Automatic Shift Knob

2011 Kia Sportage Review and Road Test

2011 KIA SPORTAGE The New Darling Among Compact SUVs
By Larry Nutson
Senior Editor, Chicago Bureau
The Auto Channel

The opportunity to drive competing or same-segment vehicles in back-to-back drive evaluations is near-ideal. I drove Kia’s two SUV models, the Sportage and the Sorento, one week apart from each other. The Sportage is a small SUV that seats 5 and is priced starting at $18,295. The Sorento is among the larger of the compact SUVs. It seats 7 and is priced starting at $20,995. My overview of the Sportage follows and the Sorento will be available on TheAutoChannel.com in a week or two.

The Sportage is all-new for 2011 taking many of its design elements from the “Kue” concept vehicle shown at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The design is very bold and stylish carrying the new face of Kia, the signature front grille with swept back headlamps. Yet, the Sportage is very practical, functional and efficient and fits very well into an urban landscape.

Recognized as a "2010 Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the 2011 Sportage received top ratings for front, side, rollover and rear impact protection. For 2011 Sportage offers 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 SUV segment first).

Overall, I liked the Sportage. It does a very good job at what it is supposed to do. In my urban Chicagoland environs, its compact exterior makes for easy getting around and parking. The engine is responsive and the transmission upshifts and downshifts smoothly. Chicago pot-holes were well absorbed and the interior is well isolated for noise. I’m a sunroof guy and really liked the panoramic front and rear glass roof panels. The manually operated shade over the rear seat was only reachable when in that seat, therefore somewhat inconvenient when driving alone. A power shade would be nice. Also, some government folks think every vehicle should have a rear camera display. I don’t think “every” vehicle but I do think all SUVs should…especially helpful when backing in to parallel park.

Three Sportage trim levels are offered, Base, LX and EX. The base trim features include air conditioning, power windows, door locks and mirrors, SIRIUS� Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service, MP3 connectivity and Bluetooth� wireless technology.

370z automatic shift knob - Nissan 370Z Forum

I spoke to a guy that was a certified GTR tech.. who the dealer claims he could take one apart and put it back together... blind folded.. and yes.. those were their exact words! He said that the know does not work the same as our 370z. But I am willing to bet that it does... I just don't want to pay $215 for one.. just to test it out and than it not work.

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