Kia Sportage SX Turbo joins 2011 U.S. range
For a taste of what we don’t get here, for one reason or another, here is the 2011 Kia Sportage SX Turbo that just debuted in the United States.
The Sportage SX Turbo packs a 256 hp turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine with 358 Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed automatic and a choice of front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive. The “GDI” engine uses direct injection and offers lower fuel consumption than comparable V6 powerplants.
Additionally, the Sportage SX Turbo gets firmer suspension, unique 18-inch wheels, dual exhaust tips and a slightly different grille.
Base U.S. prices peg it as starting at Dhs 95,000 for the FWD version and even more for the AWD model, so it is unlikely the Turbo will ever be offered in the Middle East market, where buyers aren’t ready to pay above Dhs 100,000 for a compact Kia yet.
For UAE prices and GCC specs, visit the Kia Sportage buyer guide.
Comments
Rahul Jones
2.0 ltr 4 cylinder 265Hp is really really good……
ronnie
Hyundai/Kia bring your turbo engines here,we welcome it !!!
If they put it on the optima for a price tag of 110 k .It would be a steal..
ROJ
To beh honest.. I find it somehow not that easy to trust the Koreans with turbo engines yet..
Rahul Jones
May be we should accept that they are giving out a good try.
maniac
Wow.. kia’s 2.0 ltr TC 256hp engine sounds better than VW and Audi’s 2.0 ltr TC engine.. seems to be more powerful at least 🙂
Davis
Yea…I definitely agree…on paper those specs sound damn good…
Even if Hyundai /Kia don’t bring the turbo version here…I would definitely hope they bring the direct-injection version soon….i know thts going to be a mirage..even so 🙂
I started doing inquires about importing certain models through other import agencies, but the issue is warranty, and servicing. Leave the resale value aside ( which will be even lower than usual), the aforementioned problems is going to be a big headache to sort out.
I am thinking if there are enough buyers, the local dealer may bring on request ( but again, thts a distant dream 🙂 )
Safa
A 2.0L Kia Turbo (256hp/358Nm) with higher performance stats than a 2.9L Porsche Boxster (255hp/290Nm)…must be one motha of a turbo huh!
Abdullah
What if the KIA can’t take all the power and put it safely on the road? And well, that so called power. I am sure the figures are fake.
And a turbo! Since when? Any why? And who is targeted?
ROJ
Well to be honest i’d have it over the stonge age v6 engines hyundai/kia uses..
Leslie
I just purchased a 11 Sportage EX (no turbo)even though some claim its underpowered I have NO PROBLEMS enter a busy highway and getting up to speed. The 1.4 4 with 176hp is great for the average person and provides more than adequate acceleration. The only quirk I have is the steering adjust according to the road slopping right or left this is what causes you to have to consistently adjust the wheel on uneven roads and surfaces. However this is no reason to not consider this vehicle. I struggled myself with convincing myself to purchase a Kia but after looking at several small utes VW (overpriced), Rav4(just under equipped and ugly interior) CR-V(Owned one and looks girly and outdated) The Sportage grabs your attention with its manly silhouette. This Kia is a mans’s Kia and appeals to even me a 42yr old guy. It has sufficient room for carrying gear and whatever you like and I have enjoyed driving this vehicle
DESERTMAN
I HOPE THEY WILL BRING THIS MODEL HERE. SPORTAGE IS VERY POPULAR HERE. DEALER IS RUNNING OUT OF STOCK.