Press Release
Sun.Star Motoring
June 03, 2011

The All-New Kia Sportage: A Shift in Design Direction for the popular SUV

The wait is finally over. Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC), the exclusive distributor of KIA vehicles in the country, officially launches the All-New Kia Sportage.

"Despite the global economic difficulties, research indicates that the demand for C-segment SUVs in the Philippines will grow steadily over the next five years. We are confident that this model will significantly increase Kia's share in the compact SUV market", says CAC President Ginia R. Domingo.

The new Sportage marks a dramatic shift in the design direction for the brand's popular SUV when it made its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show last year. Longer, lower, and wider than the previous generation model, the new Sportage is immediately identifiable by its tiger face, incorporating the striking signature grille design that links all new KIA models.

"The new Sportage is fresh and bold and could not be mistaken for anything other than a Kia", says Peter Schreyer, Kia's Chief Design Officer. "It embodies Kia's new-found visual dynamism by successfully taking the key features of an off-road vehicle - the raised ground clearance and the commanding driving position - enveloping them in a sleek and urban-friendly design with global appeal. With its athletic and muscular design, the Sportage fits its name perfectly."

The Kia design team under the direction of Schreyer has created a third-generation Sportage, incorporating Kia's new design DNA and many features from the 2007 Kia Kue concept car. "I want to give Kia the global appeal, and I want that appeal to be about design above all else. The new Sportage is a major step towards achieving that goal", adds Schreyer.

The All-New Kia Sportage on sale has a 2.0-litre Theta II gasoline engine equipped with upgraded electronics and low friction components that produces maximum power of 166 ps, with 20.1 kg-m of peak torque at 4,600 rpm. This DOHC four-cylinder power unit has Dual CV VT (Continuous Variable Valve Timing for both the intake and exhaust valves) that delivers more power and improved durability. It is available in 2WD and AWD system, with six-speed automatic transmission. The new Kia Sportage is the first of several vehicles that features Magna Powertrain's innovative, continuous and fully active AWD coupling system called Dynamax. It anticipates AWD system requirements, compared to other AWD systems which can only react to conditions after they occur. Dynamax"s intelligent control unit continuously analyses data from the vehicle controller and through a multi-plate clutch; the coupling system is fully controllable via an electro-hydraulic actuation system. Dynamax delivers enhanced driving performance and safety with the additional benefit of lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions.

It is also equipped with ventilated front discs, solid rear discs, and an anti-lock braking system (ABS) for maximum stopping power. Other available high-tech 'comfort and convenience' features include a back-warning sensor, escort headlamps and LED Daytime Running Lights.

The All-New Kia Sportage is available in these colors: Techno Orange, Signal Red, Black Cherry, Sand Track, and Clear White.

"The new Kia Sportage has generated entirely positive responses in the international market and has won various awards for its exceptional design and value for money. We are certain that customers will be impressed by this new model", concludes Domingo. It has already won two world-acclaimed awards for its first-rate and distinctive design - the most coveted 2011 Red Dot Design Award and the iF Product Design Award 2011.

The All-New Kia Sportage is covered by CAC's comprehensive warranty program of 5 years or 160,000 kilometers (whichever comes first), offering unparalleled consumer protection.

For more information, call +6345 961 3926 or visit Kia Pampanga along Jose Abad Santos Avenue, City of San Fernando, Pampanga. Log on to www.LausAutoGroup.com now.