Jerry Robbin

Faster Than A Speeding Bullet!

Overview

The third-generation 2011 Sportage has contemporary styling that can be recognized from any distance. The Sportage SX is faster than a speeding bullet, is stylish and spacious. Kia definitely has a winner in this totally re-designed vehicle. The SX was introduced mid year and has a 260-hp, 2.0-liter direct-injected turbo 4 cyl drive train.

Safety

• 4-wheel ABS
• Front and rear head airbags
• Dual front side-mounted airbags
• Child seat anchors
• Remote anti-theft alarm system
• Emergency braking assist
• Ventilated front disc / solid rear disc brakes
• Rear door child safety locks
• Daytime running lights
• Front fog/driving lights
• 2 front headrests
• 3 rear headrests
• Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
• Rear center 3-point belt
• Front seatbelt pretensioners
• Turn signal mirrors
• Stability control
• Traction control
• Electronic brakeforce distribution
• Front height adjustable headrests
• Rear height adjustable headrests
• Passenger head restraint whiplash protection system
• Driver head restraint whiplash protection system
• Tire pressure monitoring

Under the Hood

The new Sportage SX has a 260-hp, 2.0-liter direct-injected turbo 4-cyl drive train. that produces 269 pound-feet of torque, and can catapult the vehicle from 0-60mph in a quick 6.1 seconds The SX is mated to a six-speed automatic. The EPA rating is 21-MPG City & 25 MPG Highway.

Driving Impression

The driving dynamics of the Sportage made me feel like I was driving a car rather then a CUV. The Sportage felt sporty and was fun to drive. The vehicle took any turn with easy and was responsive in any traffic situation. The Sportage has unibody construction with McPherson struts in front and a new multilink system in the rear. Te SX AWD is great during the winter and takes turns with ease. Te SX is faster than a speeding bullet and has great driving dynamics.

Inside

The word that describes the interior is stylish. The leather seats are comfortable and hug your body. The SX has a power driver’s seat and the passenger seat is manual. My SX has a heated and cooled drivers seat and the passenger seat is just heated. The instruments are nicely laid out and brightly backlit. The steering wheel has controls for cruise, auxiliary audio, and phone controls. One nice feature was the Push-button start/stop and a dual-panel panoramic sunroof. My SX came equipped with navigation with an upgraded audio system. The 60/40 rear seat folds easy and the cargo area can accommodate 26.1cubic feet of cargo.

Outside

The 2011 Sportage styling is contemporary and goes along with the new Kia styling cues found in other models. When you see a Sportage from a distance it is instantly recognizable!  The Sportage has flowing lines, sculpted body panels and the new signature Kia grill. The SX trim has LED running lights, that make the Sportage unique and intriguing.

Summary

The 2011 Kia Sportage is fun to drive, has unique styling and is definitely worth test diving if you are in the market for a CUV

The Sportage has sophistication, utility, style and all in one package
Specifications.

• Width: 73.0 in.
• Height: 64.4 in.
• Length: 174.8 in.
• Ground clearance: 6.8 in.
• Front track: 63.5 in.
• Rear track: 63.6 in.
• Wheelbase: 103.9 in.
• Cargo capacity, all seats in place: 26.1 cu.ft.
• Maximum cargo capacity: 54.6 cu.ft.

• Maximum towing capacity: 2000 lbs.
• Maximum payload: 1311 lbs.
• Gross weight: 4497 lbs.
• Curb weight: 3186 lbs.
• Angle of approach: 28.1 degrees
• Angle of departure: 28.2 deg

Front Seats

• Front headroom: 39.1 in.
• Front hip room: 53.7 in.
• Front legroom: 41.4 in.
• Front shoulder room: 56.7 in.
• Premium cloth
• Bucket front seats

Rear Seats

• Rear hip Room: 49.1 in.
• Rear headroom: 38.5 in.
• Rear legroom: 37.9 in.
• Rear shoulder room: 55.1 in.
• Split-folding rear seatback
• Folding with storage center armrest