Geneva: Kia's 2011 Sportage SUV or, How do You Say "Well-Done" in Korean?

Kia’s officially revealed its next step in creating the perfect lineup: the 2011 third-generation Kia Sportage. It’s longer, wider and lower (Kia’s words), and sleeker, chunkier, and prettier (those are mine).

The new Sportage will have four engines, two gasoline and two diesel. Specifically, they’ll be 2.0 liters and under (1.7-liter diesel and 1.6-liter gasoline arrive later, and both will be available with Intelligent Stop and Go), while ranging in output from 115 to 163 horsepower and keeping emissions at a low 138g/km.

Not only does this new Sportage represent some of the best style and efficiency in the segment, it’s also going to be able to be optioned with quite a bit of kit: LED daytime running lights, HID headlamps, panoramic sunroof, roll-over sensors, cooler-glovebox, Hillstart Assist Control, and Downhill Brake Control.

Inside, owners can retain the standard black cloth interior or upgrade to partial/full leather. Of course, all the run-of-the-mill multimedia stuff is available in Kia’s baby bulldog as well, including iPod interface, MP3 compatibility, RDS radio, backup camera (with an integrated LCD in the rear-view mirror), and a navigation system. Cargo space has increased, and now ranges from 564 liters / 19.9 cu ft (seats up) to 1,353 liters / 47.8 cu ft (seats down).

Drive trains, once all models have been brought out to play, will break down like this: 2-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive and 5-speed / 6-speed / 6-speed Automatic transmissions.

With styling inspired by 2007’s Kue concept and featuring a distinct “Tiger” face, the new Sportage really stands out in a crowd. I’ll take mine in Techno Orange.

-By Phil Alex

Engines

S = available as standard