2011 Kia Sportage gets a great facelift

The 2010 Geneva Motor Show is fast approaching. Like any industry trade show, in the days leading up to the event, there’s always a surge of information and speculation as to what products might be unveiled. For Kia Motors, one of these products will be the next generation of its compact SUV: the redesigned 2011 Kia Sportage.

Employees and consumers alike at the Kia Dealerships in Normal will undoubtedly recognize and applaud the vehicle’s fresh new design. Under the direction of former Audi designer Peter Schreyer, the 2011 Kia Sportage will resemble the new Kia family look, already embodied in the Soul, Cadenza sedan, and Sorento SUV models. Compared to the previous version, the new Sportage is sharper and more attractive.

Besides the new look, the 2011 Sportage is longer and wider than the 2010 model. Although the exact benefits of these changes won’t be known until the vehicle’s actual unveiling, they are expected to translate into a more expansive cabin space.

Details on the engine specifications have yet to be officially determined. However, the Sportage is expected to resemble the Hyundai Tucson in North America. Therefore, it will be equipped with similar 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter four cylinder engines coupled to six-speed transmissions. The European version will be modeled after the iX35, the Tucson counterpart overseas, which sports 1.7-liter and 2.0-liter diesels and 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter gasoline units.

All of these changes should further improve the Sportage driving experience and increase the demand for Kia vehicles. Just ask the drivers of the Kia Sedona. Bloomington Kia owners seem to have nothing but praise for the automaker’s recent line of vehicles.

Additional details may continue to trickle in up until the day of the auto show. However, nothing will be confirmed until the official unveiling. At this year’s Geneva Motor Show, there are expected to be more than 100 premiers from both world and European automakers in the sector of private vehicles. The show will run from March 4-14.