1998 KIA SPORTAGE OFFERS REVISED STYLING;
DUAL AIRBAGS NOW STANDARD

The 1998 Kia Sportage features improved styling for a more modern appearance while continuing to lead the compact sport-utility segment in value. Its improved exterior and interior design, coupled with its new safety and convenience features make it a better value than ever.

KNEE AIRBAGS - Buy The Sportage Here

The Kia Sportage was the world's first vehicle to contain a knee airbag and, working in conjunction with the steering wheel-mounted driver-side airbag, the system gives Kia drivers unique protection in the case of a collision. This year that system is supplemented by a standard passenger-side airbag. In addition to a passenger-side airbag, refined styling inside and out leads the list of improvements to the Sportage model for 1998. The exterior has been enhanced by a new, bolder grille design that lends the vehicle a more rugged appearance. Also new on the front of the vehicle is a bumper with integrated extensions, and the front headlights have been changed to clear-lens style. At the rear of the vehicle, an appreciated change is the re-designed spare tire carrier. The inside release and separate pin mechanism have been eliminated. Instead, a new cam lock system holds the spare tire carrier away from the vehicle without the use of a separate pin. Clear-lens taillights have also been integrated into the rear of the vehicle.

NEW DESIGN - Buy The Sportage Here

New wheel designs add a brighter appearance to the Sportage for 1998. A new alloy wheel has been designed for 1998 with a very bright finish. Alloy wheels are standard on all 4x4 models and the EX trim grade. Leading the interior changes to the Sportage is a tilt steering wheel and an all-new instrument panel. The bigger, bolder panel has a more rugged appearance and contains the new passenger-side airbag. The cupholder has been improved to accept various sizes of drinks and hold them more securely.

INSTRUMENT PANEL - Buy The Sportage Here

The new dash also features re-designed, larger air conditioning for improved ventilation performance. Complementing the new instrument panel is a new center console with armrest that comes standard. The armrest is adjustable and adds a significant amount of added storage space. Larger, more secure garment hooks have been added and a new, tougher rear seat back covering has been used so that the seat back is less likely to be scuffed by cargo. A new leather package features grained leather and a new sew pattern for more luxurious appearance. Dark gray leather has been added in addition to light tan. The cloth interiors also have been revised.

INTERIOR - Buy The Sportage Here

The Sportage also offers remarkable interior comfort with a generous amount of leg, shoulder and headroom, front and rear. Cargo space with all seats in place is a substantial 25.8 cubic feet. With the split-folding rear seat backs lowered, space increases to 55.4 cubic feet. To add to the Sportage's value story, the audio system has been upgraded as well. All Sportages will be fitted with a six-speaker system that includes front dash-mounted tweeters. The rear speaker enclosure has been re-designed as a two-way unit.

ENGINE - Buy The Sportage Here

While retaining the rugged engine and chassis that have made the Sportage a successful off road racer, the vehicle also offers important mechanical improvements. The tough 130-horsepower 2.0-liter dual overhead cam engine has been modified to meet the Transitional Low Emission Vehicle (TLEV) standard. Among the modifications are a revised engine management system and exhaust system revisions. Equipped with Bosch fuel injection, the 16-valve engine develops 127 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. In addition to the engine improvements, the electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission has been revised to reduce shift shock. The manual transmission remains the smooth-shifting, Getrag-designed five-speed unit.

BRAKING - Buy The Sportage Here

In addition to the drivetrain improvements, the 1998 Sportage delivers vastly improved braking performance as the result of significant modifications. The 11.10-inch vented front disc brakes are fitted with larger calipers and the rear drum brakes have been increased in size from 9.84 inches to 10.23 inches. An improved brake booster delivers better braking with reduced pedal effort. The Sportage's rear-wheel antilock braking system (ABS) is being replaced this year with optional four-wheel ABS. The option is not tied to any package, so all customers can enjoy the benefits of this advanced safety system.

FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE - Buy The Sportage Here

Four-wheel-drive enthusiasts will welcome the change to vacuum-operated front hubs. The new Warn hubs automatically disengage when the driver shifts out of four-wheel-drive. The hubs do not require stopping and backing up as did the previous system, and the system eliminates the requirement of manual hubs for towing. Mechanical improvements to the 1998 Sportage also include a new stainless steel muffler design. The stainless steel construction offers better longevity while the design itself delivers better efficiency and reduced exhaust noise. For added comfort, the air conditioning system has been improved. Larger dash outlets are accompanied by modified ducting, a larger fan and improved seals. The 1998 Sportage is offered in both two-wheel-drive and part-time four-wheel-drive configurations. Both configurations are available in the vehicle's two trim levels, Sportage and Sportage EX.

STANDARD FEATURES - Buy The Sportage Here

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 full-size spare tire carrier, a theft-deterrent system and dual airbags as standard equipment.

SAFETY - Buy The Sportage Here

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 and steel side-door impact beams to help prevent intrusion into the passenger compartment. Child-safety door locks are standard on all Sportages, and the doors have been designed to resistjamming in a collision.

SUSPENSION - Buy The Sportage Here

The Sportage's ladder frame -- with six cross-members -- 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. The vehicle's steering uses variable power assist for ease and precision of operation. Ground clearance is a serious 7.9 inches for off pavement adventuring, yet maintains a low step-in height above its P205/75R15 steel-belted radial tires.

WARRANTY - Buy The Sportage Here

In addition to offering outstanding quality, affordability and value, the Kia Sportage 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.

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