal most to young urban dwellers and "older buyers wanting a vehicle with easy access and clear visibility".

Sportage's cabin feels spacious and vision outward is relatively unobstructed front, side and rear. It features fold flat seating for rear cargo, via a convenient flip and 'dive' arrangement where the seats roll under the interior floor level. The front passenger seat also folds flat, like those offered in the Jeep models, but Sportage's version incorporates a tough plastic seat back that doubles as workspace or a desk up front.

The new Sportage line-up introduces updated exterior colours, including body-coloured bumpers like big brother Sorento for the V6 and CRDi models in 'Cherry Black', 'Clear Silver' and 'Smart Blue' duco. Sportage LX is fitted with pewter grey-coloured bumpers and side sills.

We sampled all three models during the drive program, which included some dirt miles and a brief stint of sand driving. Visit the Carsales Network again for our drive impressions, coming soon.

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

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

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