Kia Sportage
Encyclopedia
The Kia Sportage is a compact
crossover SUV
built by the Korea
n automaker
Kia Motors
since July 1993.
engineering base platform. It shares many mechanical components such as the engine, transmissions (early versions), and differentials with the Mazda
line of vehicles. This was during Kia's alliance with Ford and Mazda
, which involved Ford/Mazda providing technology and Kia providing cheap manufacturing facilities for Ford. From 1995 to 1998, the Sportage was built by Karmann
in Germany; thus, European buyers received German-built versions between these years, while the rest of the world received South Korean-built versions.
Sportage was sold in either a five-door wagon or a two-door soft-top convertible
. Kia initially developed the wagon in standard length form, but in circa 1996, the company released an extended length version. This stretched model—mainly sold in Asian markets under the name "Sportage Grand"—featured a 305 mm (12 in) longer body utilising the same wheelbase, an increase in luggage capacity from 1570 to 2220 l (55.4 to 78.4 cuft), and the relocation of the spare wheel from the tailgate to underneath the floor.
Kia offered three Mazda-sourced engines in the Sportage, beginning with the 2.0-liter FE DOHC inline-four gasoline unit producing 128 hp and the 2.0-liter RF inline-four diesel rated at 82 hp. Diesel-engined models were mostly restricted to European markets, as was the more basic single overhead camshaft
(SOHC) version of the 2.0-liter FE gasoline inline-four. Delivering 117 hp, this gasoline engine was available from 2000 onwards. In North America, the 2.0-liter FE DOHC engine produced 130 hp and had optional four-wheel drive
. The 1998 model year Kia Sportage was the world's first production vehicle to be equipped with a knee airbag
.
This first generation model (1993–2002) sold in low numbers even domestically in South Korea, and post-Hyundai takeover models (1997–2002) were recalled twice for rear wheels dismounting while driving. The first generation Sportage was discontinued in South Korea in 2002, and in North America after the 2002 model year. By 2003, most international markets had discontinued the Sportage range, although it did remain on sale in some developing countries until its second generation replacement arrived in 2004.
-based platform
with the 2005 Hyundai Tucson
. The Sportage will also have a 2.0 L straight-4
Diesel
engine
available in the United Kingdom
. Pricing starts at just over US$16,000. Critics and fans of the original, pre-Hyundai
Sportage complain that it is considerably larger than the original Sportage and has none of the earlier offroad capability, the two keys for its success. However, buyers of the second generation model are likely to favor the available 173 hp V6, with 178 pounds of torque (241 N·m). The ride is considerably more comfortable, quiet and fun. Overall fit/finish and quality is noticeably improved over the 1st generation model.
Facelift model of the second generation was introduced in May 2008. Since 2007, it is manufactured at the Žilina Plant in Slovakia
. A second facelift was introduced in the UK in early 2009 only a few months after its first facelift.
Kia Sportage named as one of the most reliable vehicles from 2009 Consumer Reports
reliability survey. The Kia Sportage ranked second in the “20 least expensive 2009 vehicles to insure” list by Insure.com. According to research, the Sportage is one of the least expensive vehicles to insure. Low rates tend to reflect a vehicle’s safety.
. However, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
judged it merely Acceptable for frontal and side-impact crash performance, and Poor for the strength of its roof in a rollover.
The engine is the same one used in the Hyundai Sonata 2.0T.
In China, the third generation, called Sportage R, was released by Dongfeng-Yueda-Kia in October 2010, and to be built and marketed alongside—rather than as replacement of—the existing model.
, awarded 'Top Safety Pick' from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
(IIHS) in the United States
. Earning the award became tougher in 2010 when IIHS added the rollover crash test, which measures roof strength and is twice as stringent as the federal requirement. To pass this test, a vehicle’s roof must be able to withstand the force of three times the vehicle’s weight (acceptable rating). The federal standard requires a roof to hold 1.5 times the vehicle’s weight.
Compact SUV
Compact SUV is a class of small sport utility vehicles with a length roughly between . This class should not be confused with mini SUV, which refers to smaller vehicles.- Background :...
crossover SUV
Crossover SUV
A crossover SUV is a vehicle built on a car platform and combining, in highly variable degrees, features of a sport utility vehicle with features from a passenger vehicle, especially those of a station wagon or hatchback.Using the unibody construction typical of passenger vehicles, the crossover...
built by the Korea
Korea
Korea ) is an East Asian geographic region that is currently divided into two separate sovereign states — North Korea and South Korea. Located on the Korean Peninsula, Korea is bordered by the People's Republic of China to the northwest, Russia to the northeast, and is separated from Japan to the...
n automaker
Automaker
The automotive industry designs, develops, manufactures, markets, and sells motor vehicles, and is one of the world's most important economic sectors by revenue....
Kia Motors
Kia Motors
Kia Motors , headquartered in Seoul, is South Korea's second-largest automobile manufacturer, following the Hyundai Motor Company, with sales of over 1.4 million vehicles in 2010...
since July 1993.
First generation (JA; 1993–2004)
The first generation Kia Sportage was developed with a Mazda BongoMazda Bongo
The Mazda Bongo, also known as Mazda E-Series and Mazda Access, was a van manufactured by Japanese automaker Mazda from 1978 to 2001.-First generation :...
engineering base platform. It shares many mechanical components such as the engine, transmissions (early versions), and differentials with the Mazda
Mazda
is a Japanese automotive manufacturer based in Fuchū, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan.In 2007, Mazda produced almost 1.3 million vehicles for global sales...
line of vehicles. This was during Kia's alliance with Ford and Mazda
Mazda
is a Japanese automotive manufacturer based in Fuchū, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan.In 2007, Mazda produced almost 1.3 million vehicles for global sales...
, which involved Ford/Mazda providing technology and Kia providing cheap manufacturing facilities for Ford. From 1995 to 1998, the Sportage was built by Karmann
Karmann
Wilhelm Karmann GmbH, commonly known simply as Karmann, in Osnabrück, Germany was until 2009 the largest independent motor vehicle manufacturing company in Germany...
in Germany; thus, European buyers received German-built versions between these years, while the rest of the world received South Korean-built versions.
Sportage was sold in either a five-door wagon or a two-door soft-top convertible
Convertible
A convertible is a type of automobile in which the roof can retract and fold away having windows which wind-down inside the doors, converting it from an enclosed to an open-air vehicle...
. Kia initially developed the wagon in standard length form, but in circa 1996, the company released an extended length version. This stretched model—mainly sold in Asian markets under the name "Sportage Grand"—featured a 305 mm (12 in) longer body utilising the same wheelbase, an increase in luggage capacity from 1570 to 2220 l (55.4 to 78.4 cuft), and the relocation of the spare wheel from the tailgate to underneath the floor.
Kia offered three Mazda-sourced engines in the Sportage, beginning with the 2.0-liter FE DOHC inline-four gasoline unit producing 128 hp and the 2.0-liter RF inline-four diesel rated at 82 hp. Diesel-engined models were mostly restricted to European markets, as was the more basic single overhead camshaft
Overhead camshaft
Overhead cam valvetrain configurations place the engine camshaft within the cylinder heads, above the combustion chambers, and drive the valves or lifters in a more direct manner compared to overhead valves and pushrods...
(SOHC) version of the 2.0-liter FE gasoline inline-four. Delivering 117 hp, this gasoline engine was available from 2000 onwards. In North America, the 2.0-liter FE DOHC engine produced 130 hp and had optional four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive, 4WD, or 4×4 is a four-wheeled vehicle with a drivetrain that allows all four wheels to receive torque from the engine simultaneously...
. The 1998 model year Kia Sportage was the world's first production vehicle to be equipped with a knee airbag
Airbag
An Airbag is a vehicle safety device. It is an occupant restraint consisting of a flexible envelope designed to inflate rapidly during an automobile collision, to prevent occupants from striking interior objects such as the steering wheel or a window...
.
This first generation model (1993–2002) sold in low numbers even domestically in South Korea, and post-Hyundai takeover models (1997–2002) were recalled twice for rear wheels dismounting while driving. The first generation Sportage was discontinued in South Korea in 2002, and in North America after the 2002 model year. By 2003, most international markets had discontinued the Sportage range, although it did remain on sale in some developing countries until its second generation replacement arrived in 2004.
Second generation (2004–2010)
After a 2-year hiatus, the 2005 Sportage returned, sharing its ElantraHyundai Elantra
Launched in 1990 , the Elantra received a mid-term facelift in 1993.The Elantra was powered by a Mitsubishi-designed 1.6 L straight-4 This DOHC 16-valve 1.6 L unit produced 113 hp at 6000 rpm and could push the Elantra to 60 mph in 9.5 seconds...
-based platform
Automobile platform
An automobile platform is a shared set of common design, engineering, and production efforts, as well as major components over a number of outwardly distinct models and even types of automobiles, often from different, but related marques...
with the 2005 Hyundai Tucson
Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson , or ix35 in Europe, or Hyundai JM in Japan, is a compact crossover SUV built and marketed by the Hyundai Motor Corporation. In Hyundai's lineup, the Tucson fits below the Santa Fe and Veracruz....
. The Sportage will also have a 2.0 L straight-4
Straight-4
The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft....
Diesel
Diesel engine
A diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses the heat of compression to initiate ignition to burn the fuel, which is injected into the combustion chamber...
engine
Internal combustion engine
The internal combustion engine is an engine in which the combustion of a fuel occurs with an oxidizer in a combustion chamber. In an internal combustion engine, the expansion of the high-temperature and high -pressure gases produced by combustion apply direct force to some component of the engine...
available in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
. Pricing starts at just over US$16,000. Critics and fans of the original, pre-Hyundai
Hyundai Motor Company
Hyundai Motor Company is a Korean multinational automaker based in Seoul, South Korea which, along with Kia, comprises the Hyundai Kia Automotive Group, the world's fourth largest automaker as of 2009. As of 2011, it is the world's fastest growing automaker for two years running...
Sportage complain that it is considerably larger than the original Sportage and has none of the earlier offroad capability, the two keys for its success. However, buyers of the second generation model are likely to favor the available 173 hp V6, with 178 pounds of torque (241 N·m). The ride is considerably more comfortable, quiet and fun. Overall fit/finish and quality is noticeably improved over the 1st generation model.
Slovakia
The Slovak Republic is a landlocked state in Central Europe. It has a population of over five million and an area of about . Slovakia is bordered by the Czech Republic and Austria to the west, Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east and Hungary to the south...
. A second facelift was introduced in the UK in early 2009 only a few months after its first facelift.
Kia Sportage named as one of the most reliable vehicles from 2009 Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports is an American magazine published monthly by Consumers Union since 1936. It publishes reviews and comparisons of consumer products and services based on reporting and results from its in-house testing laboratory. It also publishes cleaning and general buying guides...
reliability survey. The Kia Sportage ranked second in the “20 least expensive 2009 vehicles to insure” list by Insure.com. According to research, the Sportage is one of the least expensive vehicles to insure. Low rates tend to reflect a vehicle’s safety.
Total U.S. sales
| Calendar Year | Sales |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 29,009 |
| 2006 | 37,071 |
| 2007 | 49,393 |
| 2008 | 32,754 |
| 2009 | 42,509 |
Crash test ratings
The second-generation Kia Sportage earned a top rating of five stars in crash tests by the National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is an agency of the Executive Branch of the U.S. government, part of the Department of Transportation...
. However, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is a U.S. non-profit organization funded by auto insurers, established in 1959 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. It works to reduce the number of motor vehicle crashes, and the rate of injuries and amount of property damage in the crashes that...
judged it merely Acceptable for frontal and side-impact crash performance, and Poor for the strength of its roof in a rollover.
Third generation (SL: 2010–present)
The 2011 Kia Sportage was released in April 2010 to Asian and European market, with North and Central American market release on 8 August, 2010. Australian market release debuted in late October. It currently uses a 2.0L CRDi 136 and 184 hp Hyundai R diesel engine.Hyundai R engine
The Hyundai R engine is a diesel 4-cylinder automobile engine, currently produced by Hyundai Kia Automotive Group.-2.0L:The 2.0L R-Engine is a 4 cylinder all aluminum unit, with chain driven dual overhead camshafts operating 4-valves per cylinder...
The engine is the same one used in the Hyundai Sonata 2.0T.
In China, the third generation, called Sportage R, was released by Dongfeng-Yueda-Kia in October 2010, and to be built and marketed alongside—rather than as replacement of—the existing model.
Safety
The 3rd generation Kia Sportage, designed by Peter SchreyerPeter Schreyer
Peter Schreyer is an automobile designer, widely known for his design contributions to the Audi TT and as the Chief Design Officer at Kia Motors ....
, awarded 'Top Safety Pick' from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is a U.S. non-profit organization funded by auto insurers, established in 1959 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. It works to reduce the number of motor vehicle crashes, and the rate of injuries and amount of property damage in the crashes that...
(IIHS) in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. Earning the award became tougher in 2010 when IIHS added the rollover crash test, which measures roof strength and is twice as stringent as the federal requirement. To pass this test, a vehicle’s roof must be able to withstand the force of three times the vehicle’s weight (acceptable rating). The federal standard requires a roof to hold 1.5 times the vehicle’s weight.