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"Seattle, Washington, was the site for the press introduction of the , the compact utility vehicle (CUV in Kia-speak) that fits between the and the . The Sportage is one of Kia&amp;#039;s bread-and-butter models, having been in the lineup since 1995, with several updates and changes over the years.   The new version boasts fresh, new styling that has visual appeal from all angles. The front is sleek and stirring, while the rear end has a distinctive design with an interesting shape backlight, large light clusters and trim turn-signal clusters. The overall look of the new Sportage is distinctive and handsome, drawing attention easily.   The bold exterior styling carries over inside, too, where the interior is modern and clean, without a bunch of distractions on the dashboard. This doesn&amp;#039;t mean it&amp;#039;s not well equipped, however, because there is a world of optional equipment that includes a panoramic sunroof, a UVO powered by Microsoft in-vehicle communications and entertainment system, navigation, rear camera display, and more.   Beneath the hood, the new Sportage boasts a standard 2.4-liter double-overhead-cam 4-cylinder engine with continuously variable valve timing. Power output is 176 bhp and fuel efficiency is a priority, with reporting 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. A bit later in the model run, Kia will introduce a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four with something above 270 bhp. Kia says this high-performance engine will nevertheless still return very good fuel economy.   Other drivetrain choices include front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, 6-speed manual gearbox or 6-speed automatic transmission.   On the safety side, Kia&amp;#039;s new Sportage boasts a plethora of airbags for occupant safety, plus ABS braking, electronic stability control and brake distribution, tire monitoring system and a Brake Assist System that automatically delivers peak brake power in emergencies. And there&amp;#039;s also Hill Start Assist Control and Downhill Brake Control.   Driving the 2011 Kia Sportage around the greater Seattle area and up to Snoqualmie Falls in the Cascade Mountains was a delight. While the base 4-cylinder engine gets a bit buzzy under heavy-throttle acceleration, it does an efficient job and provides adequate power. And the 6-speed automatic transmission keeps the engine in the powerband while accelerating.   The ride quality is good, though freeway driving showed some stiffness, plus some undue tire noise. However, on secondary winding roads, the suspension held up nicely through brisk cornering and, while not a sports car, the Sportage is reasonably agile and fun to drive.   Interior space is ample and accommodations are comfortable. Leg room is plenty even for drivers well over 6-feet-tall, and rear seating is just fine for most adults. Head room is more than ample, front and back, and the rear cargo space is an easy-to-load platform with a clever tray beneath the floor that is divided into compartments to hold various items.   The Kia Sportage was one of the first compact utility vehicles into the American market, showing up before the , and . It continues to gain a growing audience, and the 2011 version is sure to improve its standing in the market. With three trim levels (Base, LX and EX), an upcoming turbo engine and a broad range of standard and optional equipment, this Kia has success written all over it. Add to that the fact that pricing starts below $16,900 for the base model, and you can see why buyers will be eager to test drive one soon. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/first-drives/reviews/a16023/2011-kia-sportage-2/>