Topic: Kia Sportage SX Turbo

[EV Dan]

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/24/kia-sportage-with-turbo-engine-debuts-in-canada/

37 grand??? Korean pot must be really good... 

I understand it is fully loaded, but can that be a price of a little Kia with a V6 power? I think they should consider a base trim with that engine, then I'd be interested. Otherwise Rav4 or Sorento are both great options with a V6 if someone needs to go fast.

[CanuckG35]

I don't find it overpriced at all.  Given that the CR-V EX-L is pretty much the same price (about $1k less), almost 100hp less, over 100lb-ft less, and no central entertainment like UVO, I don't see how this is overpriced whatsoever. 

[CanuckG35]

Also, if performance is a priority this new SX Turbo will no doubt be quicker than the Sorento with the reduced weight. 

[carcrazy]

The Sportage doesn't sell so far in the cheap trims, which are the bread-and-butter. I doubt they'll move too many of these.

[EV Dan]

Also, if performance is a priority this new SX Turbo will no doubt be quicker than the Sorento with the reduced weight. 

We don't know the Turbo's weight yet, but based on the existing models (Sorento/Sportage) according to Canadian Driver, the difference is about 50kg. I wouldn't be so sure about being quicker, since for example Sonata Turbo is quicker on paper than Camry V6, but not in real life. It needs to drop all those bells and whistles to be the fastest on the block.

[CanuckG35]

Also, if performance is a priority this new SX Turbo will no doubt be quicker than the Sorento with the reduced weight. 

We don't know the Turbo's weight yet, but based on the existing models (Sorento/Sportage) according to Canadian Driver, the difference is about 50kg. I wouldn't be so sure about being quicker, since for example Sonata Turbo is quicker on paper than Camry V6, but not in real life. It needs to drop all those bells and whistles to be the fastest on the block.

Just going by Kia.ca's website, the current Sportage with auto starts at 3186lbs, while the current Sorento (5 seater) starts at 3605lbs. That's far more than 50kg.  Who knows what the 2.0T will be but it will still be quite a fair bit lighter than the Sorento and no doubt a little quicker.  JMHO. 

[EV Dan]

Yeah, it's a bit more than CD's 50kg difference.  Too bad Canada doesn't get Rav4 V6 with 2WD anymore, but I'll be curious to see the o-60 times State side.

[carcrazy]

When it comes to 0-60 mph, the Forester XT and the Rav4 V6 are the fastest mainstream compact SUVs.  I bet the Sportage won't beat any of those to 60 mph despite the fact it's lighter (RAV4 V6) and it has more HP (Forester XT).

[CanuckG35]

When it comes to 0-60 mph, the Forester XT and the Rav4 V6 are the fastest mainstream compact SUVs.  I bet the Sportage won't beat any of those to 60 mph despite the fact it's lighter (RAV4 V6) and it has more HP (Forester XT).

You could very well be right....who really knows at this point.  But at the same token, are 0-60 times really all that relevant in this segment?  I doubt it's the deciding factor when purchasing a compact SUV..... but I could be completely wrong.  IMHO, whether one compact SUV is slower/quicker by one or two tenths doesn't really register with your typical buyer. 

[TopGun]

I don't find it overpriced at all.  Given that the CR-V EX-L is pretty much the same price (about $1k less), almost 100hp less, over 100lb-ft less, and no central entertainment like UVO, I don't see how this is overpriced whatsoever. 

Wow...I sure thought it was a lot of $$ at first blush.  I looked up a Forester 2.5XT and see that's $36 too (in Canada anyway).

[carcrazy]

When it comes to 0-60 mph, the Forester XT and the Rav4 V6 are the fastest mainstream compact SUVs.  I bet the Sportage won't beat any of those to 60 mph despite the fact it's lighter (RAV4 V6) and it has more HP (Forester XT).

You could very well be right....who really knows at this point.  But at the same token, are 0-60 times really all that relevant in this segment?   I doubt it's the deciding factor when purchasing a compact SUV..... but I could be completely wrong.  IMHO, whether one compact SUV is slower/quicker by one or two tenths doesn't really register with your typical buyer. 

Not to me (low 8s is good enough for me for an SUV), but reviewers are all over it regardless. The thing is that the latest Kia/Hyundai models are "fastest" on the paper (most powerful, relatively light, high number of gears) but when put to the test they are not quite the fastest as the numbers would suggest.

For instance, the 2.4L I4 6AT AWD Sportage is only few tenths faster than the slow RVR CVT AWD despite having a bigger engine, additional 30hp and only few kg extra. Everyone calls the RVR slooow and almost immediately tells you about the more powerful Sportage/Tucson despite the fact they are only marginally faster.

[conwelpic]

the info in the article is not entirely accurate saying the UVO system comes with it - it doesn't.

The MSRP of $36,995 Sportage 2.0L T-GDI SX AWD does include - supervision cluster, cooling glove box, SX exterior (grille, rear bumper, 18" wheels, dual muffler), Navigation with rear view camera.

There is also a change on the EX Luxury AWD where the MSRP has increased by $500 to $33,695 for the additional cost you get the UVO infotainment system (delete IPOD cable), premium sound (7 speakers, and Electrochromic Mirror with Homelink.

The EX Luxury AWD with Nav is still available for MSRP of $35,195 but this now replaces the UVO.

Another minor change, the EX FWD at $26,995 now has the addition of the LED daytime running lights to its features.

[conwelpic]

from the Toronto Auto Show

[conwelpic]

and a few more from the Toronto Auto Show

[EV Dan]

I saw one today in a park, not sure if it was SX or another. It was black with a wax job on and had LED DRLs.  Looked very upscale; I'd never guessed it's a Kia if I didn't know.

[arumage]

We don't know the Turbo's weight yet, but based on the existing models (Sorento/Sportage) according to Canadian Driver, the difference is about 50kg. I wouldn't be so sure about being quicker, since for example Sonata Turbo is quicker on paper than Camry V6, but not in real life. It needs to drop all those bells and whistles to be the fastest on the block.

The Sonata Turbo has gobs of torque (269 lb. ft.) at relatively low rpms (1750).  Hyundai electronically neutered the Sonata Turbo to reduce torque steer and protect the drivetrain.  I'm wondering if they'll remove that limitation on AWD Sportage models.  Theoretically you shouldn't have that problem if you're drive all four wheels.

[EV Dan]

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/04/2011-kia-sportage-sx-turbo-packs-256-hp-priced-from-25-795/

With dual exhaust and LED lights it looks seriously hot. I guess you should be able to chip it if you are after HP.

[gord_boyd]

Insideline.com reports Kia aiming this at RDX with 27 vs. 24 MPG HWY ; $7K lower MSRP; 256 HP vs. 240.

[EV Dan]

Insideline.com reports Kia aiming this at RDX with 27 vs. 24 MPG HWY ; $7K lower MSRP; 256 HP vs. 240.

+ RDX requires premium gas, so the cost per mile difference should be even higher. Kia's badge doesn't have the same prestige as Acura's (yet) but on looks alone I'd go for the Sportage.

[Jaeger]

I don't find it overpriced at all.  Given that the CR-V EX-L is pretty much the same price (about $1k less), almost 100hp less, over 100lb-ft less, and no central entertainment like UVO, I don't see how this is overpriced whatsoever. 

Agree completely.

Jaeger