|
( Kia Sportage)
The Kia Sportage is a compact crossover SUV built by the Korean automaker Kia Motors since 1995. Originally, it was a mini SUV, but the second generation Sportage has grown in size to become a compact crossover SUV. The first generation Sportage was a mini SUV developed with a Lotus engineering base platform. It shares many mechanical components such as steering, axles, hubs, brakes, transfer case, transmissions, with the 1996-98 Suzuki Sidekick/Geo Tracker. Sportage was sold in either a four-door or a two-door soft-top convertible. The first-generation Sportage was discontinued in North America for 2002 and worldwide for 2003 and put on hiatus until a second generation model was ready. The four-door model measures just a quarter of one inch longer and the same width as the Geo Tracker, but boasts 140&_160;hp (108&_160;kW) and optional four wheel drive. The 1998 Kia Sportage was the world's first production vehicle to be equipped with a knee airbag. This first generation model (1995-2002) sold in low numbers even domestically in South Korea, however, and was recalled twice for rear wheels dismounting while driving. From 1995, the Sportage was built in Germany and European buyers only received German-built versions, while the rest of the world received Korean-built versions.
|
Kia Sportage Subcategories
Kia Sportage Articles
|
| 
