Kia Sportage 2008 announce in UK
Kia Motors UK is happy to announce that the new 2008 Sportage and Picanto models are now on sale throughout the UK.
2008 Sportage
The Sportage has been an SUV favourite for some time but the latest model adds to the driving fun. With production moved from Korea to Europe, to reduce shipping times and delivery levels of CO2, the Sportage has been given a Euro ‘make-over’ to improve driving dynamics.
Now built in Zilina, home of the cee’d, the 2008 Sportage has changed only the front bumper, grille, wing mirrors and headlights on the outside. Under the skin are a number of significant improvements to make the Sportage even more appealing to European customers.
The power steering has been re-tuned to be more responsive whilst new dampers provide a firmer ride with less body roll. Braking power has been increased with a change from 15-inch to 16-inch brake discs, transmission ratios have been adjusted and the towing capability has been increased to 1800kgs.
Internally, all seats have been remodelled to cater more for European shaped drivers and passengers and the indicator stalks have been moved to the left side of the steering wheel as a response to customer and media feedback.
Overall the range has been simplified - entry level is the XE, whilst XS adds more kit ahead of the range topping TITAN. Initially a special edition, the new TITAN becomes the range topper offering ESP, electric sunroof, privacy glass, heated seats and automatic rear view mirror as standard.
Another first for the Sportage is the availability of a two-wheel drive version, bringing the entry level price down to ВЈ13,995 on-the-road. Following further customer demand, a diesel-automatic combination will also be available.
With the move of production to Zilina, the most advanced vehicle production facility in the world, Kia is able to provide increased levels of quality control. This means the 2008 Sportage will come with a seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty and an improved corrosion warranty of 10 years.
Due to significant demand the 2008 diesel Sportage is available now whilst petrol models will become available in early 2008.