Kia’s 2011 Sportage launches in Middle East

The 2011 Kia Sportage is bigger and funkier than its predecessor

Kia’s 2011 Sportage SUV has been officially launched in the Middle East, although it has been on sale for several weeks.

The third generation of Sportage is all new: longer, lower and wider than its predecessor with a new body shell, bold styling and new engine.

The 2.4-litre motor lines up alongside a 2.0-litre option and the car is available in either front or four-wheel drive.

The new 2.4-litre engine in the Sportage develops 175bhp while the 2.0-litre version makes 164bhp. Both are mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. Inside, the car seats five and boasts a sizeable 740-litre boot, a cooled glovebox and a six-litre storage space in the centre console – twice as big as the outgoing model.

The new car's interior

Standard features include manual air conditioning automatic cruise control, front fog lamps and a roof rack, as well as iPod and USB connectivity on the audio system.

Higher-spec models include features like a panoramic sunroof, rear view camera with an LCD display in the rear view mirror (or sat nav screen where fitted).

Safety features include ABS, EBD (electronic brake-force distribution) and BAS (brake assist system) and six airbags, although electronic stability control is only available as an option. Other available systems include Hill Start Assist Control and Downhill Brake Control.

The 2011 Kia Sportage

The Sportage is available in a choice of nine colours and in two equipment levels – LX and EX – with a range of option packages within those trims. Prices for the LX range from 63,900AED to 70,900AED, while prices for the top-range EX start at 73,900 and go up to 90,900.