Sportage gets sub-$26K opener

Kia's new Sportage compact SUV will hit the market this week with a segment-leading price and equipment combination that starts from just $25,990. The sub-$26K price tag buys you a 2.0-litre five-speed manual front-wheel drive Sportage Si. A six-speed auto version is $2000 more.

Though the entry-level pricing is up $1000 from the second generation Sportage LX the new Si replaces, so too are equipment levels. Indeed, though it undercuts Hyundai's ix35 and stated rivals such as Nissan Dualis and Holden's Captiva 5, the base model third-generation Sportage is comprehensively equipped.

The Si's standard equipment list includes six airbags, stability control, four-wheel antilock disc brakes (include hill descent and hill start assist systems), 17-inch alloys, steering wheel mounted controls for cruise control and iPod-compatible six-disc, six-speaker audio, aircon, power mirrors and windows, keyless entry and mirror-mounted LED side indicators.

The Si's sole engine, Kia's CVVT-equipped 2.0-litre DOHC Theta II four-cylinder powerplant delivers best-in-class power and torque, claims the company. Pumping out 122kW and 197Nm, the manual variant returns combined fuel economy of 8.8L/100km across the ADR test cycle. This too is a class standout, the Korean brand states.

Only the Si variant offers the option of two wheel drive and/or a manual gearbox. The next steps up the model ladder, the SLi and range-topping Platimum feature Kia's new Dynamax all-wheel drive system (developed exclusively in conjunction with Magna powertrain systems, says Kia) coupled to the marque's own six-speed autobox.

The SLi offers the choice of a 130kW/227Nm 2.4-litre version of the Theta II petrol four priced from $31,990 or Kia/Hyundai's cutting-edge R Series 2.0-litre turbodiesel. The turbodiesel is a version of the same engine that has won praise in the larger Sorento. It features an electronically-controlled variable geometry turbocharger and sips diesel at just 7.5L/100km despite a hefty 135kW/392Nm output.

In the SLi variant Kia asks an equally hefty $4000 increment for the oiler.

Standard equipment for the SLi builds on the Si offer with reversing camera (with in-mirror electrochromic display), auto headlights, chrome package, integrated roof rails and glass mounted rear spoiler, dual-zone air, trip computer and more. There are also interior trim upgrades.

Priced from $35,990 for the petrol variant and $38,990 for the R Series turbodiesel, the Platinum is the range-topper of the Sportage lineup and includes unique to segment features, claims Kia.

It's loaded to the gunwales with front seat heating and even forced-air ventilation on the electrically adjustable eight-way driver's seat. Other goodies include: 18-inch alloys, rear park sensors, proximity entry and push-button start. Inside the Platinum gets a full leather trim package, full-length dual-pane "panoramic" sunroof, privacy glass and an upgraded seven-speaker audio system.

The Platimum even gets Audi-esque LED daytime running lights.

Kia Australia claims the Sportage benefits from significant local suspension tuning -- a taste of things to come say Kia Motor Australia insiders. Though based on the UK market's chassis tune, Australian and New Zealand-delivered Sportages feature a unique suspension package, which promises a better balance of ride and handling, Kia claims.

Longer, wider and lower than the second generation Sportage (by 90, 15 and 60mm respectively), the new model features Kia's now-trademark Schreyer grille motif and aggressively sporty styling. The vehicle is based on the Kia Kue concept crossover that was first displayed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in 2007.

Aimed firmly at the compact SUV segment it is a two-row vehicle with accommodation for five. Seven seater duties within the Kia SUV lineup are handled by the Sorento.

Kia is aiming to sell around 300 Sportages per month Down Under. Though the sales split will favour the 2WD Si, company insiders say that they are confident top of the range platinum diesels will also be in high demand.

New Sportage is manufactured at Kia's Gwangju factory in Korea.

Look out for our drive impression of the new Kia Sportage from New Zealand's South Island soon.

Key to pics: Sportage SLi 2.0 (grey), Sportage SLi diesel (orange), Sportage Platinum (silver and blue). Interior: Sportage SLi 2.0 (manual), Sportage SLi diesel (cloth trim), Sportage Platinum (leather trim, engine start button on dash).

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