Car & SUV

Kia Sportage Ltd Diesel 2012 Review

October 1st, 2012 by Car and SUV

Massimo Frascella’s chunky wheel arches and chopped roof design gives Kia’s Sportage Ltd the right attitude for a go-anywhere compact SUV.

The exterior is lead by Kia’s Tiger nose. LED daytime running lights underline the headlights, which themselves form a strong pointer along the prominent shoulder line extending to the rear lights. The design of the front is one that is very coherent where others can sometimes be messy and disjointed.

The side profile is enhanced by Continue reading “Kia Sportage Ltd Diesel 2012 Review” »

Tags: AWD, compact SUV, Kia, review, road test, Sportage | Posted in Kia, Road Tests / Car Reviews | No Comments »

Kia Sportage LTD 2011 Review

March 11th, 2011 by Car and SUV

In just a few years Kia has gone from making up the numbers to becoming a true force in global car manufacture. At first it was all about changing brand perception, but that alone was never going to be enough. Now the Korean carmaker is setting about proving itself to be able to make good quality, well-equipped and aesthetically desirable vehicles in almost every market segment. One of the latest models to receive this full force treatment is Kia’s Sportage small SUV. Already a popular model on NZ roads the new look Sportage is ready to build on its predecessor’s reputation for practicality and durability at a bargain price. But take one look at the next-gen Sportage and it’s clear that this is one compact SUV that won’t be content with just being practical and durable, now it wants to be the best. Car and SUV booked some time with the new Sportage LTD to see how it measures up.

Before opening its doors or starting the engine, it’s hard not to take a moment and admire the Sportage for its absolutely striking styling. Its compact proportions are hidden behind a muscular, sporty look and athletic stance. A staunch character is created by expansive amounts of sheetmetal, a minimal glasshouse and raked-back front windscreen. Unique front and rear lights give the Sportage a futuristic concept car charm and a low roof line with forward-sloping C-pillars distance it from traditional boxy SUV shapes. Hints of off-road ability come from a raised ride height and tough black plastic capping the Sportage’s underside. Our top spec Ltd tested model came with visual extras like chrome trim around the window line and grille, silver integrated roof rails, LED daytime running lights and 17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels. Continue reading “Kia Sportage LTD 2011 Review” »

Tags: 2011, Kia, Ltd, new Sportage, petrol, review, road test, Sportage | Posted in Kia, Road Tests / Car Reviews | 2 Comments »

Kia Sportage wins International SUV of the Year title

January 19th, 2011 by Car and SUV

The new Kia Sportage has been awarded the International Truck (SUV) of the Year 2011 at the recent Detroit Motor Show.

Winning the award saw Sportage beat off heavyweight challenges from Jeep, BMW, Ford, GM, Toyota and fellow Korean manufacturer Hyundai.

The ICOTY jurors were apparently swung by the package offered by the Sportage, including the distinctive styling and modern technology, which features the exclusive DynaMax AWD system.

The ICOTY jury consists of 12 diverse automotive writers and editors who represent leading and respected US automotive publications. Completed voting ballots are sent to J.D. Power and Associates for final tabulation and verification.

Winners are judged based on lifestyle compatibility, with jurors considering a number of lifestyle attributes, including appeal to men and women, head-turning ability, environmental friendliness, style and performance, being affordable and practical, grocery-getting potential, safety and dependability, being fun and cool, ability to be considered a status symbol and a vehicle consumers would be proud to drive and be seen in. The new Sportage scored highly in all categories.

The accolades support growing consumer demand for the Sportage in the New Zealand market, where it went on sale successfully in the second half of 2010 with dealers experiencing very high levels of enquiry and demand, which continues into 2011.

Todd McDonald, General Manager of Kia Motors New Zealand, says there is no doubt that New Zealand customers would agree with the international jury.

“Based on current dealer demand we anticipate that Sportage will continue to feature strongly throughout 2011, indicating that New Zealanders are recognising the design, technology, safety and exceptional value that Kia presents in the local market.” he says.

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Tags: Detroit Motor Show, ICOTY, International SUV of the Year, Kia, Sportage | Posted in News | No Comments »

Kia Sportage dominates NCAP safety tests with 5-Star mark

November 29th, 2010 by Car and SUV

The all-new Kia Sportage has been awarded the maximum 5-Star rating in the latest Euro NCAP safety tests.

In the tests, which were made more stringent last year to reflect the four main areas where injuries occur, vehicles are awarded points for how well they provide passenger and pedestrian protection. In surpassing the tough 2010 tests, the Kia Sportage scored better than premium European luxuries models, including the Mercedes-Benz GLK, Audi Q5 and VW Tiguan. Sportage obtained scores of 93% for Adult Occupant Protection, 86% for Child Occupant protection, 49% for Pedestrian Protection and 86% for Safety Assist, which are among the highest to be awarded in the compact 4×4 class. The Sportage received praise for having Electronic Stability Control (ESC) fitted as standard in most markets — all new Kia cars sold New Zealand have been equipped with ESC as standard for at least three years.

“These latest results from Euro NCAP highlight Kia’s commitment to ensuring exceptional levels of safety in its vehicles, which is very comforting to New Zealand customers” says Todd McDonald, General Manager of Kia Motors New Zealand.

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Tags: Kia, NCAP, safety features, safety testing, Sportage | Posted in News | No Comments »

Kia NZ announces pricing for new Kia Sportage

August 27th, 2010 by Car and SUV

Pricing details have just been released on the all-new Kia Sportage, which goes on public sale from October 1.

Due to keen interest being shown in the new Sportage, Kia Motors NZ has decided to release pricing now, enabling buyers to plan ahead.

Prices start from just $33,990 + On Road Costs (ORC) for the base-model Sportage 2.0 Urban LX model, which undercuts the pre-GST rise prices of all other CUV/SUV rivals on the market.

“It was always the intention of Kia Motors New Zealand to position the new Sportage competitively in the marketplace and we are delighted to announce that we have been able to follow through with our promise of very sharp pricing,” says Todd McDonald, General Manager of Kia Motors New Zealand.

“Dealers have reported a phenomenal response to the new Sportage following the media unveiling a few weeks ago, which we are seeing reflected in the orders they have taken to date.

“By announcing pricing now, well ahead of the October 1 launch we are able to provide more surety to customers who are still in the process of making a purchase decision ahead of the predicted GST rises — they can see how competitive the Sportage is compared to the competition.”

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Tags: 2010, EX, Kia Motors NZ, Ltd, pricing, specs, Sportage, Urban | Posted in News | No Comments »

Kia delivers ‘The Message’ on the Sportage with hip hop ad (+video)

August 19th, 2010 by Car and SUV

Korean car maker Kia has been working overtime on generating street cred recently. Firstly, there was a American commercial for the strangely-shaped Kia Soul that featured hip hop hamsters singing a classic Black Sheep track called “The Choice is Yours,”. Now, Kia Australia has followed up with some more old school hip hop in an advertising campaign for the new Kia Sportage. While the SUV vehicle isn’t too exciting in terms of performance the 1982 early-rap classic song “The Message” by Grandmaster Melle Mel & The Furious Five makes the commercial something special.

Instead of rocking some overplayed rodents, the ad folks across the ditch have put the original Grandmaster and Scorpio in the car with a suburbanite dad who lip syncs along with the forefathers of rap.

Will we see the commercial here in NZ? Perhaps, but why wait when you can watch it below. There’s also a making of video, as well which sees the old school hip hoppers waxing lyrical about the ad. Continue reading “Kia delivers ‘The Message’ on the Sportage with hip hop ad (+video)” »

Tags: ad, commercial, Grandmaster Melle Mel, Hip Hop, Kia, Sportage | Posted in News, Videos | No Comments »

2011 Kia Sportage officially unveiled for NZ

August 6th, 2010 by Car and SUV

Kia NZ has officially announced the arrival of it’s third generation Kia Sportage, that comes with a suspension system tuned for NZ roads. The 2011 Kia Sportage will go on sale in New Zealand from October 1, with the launch date taking into account the rise in GST, thus avoiding buyer confusion over fluctuating pricing. Firm prices are yet to be announced, but they are expected to be competitive, with the entry model targeting the $32,990-to-$34,990 bracket.

“New Sportage couldn’t arrive at a better time — the market is picking up and buyers are looking for excitement and inspirational styling, which Sportage has in abundance,” says Todd McDonald, General Manager of Kia Motors New Zealand.

“It’s an active lifestyle vehicle with attitude. The styling is edgy, resembling a sports coupe, yet when you climb inside, the new Sportage is extremely roomy, practical and packed with thoughtful features, such as a reversing camera on most models.

“With the recently introduced Sorento R, Cerato sedan and Koup, and now Sportage, we can now offer among the most advanced and stylish range of vehicles in New Zealand.”

The rakish European styling of the 2011 Sportage continues Kia’s efforts to be seen as a “youthful and sporting” brand. Its lines have been taken from the adventurous Kia Kue concept vehicle that did the motor show rounds throughout 2007, including the unusual rear slanting C-pillar that increases the view of rear passengers.

Longer, wider and lower than the previous model — by 90mm, 15mm and 60mm respectively — and with a 10mm longer wheelbase, the third generation Sportage is roomier and more powerful than previous models.

Continue reading “2011 Kia Sportage officially unveiled for NZ” »

Tags: 2011, Kia, NZ, pricing, specs, Sportage, Todd McDonald | Posted in News | 2 Comments »

Third-generation Kia Sportage arriving in NZ soon

July 28th, 2010 by Car and SUV

With a new bodyshell, new engines and fresh styling the upcoming Kia Sportage is an urban-friendly compact CUV that is ready for New Zealand lifestyles and will consume less fuel and emitting less CO2.

Set to go on sale in NZ this October the Sportage is longer, wider and lower than the previous model — by 90 mm, 15 mm and 60 mm respectively — but the all-new design successfully retains the key SUV features — a commanding driving position, heightened sense of security and powerful road presence — that made the second-generation Kia Sportage so popular.

The previous Sportage was introduced in 2004 (2005 in New Zealand) and marked a huge step forward for Kia. Over the next six years, Sportage attracted thousands of new customers to Kia, and achieved global sales of more than 860,000 units.

Now, under the direction of Kia’s Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer, the Kia design teams have created a third-generation Sportage, incorporating Kia’s new design DNA and many features from the 2007 Kia Kue concept car, to make the new Sportage immediately identifiable.

“With the all-new Sportage, we have created a five-seat compact SUV with maximised customer appeal. It is urban-friendly and fully in tune with changing consumer expectations and demands,” says Hyoung-Keun Lee, President, Kia Motors Corporation.

Continue reading “Third-generation Kia Sportage arriving in NZ soon” »

Tags: 2011, Kia, launch, specs, Sportage, third-generation | Posted in News | No Comments »

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