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The new Kia Sportage has been launched in Australia, combining a new
boot, new smooth good looks, increased ease of use, and the addition of a CD
player, with its real 4WD specification at a market-beating price of
$24,990.
The 2000 Kia Sportage has grown in length by
305 mm by extending the tail behind the rear wheel arch. This has enabled the
boot to grow to a load swallowing 2220 litres and the spare tyre has been moved
under the floor, improving access to the newly enlarged boot.
The new Kia importer, Kia Automotive
Australia, has also added a CD player as well as new load space to the
specification, which alone more than cover the modest recommended retail price
increase to $24,990 for the manual version and $26,990 for the
four speed electronically controlled automatic version.
Kia’s claim that
Sportage is a real four wheel drive in a market place of off road wannabes is
supported by its technical specification. A full length chassis that is
essential for rigidity during off road excursions supports the body. The
gearbox includes a full low range gear set, offering five ultra low gears for
crossing the toughest country. Shift on the fly four wheel drive is standard
and it is complimented by suspension with unusually high levels of articulation
to keep the tyres on the ground.
Unusually well equipped, the specification
of the Kia Sportage includes central locking, power steering, air conditioning,
front and rear electric windows, a digital stereo system with a CD player and
six speakers, full cloth upholstery, engine immobiliser, power mirrors, front
and rear mud flaps, heated rear window with its own wash wipe system, and split
fold rear seats.
“The Kia Sportage has grown-up
in its latest incarnation,” says Ric Hull, Managing Director of Kia
Automotive Australia. It now has the balanced good looks of a larger four wheel
drive, along with the interior capacity, to match the 4WD specification that
has always enabled it to challenge the off road credentials of large 4WDs.
“Essentially, the Sportage now
has the best of all worlds. On the outside it is compact, making it easy to
drive on crowded roads. Inside it has a remarkable amount of space and its has
the 4WD specification to make it a real go anywhere car. Yet at the same time
its specification and its price makes it a considerably better proposition than
its small, less well equipped and more expensive
competitors.”
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