2000 KIA SPORTAGE. Created in 1944, Kia was Korea's first builder of
passenger cars. ... ordered with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed
automatic ...
2000 KIA SPORTAGE Created in 1944, Kia was Korea’s first builder of passenger cars. Today, the company sells its products in over 130 countries and ranks 16th in importance among car manufacturers worldwide. Kia’s North American experience includes the Festiva, which it built for Ford in the 1980s, and more recently, the Ford Aspire. The Sportage is a small sport-utility vehicle along the lines of the Suzuki Vitara and the Chevrolet Tracker. Its 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine develops 130 horsepower, and it can be ordered with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. Interior and cargo area The Sportage is not as high off the ground as many 4X4 vehicles which facilitates access to the front seats. However, rear access is complicated by narrow doors that do not open very wide. The front seats are very comfortable for anyone of average height or less. The upper part of the backrest curves too far forward, which tall people will find bothersome. Most drivers can easily find a very good driving position but the seat is too low for short people. The rear bench seats two average-sized adults but again, tall people will be bothered by the integrated head restraints which curve too far forward. Head room is generous but leg room is tight for tall individuals. Low liftover and a flat floor make it easy to load the roomy cargo area. The rear hatch does not open high enough to clear the head of a tall person. Safety and convenience The Sportage is well finished and relatively quiet. Storage spaces abound, and the climate control system is efficient. The Sportage is an ergonomically challenged vehicle. The radio is placed too low, under the vent controls; the cruise controls and rear wiper control are hidden behind the steering wheel and turn signal lever; and the cup holder is located under the central vent, blocking access to some of the controls. The power window and rear wiper controls are not illuminated at night. Safety-wise the Sportage has dual air bags, bright headlights, optional anti-lock brakes on the EX version, and locking front head restraints which cannot, however, be raised high enough to adequately protect tall people. The view is clear on all sides except to the rear, where it is obstructed by the integrated rear-seat head restraints and the door-mounted spare tire. Engine and transmission The Mazda-designed four-cylinder engine develops rather modest power and torque at low engine speed. This means that you almost have to drive the Sportage like a sports car, i.e. by revving the engine. Below the 3,500 rpm mark, the Sportage will try your patience; above, performance is honest, at best. The engine gets quite noisy in moderate to heavy acceleration.
Our Sportage had the most imprecise gearshift lever we have ever encountered in a test vehicle. Fortunately, the transmission is well geared, clutch action is progressive and the transfer case is easy to use. On the road The ride is generally smooth for a 4X4, but at the expense of roadholding, which is just average. The Kia leans in turns, and suspension travel sometimes makes the vehicle pitch on rough sections. This is not an invitation to sporty driving. The steering is too slow, imprecise at centre, with poor road feel. The short turning radius contributes to vehicle manoeuvrability. Braking is very good. An inspection at the CAA-Quebec test centre showed that the frame and most of the suspension parts are very sturdy. However, a number of components, including lines routed through the front fenders and the gas tank filler pipe in the rear, are poorly shielded. Conclusion The Sportage is a small, honest, unpretentious 4X4 vehicle with a sturdy frame. However, competition in this segment is ferocious. To compete, the Kia needs a more refined engine, gearshift lever, steering and suspension. Product reliability in Quebec’s harsh climate is another unknown. FOR Manoeuvrability Smooth ride Comfortable seats Powerful brakes Roomy cargo area Good storage spaces
AGAINST Vague steering Modest engine performance Imprecise gearshift lever Controls to be relocated Rear visibility Body roll in turns 2000 KIA SPORTAGE
Engine: 16-valve, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Torque: 127 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm Suspension: independent/rigid axle Length: 412.8 cm Height: 165.1 cm Weight: 1,520 kg Towing capacity: 907 kg
Horsepower: 130 h.p. @ 5,500 rpm Transmission: 5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic Brakes: disc/drum Width: 173 cm Wheelbase: 264.9 cm Tires: P205/75R15 Air bags: standard dual
Fuel consumption: -Transport Canada rating: city: 11.3 L/100 km (25.5 mpg); highway: 10.3 L/100 km (27.5 mpg)
-Test result: 12 L/100 (24 mpg) Fuel tank capacity: 60 litres Acceleration: 0-100 km/h : 11.5 seconds 60-100 km/h : 7.5 seconds Competition: Chevrolet Tracker, Honda CR-V, Jeep TJ, Subaru Forester, Suzuki Vitara, Toyota RAV4 Maintenance (amount may vary from dealer to dealer): Frequency: 5 months/8,000 km; total cost to 100,000 km: $1,448 Warranty: − Full basic coverage: 3 years/60,000 km − Powertrain: 5 years/100,000 km − Surface corrosion: 3 years/60,000 km − Perforation damage: 5 years/unlimited mileage − Emissions control system: 3 years/60,000 km (full coverage); 8 years/130,000 km (catalytic converter, electronic control module and on-board diagnostic device) Factory replacement parts: Rear bumper: $896 Brake pads: $125 Front fender: $234
Front brake disk: $135 Muffler: $319
Average insurance premium (Quebec City, replacement cost endorsement, claim-free insurance record, female driver or male driver 30 to 40 years old): $725 to $990 Price according to trim line: Base model: $20,995; EX: $23,595 Main options: Automatic transmission: $1,400 Leather and ABS: $1,950
Air conditioning: $1,100 (except EX) Alloy wheels: $450 (except EX)
Price as tested: $25,545
Freight and preparation: $795
Dealers: Quebec: 15; Canada: 24 CAA-Quebec, October 1999
