SPORTAGE WINS SMALL/MIDSIZE SUV AWARD
Kuala Lumpur, Dec 13 – The all-new Sportage, which was launched by Naza Kia Malaysia in June this year, has won the small/midsize SUV award at the AUTOCAR Asean Car of the Year Awards 2011.
The award marks yet another honour for the Sportage which has won numerous international awards since its global launch in mid-2010.
Among these awards include the 2011 Red Dot Design Award in Germany, the 2011 iF Product Design Award, “2010 Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in the US, “Best Crossover” by Ruedas ESPN, “International Truck of the Year” by Road and Travel Magazine and “Best New Model” by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance.
The AUTOCAR Asean Car of the Year Awards have been held by AUTOCAR Asean since 2005 with the aim of selecting the best vehicles that have been introduced to the Malaysian market during the qualifying period.
The judges allocate points for styling, utility, safety, features, build quality, brand image, ride, handling, economy, performance and value for money.
The all-new Sportage offers a more urban and fluid silhouette than its predecessor as well as increased levels of performance, efficiency, comfort, convenience and the latest in-vehicle technologies.
The all-new Sportage retains the functionality and versatility of the previous generation model but repackages the SUV with a sleek, modern and bold style.
Datuk Hafiz Syed Abu Bakar, COO of Naza Kia Malaysia, receiving the award from Mark Cooke,
Managing Director of MTM Multimedia Sdn Bhd.
With a high beltline, sweeping angles and pronounced wheel flares, the all-new Sportage’s award-winning design conveys a modern and athletic appearance. Its full-sectioned body is defined by a spearing shoulder line throughout the length of the car which visually connects the headlamps and tail lights.
The all-new Sportage features Kia’s signature grille while its dynamically sculpted hood adds a fresh appeal to the SUV, which is longer, wider and lower than its predecessor. In particular, its wider stance, along with its 18-inch alloy wheels, gives the all-new Sportage a muscular stance while its LED daytime running lights is a feature that distinguishes the SUV from other models in its segment.
Inside, the all-new Sportage offers a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, push-start ignition, leather seats, dual-zone temperature control air-conditioner with ionized filtration, an illuminated and cooled glove box as well as an eight-way electronically-powered seat for the driver.
Other key features inside the all-new Sportage includes a six-CD changer connected to a sound system comprising two tweeters, four door speakers and one sub-woofer. The all-new Sportage comes with AUX, USB, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity.
The overall ambience in the all-new Sportage is further enhanced by its panoramic sunroof which can be partially retracted.
Under the hood, the SUV is powered by Kia’s latest fuel efficient Theta II 2.0 petrol engine which features dual CVVT (continuous variable valve timing) which produces 166 PS and 197 Nm of torque. This engine is fitted with a six-speed automatic transmission.
The all-new Sportage features an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system which continuously monitors driving conditions and anticipates AWD system requirements which in turn offers improved lateral stability while cornering as well as reducing unwanted traction to the front and rear axles. The AWD system is aimed at achieving increased torque and improved performance on varied surfaces.
During normal driving conditions, the AWD system delivers 100% of engine torque to the front wheels to enhance fuel economy. However, when wheel slippage is detected, a certain percentage of engine torque is transferred to the rear wheels. There is also a four-wheel drive (4WD) lock mode with the torque split 50:50 for low traction surfaces.
For ride and handling, the all-new Sportage features MacPherson struts at the front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension as well as an amplitude selective damper which facilitates instant reaction in wheel movement and maintains optimal damping and level quality. This in turn leads to more precise road contact, better ride comfort and increased handling precision.
Comfort in the all-new Sportage is further enhanced through the use of improved frame rigidity and stronger wheel house reinforcement for less penetrating road noise.
In terms of safety, the all-new Sportage has a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating and comes with six airbags, ABS, EBD, Downhill Brake Control, Hill-Start Assist Control, Cornering Brake Control, Brake Assist System and a Traction Control System.
Other key features of the all-new Sportage include headlamp escort (whereby the headlamps remain turned on for 30 seconds after the engine has been turned off), integrated LED turn signals on the side mirrors, rear view camera display on the rear view mirror, auto headlights, electronic chromic mirror, rear parking assist system, auto cruise control and a small turning radius.
The all-new Sportage, priced at RM138,888, is available in techno orange, sand track, mineral silver, bright silver and clear white.