KIA Sportage

The 2009 range of KIA Sportage changes appearance over that of 2008 and introduces a brand new 150 hp diesel engine. Gasoline engines (141 and 175 hp) are the same that I had previously.

Prices start at 20.300 €, which is the price of gasoline version 2.0 (141 hp) with front-wheel drive. The other versions that are initially on sale are a 150 hp diesel, also with front-wheel drive and one with a 2.7 V6 petrol engine and four-wheel traction. Later they will be other combinations.

The price is much higher than the versions of the 2008 range (which will continue selling while remaining in stock) because they are not discounting that there are for the previous model.

KIA Sportage. Model 2009En abroad change the headlights and the drivers, grille, bumpers and wheel arches. The less powerful petrol version has two exhaust outlets, as had the other versions. The 16-inch wheels have a new design.

There are also changes inside the cabin. Thus, the dashboard and instrument panel are different, new coating materials for seats and steering wheel and the front passenger airbag can be disconnected in order to install an infant seat. According to KIA, the antitheft system has been improved.

The Sportage is an SUV in size to Toyota RAV4. In the test we did of the diesel version (140 hp), 2007, we found the Sportage had a good relationship between price and product. It excels at nothing but neither has significant gaps in any way. On the road, the suspension premium comfort on other features (driving impressions).

The KIA model was launched in Europe in 2004 and currently manufactured in Slovakia