Kia Sportage – Fun-To-Drive

Likes:

The 2012 Kia Sportage flaunts striking styling, both internally as well as externally; in comparison to all some of the crossovers in the market the Sportage is way more fun to drive; the SX trim gets an incredibly fuel efficient and potent turbo engine; instinctive controls and adequate premium features.

Dislikes:

The 2012 Kia Sportage’s back seat doesn’t sprawl or slide; long ride in the car could give stiffness to the legs and the cargo space here is way less than some of the other crossovers.

Decree:

The 2012 Kia Sportage is way more fun to drive, and that’s what makes it a better choice than some other small sized crossover SUVs in the market.

Prelude:

Just as humans the automobiles can also be differentiated on the basis of their nature. As a result you have some models that are stylish, some which are bland, and then there are some that are entertaining. If you accept that fact, then we would say that the 2012 Kia Sportage can be categorized in the range of “cool kid”.

A small part of its appeal lies in the fact that model is a significant deviation from its precursors, which in comparison to this small crossover SUV were mostly mediocre. But this time, the Sportages’ 3rd generation has been given an immaculate poise of substance and style, along with a sparkling driving personality and a dazzling look, which many of its rivals can’t even match.

If truth be stated, the 176-bhp 2.4-ltr 4-cylinder base engine is merely adequate. But the firm suspension tuning here outweighs it and delivers sprightly handling. If you aren’t pleased with that then there also is the Sportage SX model powered by 2.0-ltr turbocharged engine cranking 260-bhp of maximum power and having sport-tuned suspension, which makes it the fastest model of its segment.

Having said that, every nature has its own flaws and in case of Kia Sportage it is the ride quality, which can be a bit too strong for some. Also the lack of space for passenger and cargo in comparison to some of its rivals such as the Honda CR-V, Chevrolet Equinox, Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester could stop some buyers from getting this. Even Kia’s very own Sorento is a considerable option for the people who want better space.

If you don’t have any such need then the 2012 Kia Sportage surely is a significant choice in comparison to other SUVs having same internal space such as the Mazda CX-7, Volkswagen Tiguan and Hyundai Tucson. Though all the aforementioned models have their own strengths and weaknesses, the unique personality of 2012 Kia Sportage should be able to win your heart.

2012 Brings:

Kia has given the 2012 Sportage reviewed tuning for its suspension to amend the handing. Kia also has fitted some additional sound insulation for minimizing the noise. The LX model comes loaded with low-rolling-confrontation tires and 17-in alloy wheels. The Sportage EX and Sportage SX models now are being offered with Uvo hands-free interface of Kia for transferrable music players and cell phones.

Styling, Features and Options:

The 2012 Kia Sportage comes in a single body style of a compact crossover SUV, which could be had with seating space for 5. The Sportage further is offered with 4 trim levels:  Base, EX, SX and LX.

The Sportage Base comes loaded with standard features including cruise control, 16-in alloy wheels, 60/40 split-folding back seats, air-conditioning, a trip computer, a tilt-only steering wheel, Bluetooth audio and phone connectivity, complete power accessories and a 4-speaker audio system having a CD player, satellite radio, an USB/iPod audio interface and an auxiliary audio jack.

Go up for the Kia Sportage LX trim and you can get colored back windows, 17-in alloy wheels, keyless entry and turn signals fitted into the external mirrors. The Convenience package brings a rear spoiler, rear parking sensors, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, roof rails and floor mats.

The Kia Sportage EX trim brings Convenience package together with instinctive headlights, 18-in wheels, fog lights, LED daytime running lights, a power driver seat, twin-zone automatic climate control, a calmer-folding back seat, upgraded cloth padding, a rearview camera, leather-covered shift knob and steering wheel, the Uvo voice-triggered audio interface and cell phone, and an advanced audio system having digital music storage, HD radio and a trivial touchscreen interface. The EX Premium package brings keyless entry/ignition, a panoramic sunroof, the advanced gauges of SX, a cooled driver seat, leather upholstery, an automatic-dimming mirror and heated front seats.

The 2012 Kia Sportage SX model brings a turbocharged 2.0-ltr engine, keyless entry/ignition, sport-tuned suspension, leather fabric, 18-inch alloy wheels, unique internal and external styling details and upgraded gauges in addition to all the standard equipment of Sportage EX. The Sportage SX Premium package is pretty much like the EX Variant.

There also is a navigation system having touchscreen interface and delivering immediate traffic update is elective on all the trims except for the base Kia Sportage. The Navigation system on the LX trim brings an advanced audio system.

Power Source:

Most variants of 2012 Kia Sportage gets power from a 2.4-ltr inline-4-cylinder engine, which generates utmost power of 176-bhp and 168 lbs-ft of utmost torque. The only available transmission here is a 6-speed manual transmission which is available on all the base models, though all the other variants comes loaded with a 6-speed automatic transmission having manual shift feature.

The standard drive on Sportage models is front-wheel drive and but you can get AWD (all-wheel drive) on all the trims except for base model.

The Sportage SX model delivers even more powerful 2.0-ltr 4-cylinder turbocharged engine which delivers an impressive output power of 260-bhp and 269 lb-ft of peak torque.

Fuel Efficiency:

The base 2012 Kia Sportage delivers estimated fuel economy of 22-mpg in city and 32-mpg on highways, which comes down to 25-mpg together with the front-wheel drive and automatic; those numbers comes down to 21-mpg in city, 28-mpg on highways and 24-mpg of combined fuel efficiency for all-wheel drive.

The estimated fuel economy for the SX model is 22-mpg in city, 29-mpg on highways and 24-mpg of combined with front-wheel drive, but for all-wheel-drive those numbers comes down to 21-mpg in city, 26-mpg on highways and 23-mpg of combined fuel efficiency.

Safety Equipments:

The safety features for the 2012 Kia Sportage model includes the likes of a complete-length side-curtain airbags, front-seat side airbags, antilock disc brakes, active front head restraints, stability control, traction control in addition to hill start control and hill descent.

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Created on Jun 9th 2020 06:18. Viewed 192 times.

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