Kia is rolling out the 2011 Sportage SX compact CUV later this month to its global markets but we still have not got word on its arrival here in Malaysia. Kia Malaysia have been quiet about the Sportage’s arrival.
The turbocharged Sportage SX gets its power from a Theta II 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection four-cylinder. It features up to 256 horsepower while boasting 27 miles per gallon on the highway. “In addition to power-train enhancements, the Sportage SX employs sport-tuned suspension featuring firmer shock and strut rates for improved handling and dynamic performance over non-SX models,” Kia said in a statement.
Exterior updates to the Sportage SX include 18-inch alloy wheels, a signature SX grille, dual exhaust, and special side sill moldings. The Sportage is wrapped in edgy, look-at-me styling that Kia hopes will succeed in attracting the male buyers most entries in the segment have not. The styling asserts its intentions loud and clear. The new model’s proportions are as dramatic as the outgoing model’s are dull, and few curves are found on its sheetmetal.
Kia will also offer orange and blue interior color packages on the Sportage SX. “The orange color package includes orange stitching on the steering wheel, center console, and seats coupled with orange accents on the door panels and air vents,” Kia said, while the blue color package offers a “unique blue patterned cloth seat and blue interior accents.”
“Sportage offers an ideal mix of performance, fuel efficiency, and utility for the discriminating compact CUV buyer,” said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing & communications for KMA. “With the addition of a more powerful Turbo GDI engine, unique interior appointments, and improved performance, the Sportage SX makes an already appealing CUV even more fun to drive.”
