Kia Introduces Sportage 2-Door Convertible
9 April 1998
Kia Introduces Sportage 2-Door Convertible; First 1999 Model Will Go on Sale in Late Spring
NEW YORK, April 9 -- Kia Motors America today unveiled the
1999 Kia Sportage 2-Door Convertible at the New York International Auto Show.
The new vehicle, based on the rugged Sportage platform, combines true off-road
capabilities with fun-in-the-sun open-air motoring. Like all Kia vehicles, it
is a value leader in its segment with a suggested retail price starting at
$13,995.
The new Sportage 2-Door Convertible features a similar chassis and the
same durable engine that has made the Sportage a successful off-road racer.
The tough 130-horsepower 2.0-liter dual overhead cam engine meets the
Transitional Low Emission Vehicle (TLEV) standard. Equipped with Bosch fuel
injection, the 16-valve engine develops 127 lb.-ft. of peak torque at
4,000 rpm.
The Sportage's ladder frame -- with six crossmembers -- provides a
high-level of torsional stiffness for enhanced ride and handling. Modern
Engineering was used by Kia to help with the chassis tuning, while Lotus
helped design the double-wishbone front suspension and four-link rear
suspension for superior ride and handling. Ground clearance is a serious
7.9 inches for off-pavement adventuring, yet it maintains a low step-in height
above its P205/75R15 steel-belted radial tires.
The Sportage 2-Door Convertible rides on a 92.9-inch wheelbase, compared
to the 104.3-inch wheelbase of its four-door sistership. At 156.4 inches, it
is 13.9 inches shorter than the current Sportage four-door, while its front
and rear track are the same at 56-7 inches. The shorter wheelbase makes the
Sportage 2-Door Convertible even nimbler than the four-door version, which has
always been praised for its precise handling.
The new model offers remarkable interior comfort with a generous amount of
leg, shoulder and head room, front and rear. Cargo space with all seats in
place is a surprising 13.0 cubic feet. With the split-folding rear seat backs
lowered, space increases to 39.4 cubic feet.
The convertible top is manually operated and has been designed to fold
down quickly and easily out of the way. The front seat passengers are covered
by a hardtop, while the back seat offers open-air touring. The open
configuration also provides easy access for hard-to-carry items.
The Kia Sportage was the world's first vehicle to offer a knee airbag.
On the Sportage 2-Door Convertible that safety breakthrough, working in
conjunction with the steering wheel-mounted driver-side airbag, gives Kia
drivers unique protection in the case of a collision. A passenger-side airbag
is standard equipment as well.
In addition to the dual airbags and exclusive driver-side knee airbag, the
Sportage offers frame and sheetmetal "crush zones" to absorb impact in the
event of a collision as well as steel side-door impact beams to help prevent
intrusion into the passenger compartment.
Additionally on the safety front, the Sportage 2-Door Convertible delivers
superior braking performance. The 11.10-inch vented front disc brakes are
fitted with large calipers, while the rear drum brakes are a substantial
10.23 inches in size. A sophisticated four-wheel antilock braking system
(ABS) is optional. The option is not tied to any package, so all customers
can enjoy the benefits of this advanced safety system.
The 1999 Sportage 2-Door Convertible is offered in two configurations: 4x2
with automatic transmission and 4x4 with manual transmission. In the
rear-wheel-drive configuration, the four-speed automatic transmission is
electronically controlled for smooth shifts and good fuel economy. The
four-wheel-drive configuration features a beefy two-speed transfer case. The
manual transmission is the smooth-shifting, Getrag-designed five-speed unit.
Four-wheel-drive enthusiasts will appreciate the vacuum-operated front hubs.
The Warn hubs automatically disengage when the driver shifts out of
four-wheel-drive. The hubs do not require stopping and backing up, and the
system eliminates the requirement of manual hubs for towing.
The Sportage continues to deliver excellent value by offering standard
power door locks, power windows, dual remote power mirrors, rear window
defogger, intermittent windshield wipers, tachometer and digital clock. In
addition, the Sportage is equipped with a full-size spare tire mounted to the
tailgate, a theft-deterrent system and dual airbags as standard equipment.
The manufacturer's suggested retail price for the 4x2 with automatic is
$13,995.
The MSRP for the 4x4 with manual transmission is $14,495. The vehicle
will go on sale early this summer.
In addition to offering outstanding quality, affordability and value, the
Kia Sportage 2-Door Convertible comes with two reassuring warranties:
three-year/36,000-mile basic limited vehicle warranty and a
five-year/60,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. All Kia owners are
protected by Kia Extra-Mile Care, a program that includes 24-hour roadside
assistance for the length of the basic limited warranty.
Kia Motors America is the U.S. sales, marketing and distribution arm of
Kia Motors Corp. in Seoul, South Korea.
SOURCE Kia Motors America, Inc.
