Jerry Robbin

Overview

The 2011 Outback Sport has hatchback styling and has a sports appearance that combines sport car performance with an aggressive stance.

The Sportback is a practical sedan with tons of cargo space to haul groceries or even a bike around town.

Safety

• 4-wheel ABS
• Front and rear head airbags
• Dual front side-mounted airbags
• Child seat anchors
• Remote anti-theft alarm system
• Ventilated front disc / rear drum brakes
• Rear door child safety locks
• Daytime running lights
• Engine immobilizer
• Auto delay off headlamps
• 2 front headrests
• 3 rear headrests
• Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
• Rear center 3-point belt
• Front seatbelt pretensioners
• 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 monitor

Under the Hood

The ES comes with a 148-horsepower, 2.0-liter MIVEC engine that produces 145/143 pounds-feet of torque and was paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission. This drivetrain is adequate for any city or highway driving.

Driving Impression

The Lancer ES 2.0-liter engine acceleration is on the weak side but adequate for city and highway driving.  The CVT transmission seems to drain the power but the Sportback is fun to drive.

The ride on the Lancer ES is smooth yet sporty and handling is good, The car corners with ease when taking sharp turns.

Inside

The Lance Sportback seating is comfortable and can seat five adults, Cargo space is fantastic with 52.7 cubic feet and the cargo floor has two-position height-adjustable making the vehicle versatile.  The ES comes with a 140-watt audio system with four speakers. The steering wheel has radio, phone and cruise controls.  The dash is nicely laid out and has chrome accents.

Outside

The 2011 Lancer Sportback has the Mitsubishi signature unusual front air dam and bumper and the rear end treatment is more eye appealing with its unique rear end fascia and rear spoiler.  16” wheels highlight the vehicle and the Sportback does have a pleasing design.

Summary
If you are in the market for an inexpensive 5 door with a sport appearance then you should take 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback. For a test drive

Specifications

Measurements

• Width: 69.4 in.
• Height: 59.7 in.
• Length: 180.4 in.
• Ground clearance: 5.8 in.
• Front track: 60.2 in.
• Rear track: 60.2 in.
• Wheel base: 103.7 in.
• Cargo capacity, all seats in place: 13.8 cu.ft.
• Maximum cargo capacity: 52.7 cu.ft.

• EPA interior volume: 108.3 cu.ft.

Interior

Front Seats

• Front head room: 39.6 in.
• Front hip room: 53.3 in.
• Front leg room: 42.3 in.
• Front shoulder room: 54.7 in.
• Height adjustable driver seat
• Cloth
• Sport front seats

Rear Seats

• Rear hip Room: 54.1 in.
• Rear head room: 36.8 in.
• Rear leg room: 35.9 in.
• Rear shoulder room: 54.3 in.
• Split-folding rear seatback
• Folding with storage center armrest
• Rear ventilation duct

Mechanical

Engine & Performance

• Base engine size: 2.0 L
• Cam type: Double overhead cam (DOHC)
• Cylinders: inline 4
• Valves: 16
• Valve timing: Variable
• Torque: 145 ft-lbs. @ 4200 rpm
• Horsepower: 148 hp @ 6000 rpm
• Turning circle: 32.8 ft.

• Base engine type: gas

Overview

I just finished test driving the 2011 Miata MX5 Special Edition, Only 749 other Special Editions will help Mazda celebrate its 900,000th Miata. This Special Edition has a very unique interior trim and two exclusive exterior colors, but the 2011 Miata has no major styling changes for the model year.

Safety

1. Airbags
2. Driver Air Bag
3. Passenger Air Bag On/Off Switch
4. Passenger Air Bag
5. Side Air Bag
6. Brakes
7. 4-Wheel ABS
8. 4-Wheel Disc Brakes
9. Front Disc/Rear Drum Brakes
10. Safety Features
11. Electronic Stability Control
12. Traction Control

Under the Hood

The Miata’s drive train is 167-horsepower 2.0-liter twin-cam four-cylinder but is capable of propelling the vehicle to comfortable speeds with little effort The horsepower peaks at 7,200 rpm red lined and at 5,000 rpm hit the maximum torque at 5,000 rpm…

Driving Impression

My test drive Miata came equipped six-speed manual transmission, which truly gives you the sports car demeanor.

The Miata is capable of accelerating into traffic with ease and gives you a feeling of exhilaration at high speeds.

The Miata hugs curves and can take hairpin turns with ease. Its double wishbone front and multilink rear suspension is firm

The Miata is fun to drive, quiet on the highway. and has great fuel economy The Miata EPA’s 21/28 mpg is not bad for a sports car.

Inside

Miata seating is comfortable and the seats hug your body when making hairpin turns. The seats are heated for cool winter days and are manually adjustable. The dash is similar to the first-generation Miata There isn’t a ton of room inside, but there is plenty of legroom for the average adult. There are plenty of storage bins and cup holders inside the Miata. The stereo has a good sound and there are plenty of creature features to help make your ride enjoyable.

Outside

The Miata design definitely makes a statement and says sports car. It is sleek and elegant; The retractable hardtop gives the overall design a great profile, which gives the illusion that it is longer than it really is.

The 17-inch alloy wheels highlight the Miata and give the car a definite sports car appearance.

Summary

If you are looking for a sports car at a reasonable price I would suggest test-driving the Miata.

Specifications

• Dimensions
• Wheelbase(in): 91.7
• Length, Overall (in): 157.3
• Width, Max w/o mirrors (in): 67.7

Height, Overall (in): 49.4

• Passenger Capacity: 2
• Front Head Room (in): 37.0
• Front Leg Room (in): 43.1
• Front Shoulder Room (in): 53.2
• Front Hip Room (in): 50.6
• Trunk Volume (cu. ft.): 5.3

Overview

The all-new new 2011 Optima is a cousin to the Hyundai Sonata, but it definitely has its own unique personality and styling. Mechanically it is a clone to its sibling the Hyundai Sonata, which the public have had rave reviews for. The Optima comes with Kia’s  100, 000 mile limited power train 10 year warranty. The 2011 Optima features an all-new exterior and interior design. The SX is equipped with paddle shifters, 18-inch alloy wheels, alloy pedals, different front and rear bumpers, LED taillights, side sills, door scuff plates and a rear lip spoiler. The SX is definitely a sports car.

Safety

1. Standard safety systems include
2. Dual front advanced airbags,
3. Front seat mounted side airbags
4. Full-length side curtain airbags
5. 3-point safety belts for all seats including front pretensioners/load limiters
6. LATCH system for child seats
7. Downhill brake/hill-start assist control
8. Front/rear crumple zones
9. Steel beams in each door
10. Tire pressure-monitoring system.

Under the Hood

The Optima SX comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter direct-injection four-cylinder drive train that produces 274 horsepower. The 2.0 drive train is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Kia has created a 4-cylinder engine that is capable of V6 power, that uses a twin- turbocharger integrated into a cast stainless-steel exhaust manifold, This motor produces enough power to propel the Optima in any road condition.

Driving Impression

The Optima steering and braking performed well in any driving situation I encountered. Acceleration was equal to any 6 cylinder and was responsive on the highway in passing vehicles with ease. The 6-speed automatic allows you to manually shift through the gears.

The 2011 Kia Optima features electric steering, which does allow you to feel engaged with the road. The Optima SX comes with 18-inch 225/45s, which make the ride quiet at high-speeds. The electric rack-and-pinion steering was responsive and the four-wheel antilock disc brakes have plenty of stopping power.

Inside

The interior of the Optima is modern and attractive with contemporary flowing lines. Kia Turbo GDI SX. Comes with leather woven seat trim, carbon insert film, The armrest controls are neatly laid out with easy access to the power mirror, window and door locks. The center stack has a unique design for the radio and climate controls and navigation system. USB and auxiliary ports are placed below the instrument panel.

The information/entertainment system is voice-activated and controls the audio system, Bluetooth-enabled phone, personal media devices, and vehicle settings.

The seats are comfortable and hug your body while making hairpin turns. The front seats are heated and cooled, while the rear seats are heated. The steering wheel is heated, leather-wrapped, has tilt and telescoping features. The rear seat was comfortable and has plenty of head, and legroom.

The trunk has 15.4 cubic-foot and with the rear seat folded down can accommodate larger items.

The Optima SX came equipped with the optional panoramic sunroof and power sunshades, which was a nice finishing touch to this nicely equipped sedan.

Outside

The Optima SX has a sleek stance, signature front fascia and grille. The Optima has unique styled headlights and fog lights. The Optima has flared wheel arches, and the fastback styled rear glass meets the high-mount trunk lid.  The large dual exhaust highlight this extremely well designed sedan The Optima definitely appears to be an upscale looking vehicle. The has, 18-inch alloy wheels, unique front and rear bumpers, LED taillights and a rear lip spoiler

Summary

If you are in the market for a mid size sedan the Optima is definitely worth a trip to a Kia dealership. The Optima’s long list of options makes it a compelling choice for those who want a sedan.

Specifications

• · Engine: 2.4-liter 4cyl 200hp/186 ft-lbs torque
• · Drive: FWD
• · Wheelbase: 110in.
• · Total length: 190.7in.
• · Total width: 72.1in.
• · Total height: 57.3in.
• · Track: f/r-62.8/62.8in.
• · Turning circle: 35ft.
• · Headroom: f/r-40/37.8in.
• · Legroom: f/r-45.5/34.7in.
• · 0-60mph: 8.9 seconds
• ·Fuel tank: 18.5 gallons
• · EPA cargo volume: 15.4cu.ft.
• · Curb weight: 3,206lbs.

2011 Mazda 2 Touring

Fun ! Fun ! Fun To Drive!

Overview

The Mazda 2 is new for the US market but it has been overseas since 2007.

Fun, Fun Fun To Drive!

The Mazda 2 shares the platform with the Ford Fiesta, but the Mazda2 has its own Zoom Zoom personality. The Mazda 2 Touring has a sport- like feel especially in the handling department…

Safety

• · General Safety Features

• · Theft Prevention

Vehicle Anti-Lockout Device	Not Listed
Selective Locking / Unlocking	Not Listed
Valet Lockout	Not Listed
Wheel Locks	Optional
Locking Fuel Filler Door or Gap	Not Listed
Vehicle Theft Tracking / Notification	N/A

Under the hood

A 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that is rated at 100 hp and 98 lb-ft of torque powers the Mazda2. My test drive came equipped with the optional 4-speed automatic. The fuel efficiency came in at 29-mpg city/35 mpg highway,

The Mazda2 motor was adequate for city or highway driving. No do not attempt to drag race with most vehicles unless you want to take on a bus.

Driving Impression

I found the Mazda2 to be fun to drive, agile in the handling department and had very responsive steering. The Mazda 2  had a slight body lean and this could be due to the narrow profile of the tires.

The Mazda 2 has McPherson strut/torsion beam suspension, which delivers a firm ride.

The Mazda 2 is a great commuter vehicle for the city, but I would not like to take a long distance vacation.

Inside

The interior of the Mazda 2 is highlighted with comfortable seating in the front and adequate seating in the rear. The instrumentation has large gauge cluster with a basic trip computer and an outside temperature gauge. The steering wheel has audio and cruise control functions are laid out for easy access.

The radio has AM/FM/CD unit with no frills sound and no Bluetooth capability

With the back seat down the Mazda 2 is capable of handling 28 square feet of cargo.

The Mazda 2 has a no frill interior, but is definitely comfortable to drive.

Outside

The Mazda2 is small has its own distinct look for a small vehicle with its signature Mazda logo & grill. The front wheel wells have arches, which highlight the 15-inch alloy wheels. The vehicle definitely is a small entry-level vehicle, which lacks in styling.

Summary

If you are looking for basic commuter transportation then you should definitely stop in a Mazda showroom to take a look at the Mazda 2. It a fun to drive vehicle, that can zip through any road course you may encounter.

Specifications

Measurements

• Width: 66.7 in.
• Height: 58.1 in.
• Length: 155.5 in.
• Ground clearance: 5.1 in.
• Front track: 58.1 in.
• Rear track: 57.7 in.
• Wheelbase: 98.0 in.
• Cargo capacity, all seats in place: 13.3 cu.ft.
• Maximum cargo capacity: 27.8 cu.ft.

• EPA interior volume: 100.4 cu.ft.
• Gross weight: 3263 lbs.
• Curb weight: 2306 lbs.

Interior

Front Seats

• Front headroom: 39.1 in.
• Front hip room: 50.9 in.
• Front legroom: 42.1 in.
• Front shoulder room: 52.8 in.
• Height adjustable driver seat
• Cloth
• Bucket front seats

Rear Seats

• Rear hip Room: 46.8 in.
• Rear headroom: 37.0 in.
• Rear legroom: 34.8 in.
• Rear shoulder room: 51.2 in.
• Split-folding rear seatback

Overview

The new 2011 Suzuki Kizashi is the only star, that Suzuki has in its model line up. The Kizashi  takes the award for being the coolest vehicle.  The Kizashi is definitely a contender in its market segment and Suzuki created a youthful design and it is fun to drive.

Safety

• Airbags, frontal
• Airbags, side impact
• Airbags, side curtain
• Occupancy sensor
• Traction control
• Height adjustable safety belts
• Seatbelt pre-tensioners
• Headlights Halogen
• Exterior light control
• Daytime running lights
• Door curb lights
• Illuminated entry
• Parking assist
• Remote keyless entry
• Keyless access system
• Panic alarm
• Door locks
• Rear child safety door locks
• Content theft-deterrent alarm system
• Ignition disable
• First aid kit
• Theft deterrent radio
• Low tire pressure warning

Under the hood

The drive train is a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, that produces 185 horsepower and 170 foot pounds of torque. Power is adequate and you have enough power to handle most highway conditions. Fuel economy estimated at 20mpg city and 29mpg highway, which is acceptable for the vehicle.

Driving Impression

The Kizashi has a unique chassis and suspension system that gives the vehicle a sports like driving dynamic.

The Kizashi has high-performance KYB shocks and a multi-link rear end give you the sense you are driving a sports car.

The Anti-Lock brakes could handle any situation and I felt like I was in control of the vehicle. I found the Kizashi a fun vehicle to drive.

The 185 Horsepower motor was mated to a 6-speed manual transmission and was fun to drive.

Inside

Kizashi’s interior was contemporary and the seats were comfortable. My test drive SLS Sport came equipped with creature features like leather seats, heated front seats, power seats, Navigation, sun roof, dual zone climate control, satellite radio, Bluetooth hands free phone, cruise control and many other features. The center stack was laid out for easy access to radio, Navigation and Climate control functions.

The SLS Sport comes equipped with a 425-watt 10-speaker Rockford Fosgate sound system that has a great sound.

There are plenty of cup holders in front, and in the rear they are located in the dropped center armrest. The legroom in the rear is adequate. The cabin is quiet due to the amount of sound insulation that has used in the vehicle.

The Kizashi comes with keyless ignition, which is a great feature to start your car.

Outside

The styling of the Kizashi looks is contemporary and has a performance profile. The twin chrome tailpipes give the Kizashi a muscle car appearance. The 18-inch alloy wheels are impressive and highlight the vehicle.

The shape of the grille says Suzuki, with the big S in the center and the headlights/fog lights accenting the front end. The Sport SLS comes with a sport aero body kit to add icing to the cake on Suzuki new model.

Summary

The Suzuki Kizashi is worth taking a ride to a dealer if your looking for a small sports sedan that offers more standard equipment than its competitors. The engineering is excellent, and the vehicle delivers a great ride, great cornering, and precise brakes.

Specifications

• Wheelbase: 106.3in.
• Total length: 183.1in.
• Total width: 71.7in.
• Total height: 57.9in.
• Fuel tank: 16.6 gallons
• Headroom: f/r-39.3/37.0in.
• Shoulder room: f/r-55.5/54.6in.
• Curb weight: 3,241lbs.
• 0-60mph: 8.3sec.
• EPA mileage: 20mpg/city, 29mpg/highway

2011 Mitsubishi Outlander 3.0 GT-AWD

Overview

The Mitsubishi 2011 Outlander GT is a crossover that seats up to seven passengers and it shares the same platform as the Outlander Sport. The GT is about 15 inches longer and an inch wider than the Sport.

Safety

• 4-wheel ABS
• Front and rear head airbags
• Dual front side-mounted airbags
• Child seat anchors
• Remote anti-theft alarm system
• Ventilated front disc / solid rear disc brakes
• Rear door child safety locks
• Daytime running lights
• Engine immobilizer
• Auto delay off headlamps
• 2 front headrests
• 3 rear headrests
• Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
• Rear center 3-point belt
• Front seatbelt pretensioners
• Stability control
• Traction control
• Front height adjustable headrests
• Rear height adjustable headrests
• Passenger head restraint whiplash protection system
• Driver head restraint whiplash protection system
• Tire pressure monitoring
• Electronic brake force distribution

Under the Hood

The Outlander GT comes equipped with a potent 3.0-liter V-6 engine that produces 230 hp and 215 ft. lb. of torque.  The GT comes with a six-speed automatic with manual shifting paddles on the steering column.  The GT comes equipped comes with all-wheel drive and can hit 0-60 in 9.4 seconds.

Driving Impression

The GT steering and handling are excellent and give the driving dynamics a sports demeanor when taking hairpin turns. The GT comes equipped with independent suspension consisting of McPherson struts up front and a multi-link in the rear. The ride is good, and the disc brakes provide ample stopping power.

Inside

The Outlander GT comes with cloth seats highlighted with leather accents. The seat back was finished with ultra suede/velour like material. The front seats are comfortable and hold you in place. Both front seats are manually adjustable.

My GT came equipped with Sun and Sound Package, which had a sunroof a 719-watt Rockford Fosgate 9-speaker sound system with subwoofer and MP3 jack.

The seating has ample headroom for all passengers. The rear seat has a 60/40-split bench seat the seats can recline long trips.

There is a third row seat, which can accommodate small children. The rear seat does fold flat into the floor to increase the storage space behind the 2^nd row seat. To make loading easier in the rear cargo area Mitsubishi has added Flap-Fold tailgate, which has a 6-inch section that folds down when the upper section of the lift gate is raised.

The dash is unique and well laid out. The dash is highlighted with two large round pods with tach and speedometer and an info screen. The instrumentation shows the outside temperature, trip information and average mileage info, etc. At the top of the center stack you have a secondary info screen with the clock and radio information. The radio and CD controls are easily accessible and easy to operate. The steering wheel controls are for cruise, radio and telephone communications.  The HVAC is controlled using 3 large round dials & there are ample cup holders in the door panels.

Outside

Exterior styling is contemporary and has some personality. The huge front grill duplicates the Mitsubishi moniker like other models. The Outlander GT has flared fenders. which accent the  7-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels ..

Summary

The Outlander GT is a great all around SUV, with lots of passenger and cargo room for the entire family. The GT is moderately priced and it is worth the drive to a Mitsubishi showroom if you are in the market for a CUV

Specifications

• Width: 70.9 in.
• Height: 66.1 in.
• Length: 183.7 in.
• Ground clearance: 8.5 in.
• Front track: 60.6 in.
• Rear track: 60.6 in.
• Wheelbase: 105.1 in.
• Cargo capacity, all seats in place: 36.2 cu.ft.
• Maximum cargo capacity: 72.6 cu.ft.

• Maximum towing capacity: 1500 lbs.
• Curb weight: 3384 lbs.

Front Seats

• Front headroom: 40.3 in.
• Front hip room: 52.2 in.
• Front legroom: 41.6 in.
• Front shoulder room: 56.4 in.
• Height adjustable driver seat
• Cloth
• Bucket front seats

Rear Seats

• Rear hip Room: 51.9 in.
• Rear headroom: 38.3 in.
• Rear legroom: 39.6 in.
• Rear shoulder room: 56.1 in.
• Split-folding rear seatback
• Reclining rear seats
• Folding with storage center armrest
• Rear ventilation ducts

Overview

The all-new new 2011 Optima is a cousin to the Hyundai Sonata, but it definitely has its own unique personality and styling. Mechanically it is a clone to its sibling the Hyundai  Sonata, which the public has had rave reviews for. The Optima comes with Kia’s  100, 000 mile limited power train 10 year warranty. The 2011 Optima features an all-new exterior and interior design.

Safety

1. Standard safety systems include
2. Dual front advanced airbags,
3. Front seat mounted side airbags
4. Full-length side curtain airbags
5. 3-point safety belts for all seats including front pretensioners/load limiters
6. LATCH system for child seats
7. Downhill brake/hill-start assist control
8. Front/rear crumple zones
9. Steel beams in each door
10. Tire pressure-monitoring system.

Under the Hood

The Optima EX comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter direct-injection four-cylinder drive train, that produces 274 horsepower. The 2.0 drive train is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Kia has created a 4-cylinder engine that is capable of V6 power, that uses a  twin- turbocharger integrated into a cast stainless-steel exhaust manifold,  This motor produces enough power to propel the Optima in any road condition.

Driving Impression

The Optima steering and braking performed well in any driving situation I encountered. Acceleration was equal to any 6 cylinder and was responsive on the highway in passing vehicles with ease. The 6-speed automatic allows you to manually shift through the gears.

The 2011 Kia Optima features electric steering, which does allow you to feel engaged with the road. The Optima EX comes with 17-inch 215/55s, which make the ride quiet at high-speeds. The electric rack-and-pinion steering was responsive and the four-wheel antilock disc brakes have plenty of  stopping power.

Inside

The interior of the Optima is modern and attractive .with contemporary flowing lines. The armrest controls are neatly laid out with easy access to the power mirror, window and door locks. The center stack has a unique design for the radio and climate controls and navigation system. USB and auxiliary ports are placed below the instrument panel.

The information/entertainment system is voice-activated and controls the audio system, Bluetooth-enabled phone, personal media devices, and vehicle settings.

The seats are comfortable and hug your body while making hairpin turns. The front seats are heated and cooled, while the rear seats are heated. The steering wheel is heated, leather-wrapped, has tilt and telescoping features. The rear seat was comfortable and has plenty of head, and legroom.

The trunk has 15.4 cubic-foot and with the rear seat folded down can accommodate larger items.

The Optima Ex came equipped with the optional panoramic sunroof and power sunshades, which was a nice finishing touch to this nicely equipped sedan.

Outside

The Optima EX has a sleek stance, signature front fascia and grille. The Optima has unique styled headlights and fog lights. The Optima has flared wheel arches, and the fastback styled rear glass meets the high-mount trunk lid.  The large dual exhaust highlight this extremely well designed sedan The Optima definitely appears to be an upscale looking vehicle.

Summary

If you are in the market for a mid size sedan the Optima is definitely worth a trip to a Kia dealership. The Optima’s long list of options makes it a compelling choice for those who want a sedan.

Specifications

• · Engine: 2.4-liter 4cyl 200hp/186 ft-lbs torque
• · Drive: FWD
• · Wheelbase: 110in.
• · Total length: 190.7in.
• · Total width: 72.1in.
• · Total height: 57.3in.
• · Track: f/r-62.8/62.8in.
• · Turning circle: 35ft.
• · Headroom: f/r-40/37.8in.
• · Legroom: f/r-45.5/34.7in.
• · Fuel tank: 18.5 gallons
• · 0-60mph: 8.9 seconds
• · EPA cargo volume: 15.4cu.ft.
• · Curb weight: 3,206lbs.

Overview

The third-generation 2011 Sportage has contemporary styling that can be recognized from any distance. The Sportage is stylish and spacious. Kia definitely has a winner in this totally re-designed vehicle.

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’s has a 2.4-liter twincam, 16-valve four-cylinder engine, that produces 176 horsepower (at 6000 rpm) and 168 lb-ft of torque (at 4000 rpm) The The EX I was test driving had a  six-speed automatic. The EPA rating is 21-MPG City & 28 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.

Inside

The word that describes the interior is stylish. The seats are comfortable and hug your body. The EX has a power driver’s seat and the passenger seat is manual. My EX 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 EX 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 EX 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.
• Wheel base: 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