Kia is putting on a new face for 2008 with its revised Sportage and the all-new Picanto city car. The Sportage may not look radically different from its predecessor, but it has a host of changes, most notably that it's now built in Europe rather than Korea.
Kia says the shift in manufacturing from Korea to Zilina in Slovakia, where the C'eed hatch is already built, reduces the time it takes to deliver cars and cuts CO2 emissions due to transportation. Just as importantly for European buyers, the updated Sportage has had its steering tweaked to give more feel, while new shock absorbers reduce body roll and tone up the ride. There are also larger brakes and revised gear ratios to make the Sportage a better tow car.
Inside, the seats have been reshaped to better suit European drivers and, thankfully, Kia has swapped the indicator stalk to the left-hand side of the steering column. Three trim levels are now on offer, covering XE, XS and Titan. Previously a special edition, the Titan becomes a standard model and includes ESP, electric sunroof, privacy glass and heated seats as standard.
Both the 2.0-litre petrol and diesel versions of the Sportage are now available in two-wheel drive only form, reducing the entry level price of Kia's SUV to £13,995. Four-wheel drive versions remain on sale, starting at £14,995.
The new Picanto is now on sale from just £5,995 and the entry-level 1.0-litre model qualifies for road tax of only £35 thanks to 117g/km emissions. The 1.1-litre produces 126g/km of carbon dioxide with a manual gearbox or 143g/km with the auto 'box.
With revised styling all round, the Picanto comes in standard, 2, 3 and Ice trims, with the Ice including air conditioning. All models include Kia's seven-year, 100,000 miles warranty.
More news and reviews from KIA
Buying Guide : All models KIA
New & Used Car : all offers KIA
Picture Gallery KIA
More motoring news
Message Boards - Talk about it
Fuel efficiancy (Mikeman)
|
Vauxhall Agila Club 1.3 CDTi
As different from the old model as Corrie is from culture, the new Agila is set to woo an entirely different audience. |
|
|
F1 Track: Magny Cours
F1 Track: Magny Cours |
|
|
Ford Kuga review
Mark James gets behind the wheel of Ford's new 4x4. |
 |
Search for the best insurance deal with our MotorWizard Save cash now >> |
 |
Never get lost They're all the rage and now you can find the best prices at Yahoo! Cars. Search for GPS & Sat Nav |
 |
Search car parts Compare the best online prices for tyres, alloys, car parts, stereos, sat nav and more. Find a part >> |
 |
