Monday, November 23, 2015

2017 Kia Sportage makes debut at LA auto show

LOS ANGELES — The fourth generation of the Kia Sportage compact crossover made its North American debut today, ready to do battle with the 2017 Ford Escape which is also on display at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show.

They compete in the market's hottest-selling segment, one led by the Honda CR-V and getting more competitive each year as buyers continue to migrate from small cars to small utility vehicles that offer similar fuel efficiency in a more functional vehicle.

For 2017 the Sportage has a more sophisticated look inside and out as well as improvements to how it will drive and handle on the road.

Engines include a turbocharged 2-liter in the top-of-the-line SX Turbo model, generating 241 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque and retuned for better fuel efficiency and mid-range torque. The LX and EX trim levels have a 2.4-liter engine that produces 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive is available.

The car offers more head and leg room and has a stiffer structure, new suspension, improved steering and adds advanced driver assistance systems.

Every body panel is new and the utility vehicle has a new more aggressive face with changes to the grille and headlights. The wheelbase and overall length of the vehicle add more than an inch each.

A dual-level cargo floor means more luggage area, and the sunroof is bigger than the outgoing model.

The cockpit was designed with the dashboard, touchscreen and center console all angled to the person behind the wheel.

The Sportage is the first Kia to offer UVO3 telematics system with music storage, access to onscreen apps and free Wi-Fi tethering capability.

“Simply put, the Sportage is a breed apart in the compact CUV segment,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning KMA. “Instead of bland utility, the Sportage combines distinctly European and sporty styling with thoughtful design and functionality, including innovative packaging, premium materials, a turbocharged engine and surprising features."

"Sales of compact CUVs are on a sharply upward trajectory, and the all-new 2017 Sportage hits the sweet spot by providing an alternative for those seeking to express themselves with a vehicle that’s versatile enough to suit their unique lifestyle,” Hedrick said.

Sportage is Kia's longest-running nameplate. It will be built in Gwangju, Korea, and goes on sale next year with a choice of three trim levels: LX, EX, SX Turbo. Pricing has not been announced.

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