Kia appeals to young drivers

Kia's original sporty wagon has evolved from its off-road-capable mission into a more stylish all-season-comfortable wagon that can still prove its mettle when driving conditions become dicey.

The all-new third-generation Sportage, now on sale, follows the similarly sized and focused Hyundai Tucson (Kia is part of Hyundai) in receiving a whole new look and a shared purpose in life. Both are focused on becoming the preferred vehicle for younger buyers seeking a mixed-use combination of cool looks, roominess, fuel efficiency and sportiness. Oh, and better add attractive pricing to the mix.

Although the Sportage and Tucson share the same platform, carry a maximum of five passengers and are roughly the same size, Kia's version appears edgier and a bit more squared-off, especially when viewed from the rear. Overall, the sheetmetal is a harmonious blend of curves and corners that tie together neatly, but aren't especially daring or ground breaking.

The same can likely be said for an interior that should easily pass muster with the majority of new-car shoppers seeking taste and convenience. Overall passenger space has decreased slightly, the casualty of a lower and more steeply raked roofline, but at least cargo volume aft of the split-folding rear seat has been enlarged, albeit only slightly.

Styling aside, the most significant change is what you'll no longer find under the hood and that's an optional V-6. For the moment at least, the sole powerplant is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that generates 176 horsepower when hooked up to a six-speed manual transmission (available only on base front-wheel-drive models), or 170 horses with the optional six-speed automatic. Compare the numbers with last season's 140-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder and optional 173-horse V-6. As well, there'll likely be few complaints concerning the Sportage's 22/31 mpg city/highway fuel-economy numbers, dramatically up from the previous 20/25 rating for the four-cylinder.

Those yearning for a bit more thrust shouldn't have to wait long. Later in the model year, Kia will introduce a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that will pump up the volume to the tune of 270-plus horsepower.

For 2011, Kia's new offering is the beneficiary of a brand-new all-wheel-drive system developed in conjunction with outsource specialist Magna International Inc. Under normal driving conditions, the system directs 100 percent of the engine's torque to the front wheels. However, once tire slip is detected, the required degree of power is instantly deployed to the rear wheels. Additionally, a manually selected "Lock Mode" allows for a fixed 50/50 torque split at speeds up to 25 mph for those times when sustained maximum traction is required. That's a feature that few vehicles in the Sportage's segment can match.

Also rarely matched is an impressive load of standard content. The $19,000 base edition includes air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth short-rage wireless connectivity and Hill Start Assist (that prevents the vehicle from rolling backward down a hill while in gear). Downhill brake control maintains a fixed forward speed without the driver having to touch the brake pedal, which prevents a runaway situation.

Along with an automatic transmission, the $21,000 LX adds a few minor tidbits, while ordering the top-rung $24,000 EX ratchets up the content with dual-zone climate control, power driver's seat, keyless entry, glovebox cooler and 18-inch wheels (16- and 17-inch rims are installed on base and LX trims, respectively).

Features such as an upgraded audio system, push-button start or even a cargo cover are not part of the top-tier EX package. Instead, they're listed as options. Also available at extra cost is a panoramic sunroof, heated and cooled front seats (offered when the leather seat-cover option is specified) and UVO, which is Kia's Microsoft-developed voice-activated communications, text messaging and "infotainment" system.

This kind of leading-edge content -- along with a can't-touch-this extended warranty -- gives the Kia/Hyundai stable some of the hottest models around. Dialing in more sophistication simply pours more coal onto the Sportage's fire.