MISSISSAUGA, ON, May 3 /CNW/ - The all-new completely redesigned 2011 Sportage will arrive in Kia dealership showrooms late June with a starting MSRP of 21,995.
The all new Sportage showcases Kia's remarkable styling, and offers enhanced driving performance, as well as an upscale and contemporary interior with an impressive array of standard technological features. "The all new Sportage is the latest addition to Kia's redesigned lineup", said Maria Soklis, Vice-President and COO of Kia Canada. "The Sportage is an integral part of Kia's strategy to develop world class design-led products that exceed customer expectations for quality and value in the Canadian marketplace."
Incorporating many of the key styling elements of the Kue concept, the Sportage proudly displays Kia's new signature design language, with dramatic swept back headlamps, tiger-nose grille, and distinctive lower fascia treatment. The dynamically shaped hood, framed by a distinctive windshield design, adds to its bold flair.
The 2011 Sportage will be offered in two trim grades: LX and EX. Both trims are powered by the venerable 'Theta II Engine', a 176 horsepower, 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine, delivering more horsepower than the previous 2.0L I4 and 2.7-liter V6 engines.
The Sportage offers either a 6-speed manual transmission (base) or a full featured 6-speed automatic transmission (all trims other than base). The 6-speed automatic transmission is engineered and manufactured by Kia Motors and is one of the most compact and fuel efficient transmissions in the market today. This transmission boasts fully variable hydraulic line pressure control (improves fuel economy) and adaptive learning which actually 'learns' the driving style of the driver and custom tailors the shift points. In terms of durability, the new 6-speed automatic transmission adapts to normal internal wear by adjusting hydraulic pressure to maintain that 'like new' shift feeling throughout the lifetime of the vehicle. Also added is a new feature called 'Neutral Control (NC)' that effectively shifts the transmission into Neutral while stuck in traffic (in 'D range' and with brakes applied (greater than)2 seconds) that improves fuel economy. 'Neutral Control (NC)' works in conjunction with another feature called 'Hill Assist Control (HAC)' that prevents any rollback.
LX models come standard with an extensive list of convenience features including air conditioning, power windows, heated front seats, cruise control, tilt-adjustable steering wheel, height-adjustable driver's seat and keyless entry. Further increasing the level of refinement the EX models receive a leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, telescopic steering wheel, and power driver's seat with lumbar support.
Impressive technology features come standard on both trims, including an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system with SIRIUS(R) Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service(1). Also standard on both trims are auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting with MP3 players and Bluetooth(R)(2) wireless technology connectivity with steering wheel-mounted controls.
Like all Kia vehicles, the 2011 Sportage is equipped with a long list of standard safety equipment. Both trims come outfitted with driver and passenger advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, side curtain airbags, front active headrests, four-wheel Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) /w Traction Control (TC), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Hill Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Brake Control (DBC). The Sportage also features 'Roll Over Prevention (ROP)' which is a passive system that helps prevent rollover accidents related to speed. A new to Kia feature is 'Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)' that passively monitors wheel traction, steering angle and g-force to ensure the vehicle is driving in the intended path, and if not, will assist the driver by mildly operating the steering wheel in the appropriate direction (through electrical motor).
The Sportage will also introduce full electronic steering to the Kia lineup resulting in improved fuel economy by using an electric power steering motor instead of loading the engine with a hydraulic power steering pump. This system is custom calibrated to the preferred feel of typical Canadian driver and is fully protected by multiple failsafe modes.
The 2011 Sportage is covered by Kia's comprehensive warranty program which offers unsurpassed consumer protection. Included in this program are a 5 year/100,000 kilometer power train warranty, a 5 year/100,000 kilometer limited basic warranty and a 5 year unlimited kilometer anti-perforation warranty. A 5-year/100,000 kilometer roadside assistance plan also forms part of Kia's comprehensive vehicle coverage.
Kia Canada Inc. (http://www.kia.ca) - is a subsidiary of Kia Motors Corporation (KMC) in Korea. Founded in Canada in 1999, Kia Canada Inc. sells and services high quality class leading vehicles like the Soul and Forte through a network of 167 dealers nationwide. Kia Canada Inc. employs 138 people in its Mississauga, Ontario headquarters and four regional offices across Canada.
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(1) Available in the 10 provinces and 3 territories of Canada and 48
contiguous United States. Monthly subscription sold separately after
three trial months.
(2) The Bluetooth(R) word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned
by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Kia is under
license.
For further information: Kia Canada Inc. Media Contact: Shelley Tavener, Public Relations Manager, Tel: (905) 755-6351, E-mail: [email protected]
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