1/21/2024 0 Comments 1993 kia models![]() Kia hit the jackpot with the curvaceous fourth-generation Sportage, which is still a cracking car. The KX-3 AWD we drove dated from 2011, and though the 2.0-litre petrol engine lacked some of the punch of the diesel from the previous generation, the car itself handles well and has stood the test of time well and is still a solid second-hand SUV choice. More comfortable than ever, modern touches include a USB port and a remote key fob, no less. Little quirks were finally ironed out (the indicator moved from the right to the left-hand side of the steering wheel), there was yet more space in the back for passengers, and it picked up a prestigious 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating. With another big leap in quality, the Sportage bulked up and became a major player in the SUV market. The heritage model we sampled was an XE 2.0-litre diesel (CRDi) all-wheel drive from 2007 – the year production of the Sportage moved from South Korea to Zilina, Slovakia, where the Sportage is still built today. Gaining a reputation for reliability over its production run, there was also extra space in the rear, a noticeable uplift in quality and a more composed feel on the road. Bigger and more grown-up, it featured mod cons such as central locking, adjustable wing mirrors and a CD player. Yes, the handling is wallowy, the gear change is a tad notchy and the seating position is particularly high in the rear, but it’s powerful enough and compares well with a Toyota RAV4 of the same vintage.įollowing a two-year break, the Sportage returned in 2005. It may look boxy and dated, but it’s surprisingly spacious and refined. The example from the Kia heritage fleet we drove is a special edition all-wheel drive 2.0-litre XSE from its final year of production. The Kia Sportage was first launched in the Asian car market in 1993, reaching the UK in 1995. A fascinating day driving the models back-to-back, and here’s what we thought… To mark the Sportage’s 30th birthday, Kia gave us the opportunity to sample all five generations. What’s more, the brand has become a driving force in the switch to electrification with hybrid, plug-in hybrid and 100% electric models in its line-up. Over that time, Kia has developed a solid reputation for quality, reliability, design flair and innovation. Kia Sportage: First and fifth generations In 2022, Kia passed the important milestone of 100,000 sales per year, and 2023 is on track to be even better. Just to put that into context – in year one the little Kia Pride achieved 1,786 sales. The popular family-sized SUV’s evolution perfectly reflects the manufacturer’s rapid rise since its single-model debut in 1991. Originally launched in 1993, the Kia Sportage has been the backbone of the South Korean brand’s remarkable success story. We head off for a trip down memory lane, taking all five generations of the Kia Sportage for a spin…
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