Keen to get in on the September rush, Kia launched a special version of it's all new Sportage SUV ahead of the official launch.
Available to order from 1st August, the new Kia Sportage First Edition offers a teaser of what's to come when the full line up appears in showrooms in October 2010.
Priced from £20,777 for the manual, 6-speed automatic optional at £1,300, the First Edition features Kia's intelligent All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system and a 2.0 CRDi Euro 5 diesel engine developing 134 bhp at 4,000 rpm with a reassuring 320 Nm of torque from just 1,800 rpm. With a gross weight of 2140 kg and towing weight of 2000 kg this SUV should appeal to caravan enthusiasts.
Mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, the model accelerates quicker and has a higher top-speed of 112mph (compared to 110mph). The manual gearbox achieves combined fuel economy of 47.1mpg – 7.3mpg better than the old model – with CO2 emissions of just 156g/km; a huge reduction of 31g/km. Even the new automatic outscores the previous manual model, with fuel consumption of 40.4mpg (versus 39.8mpg) and CO2 emissions of 183g/km (formerly 187mpg). It is also quicker and faster than the previous manual Sportage.
Coupled to the AWD, a number of new electronic features have been added to the Sportage, increasing safety for on-road driving and the car’s capability for those owners who wish to go off-road or live in areas where bad weather and poor driving conditions are facts of life.
Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) counteracts any tendency for the car to understeer or oversteer in hard cornering or adverse conditions. It is linked to three additional systems similar to those on new Sorento – Downhill Brake Control (DBC), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and a Roll-over Sensor.
Equipment Levels
The ‘First Edition’ model is a highly equipped model, featuring the latest in innovative technology coupled with all the necessary specification to provide a luxurious and comfortable driving experience.
Featuring stunning, rimless 18” Alloy wheels, Privacy glass, silver Roof rails and chrome exterior highlights such as the front grille and exterior door handles, the First Edition is an eye-catching model on the road. Added to this are LED Daytime running lights, Body coloured, electric folding door mirrors with integrated LED indicators, Front fog lights and a Rear Spoiler with an integrated LED brake light.
Headlight technology is enhanced further with new Cornering Light technology, which increases the illumination of curbs and corners when driving round bends.
An advanced reversing camera system with auto-dimming rearview mirror – like that featured on Soul and Sorento models – completes the ‘First Edition’ specification. Coupled to standard reversing sensors for an audible warning, the camera system transmits a visual image to an LCD colour display integrated into the rearview mirror.
The new Sportage First Edition follows in the footsteps of all other Kia's with 7 year/100,000 mile manufacturer warranty.