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Gone
but not forgotten could have been the mantra for Kia's Sportage,
one of the earliest compact SUVs that sprang onto the American
scene during the mid-1990s. Tough, testy, with a genuine
thirst for adventure, it served its Korean-based owners
well in breaking into the American vehicle market. What
a difference an absence makes. Missing from the scene for
two years, Sportage returns for '05 with car-based unitized
construction replacing its original off-road-ready truck
underpinnings. It has far more refined road manners and
comfort, plus an expected customer base ready for the next-generation
model.
Slightly
longer and wider than its predecessor, this front-drive,
five-door is a ground-up replacement that aims squarely
at other car-substitute vehicles geared for amenity-laden,
on-pavement driving rather than sloshing in the trenches.
A power boost was a must for this next gen-cute ute. The
same inline 2.0-liter 4 and 2.7-liter 6 that power its new
kissing cousin, Hyundai Tuscon, are mated to five-speed
manual (only with the Inline 4) or four-speed "Sportmatic"
auto with manual mode. Available full-time, four-wheel drive
can lock in for low-speed travel.
Safety
and stability systems are key in this redesign. But lush
touches aren't forgotten. The upscale EX model sports fog
lamps, heated outboard mirrors, keyless entry, one-touch
power sunroof and optional luxury package heated leather
seats. Along with many standard features on all models,
Kia adds a standard, transferrable long-term warranty package.
Ask Kia, and they'll say it was well worth the wait.
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