New KIA Sportage Hits San Francisco In Style

Completely and beautifully redesigned, Sportage offers more urban and fluid silhouettes than its predecessor while retaining the desirable benefits and functional features of the popular CUV. Sportage also offers increased levels of performance and efficiency, comfort and convenience and the latest in-vehicle technologies incorporated into all of Kia’s latest new vehicles.

"Adding world-class design and cutting-edge technologies to an already successful value-packed CUV equation, the all-new Sportage offers Kia the opportunity to attract an entirely new and more sophisticated customer," said Michael Sprague, vice president marketing & communications, Kia Motors America (KMA). "The 2011 Sportage retains the functionality and versatility of the previous generation model but repackages the CUV into a sleek, modern and bold style with new proportions and a completely new look to help elevate the Kia brand further as a world design leader."

Available later this month, the 2011 Sportage offers image-conscious yet practical consumers more power (176 hp) and improved fuel economy along with the options of a panoramic sunroof, navigation, push-button start, rear camera display, LED daytime running lights and an air-cooled driver’s seat (a compact CUV segment first). However, what first draws attention to the new CUV is the visceral connection drivers make with the striking new design of the all-new Kia Sportage. Also expected to be available in late 2010 is the UVO powered by Microsoft®1 in-vehicle communication and entertainment system based on the Windows Embedded Automotive platform.

"An increasing number of consumers are craving and expecting connected experiences in their vehicles including being able to quickly and directly access music files, change radio stations and make or answer phone calls through voice or touch-activated controls," said Mukund Ghangurde, director of product management for Microsoft’s Windows Embedded business. "It’s exciting to see Kia Motors embrace the power of the Windows Embedded Automotive platform to deliver Kia UVO. We look forward to our continued partnership to deliver connected and engaging in-vehicle experiences for drivers."

Credits: wilswong