Kia Motors America is set to debut the latest edition of one of their most popular Standard Utility Vehicles (SUV), the 2012 Kia Sportage, in mid-2011. The Sportage has evolved from a standard SUV to the prototype for style and substance, in the span of 15 years. According to preview pictures and technical specifications already circulating, the new model is a lean, muscular and more powerful incarnation of the SUV’s new generation.
Bringing Boldness
The 2012 model, has embraced boldness as its theme. This is marked, most significantly, by delivering the first full year of the turbo charged SX model. No other compact SUV in its class offers more speed, since KIA has upped the stakes by adding 270 units of horsepower to the SX. The base, EX and LX models are set to retain its 170 units of horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque, or accelerating power, which will keep gas mileage about the same.
Aesthetically, the 2012 Kia Sportage embodies the dramatic high-slung belt line and the low hanging roof line of 2011. The major differences appear to be a sharper, more chiseled look, which has made the Sportage a favorite among young, professional males. A more athletic profile does translate into a loss of cargo space, but the Sportage still seats four comfortably, and five, with a little less room in the back. The grill of the 2012 model will taper into an almost menacing scowl, punctuated by two headlights, a look that embodies the aggressive style of the entire vehicle.
Features
The 2012 base model Sportage will come with standard front wheel drive and a six speed manual transmission, all other models will let you choose between all-wheel or front wheel drive, and six speed automatic transmission. Also new for 2012, are floor or steering wheel shifters that can be adjusted to simulate manual shifting. In an effort to place more of a spotlight on consumer safety, the 2012 will include the Dynamax AWD system that automatically shifts to all wheel drive during slippery conditions, and returns to front wheel drive as the road improves. Of course, all models come with passenger and driver side air bags.
What Compares to the 2012 Kia Sportage
Consumers looking for comparably powered cars, will find the Kia’s closest match in the Hyundai Sonata 2.OT, offering virtually the same torque and horsepower. In terms of gas mileage, the Honda CR-V is making an effort to regain the number one slot by radically improving its fuel economy in 2012, performance wise, the Sportage and CR-V are on par.
