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.

First generation (1995-2003)

First generation

Production	1995-2003
Assembly	Hwasung, Korea
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel drive / Four-wheel drive
Engine(s)	2.0L 130 hp (97 kW) I4
Wheelbase	2-Door: 92.9 in (2360 mm) 1995-96 4-Door: 104.4 in (2652 mm) 1997-2002 4-Door: 104.3 in (2649 mm)
Length	1995-97 4-Door: 159.4 in (4049 mm) 1998-2000 4-Door: 167.1 in (4244 mm) 2-Door: 156.4 in (3973 mm) 2001-02 4-Door: 170.3 in (4326 mm)
Width	1995-97 4-Door: 68.2 in (1732 mm) 2-Door & 1997-2002 4-Door: 68.1 in (1730 mm)
Height	65.0 in (1651 mm)
Related	Mazda Bongo

The first generation Sportage was a mini SUV developed with a Lotus engineering base platform. It shares many mechanical components such as the engine, transmissions (early), and differentials with the Mazda line of vehicles. This was during the alliance of Ford-Mazda-Kia for technology and product sharing in the early to mid 1990's.

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 130 hp (97 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 post-Hyundai takeover models (1997-2002) were 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

Manufacturer	Kia Motors
Parent company	Hyundai Kia Automotive Group
Production	1995–2003 2005–present
Class	Mini SUV (1995-2002) Compact crossover SUV (2005-present)
Transmission(s)	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual

1998-2001 Kia Sportage convertible

Second generation (2005–present)

Second generation

Production	2005–present
Assembly	Gwangju, South Korea
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel drive / Four-wheel drive
Engine(s)	2.0 L Diesel, 2.0L I4, 2.7L V6
Wheelbase	103.5 in (2629 mm)
Length	171.3 in (4351 mm)
Width	2005-08: 70.9 in (1801 mm) 2007-08 4WD (Europe): 1840 mm (72.4 in) 2007-08 2WD (Europe): 1800 mm (70.9 in)
Height	66.7 in (1694 mm) 2007-08 (Europe): 1730 mm (68.1 in)
Related	Hyundai Elantra Hyundai Tucson Kia Spectra

After a 2-year hiatus, the 2005 Sportage returned, sharing its Elantra-based platform with the 2005 Hyundai Tucson. As part of the shift, the Kia Sorento now becomes Kia's compact off-road SUV, and the Sportage moves to become Kia's first crossover SUV. The Sportage will also have a 2.0 L I4 Diesel engine available in the United Kingdom. Pricing starts at just over US$16,000. Critics and fans of the original, pre-Hyundai Sportage complain that it is considerably larger than the original Sportage and has none of the earlier offroad capability, the two keys for its success. However, buyers of the second generation model are likely to favor the available 173 hp (129 kW) V6, with 178 pounds of torque (241 N·m). The ride is considerably more comfortable, quiet and fun. Overall fit/finish and quality is noticeably improved over the 1st generation model. Facelift model of the second generation was introduced in May 2008. Since 2007, it is manufactured in Slovak plant in Žilina.