For 2011, Kia decided to do something a little different with its compact Sportage. To excite young, hip urban buyers, Kia ditched the boxy styling for flowing lines and added a fuel-efficient engine under the hood. The updates all add up to a vehicle that Time.com says is one of the best new cars.
A key to this honor is the Sportage’s peppy powertrain. It all starts with an advanced 16-valve I4 engine that boasts continuously variable valve timing, and that responsive engine is mated to either a smooth-shifting six-speed manual transmission or a proprietary six-speed automatic that Kia designed and built specifically for use with its new vehicles. That autobox also features the automaker’s Sportmatic clutchless shifting functionality for more driver control. The result is both more power and better fuel efficiency—up to 22 mpg city/31 mpg highway—than was on tap in the previous I4-equipped Sportage. And enthusiastic drivers should take note: A more powerful turbocharged mill, leveraging gas direct-injection technology for highly efficient operation, will be available later in the model year.
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