KIA Announces Pricing for All-New 2005 Sportage

Compact SUV Returns With More Horsepower, More Passenger Space, Six Standard Airbags and Choice of Engines, Transmissions and Drive Trains

IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 31 -- Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced pricing for the all-new 2005 Sportage compact SUV with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) starting at $15,900. The Sportage is completely redesigned from the ground up and returns the most recognized Kia nameplate to the franchise. The destination charge will be $590 per vehicle.

"We're excited to have Sportage back in our product line-up and are confident that this pricing will set it apart from the competition in the compact SUV segment," said Peter M. Butterfield, president and CEO of Kia Motors America. "Sportage has played an important role in the development of the Kia brand in the U.S., and this completely redesigned SUV is another example of Kia's unique ability to deliver modern, fun-to-drive vehicles with built-in comfort, roominess and a commitment to safety."

The all-new Sportage features a wider track and more horsepower than its predecessor and places a heavy emphasis on safety. Standard safety features include: six airbags (two advanced front airbags, two front-seat-mounted side airbags, and two full-length side-curtain airbags), four-wheel disc brakes with antilock brake system (ABS) and electronic brake distribution (EBD), traction control system (TCS) and electronic stability program (ESP).

All Sportage models come equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, AM/FM/CD stereo with six speakers, power windows/mirrors/door locks and integrated roof rails. The five-door Sportage offers a choice of two engines -- a 2.0-liter in-line four-cylinder or 2.7-liter V6 -- two-wheel or four-wheel-drive powertrains, five-speed manual or four-speed Sportmatic(TM) transmissions and is available in two trim levels -- LX and EX.

The comprehensively-equipped "entry-level" LX model's MSRP begins at $15,900 and offers a host of standard comfort and convenience features that other vehicles in the segment charge extra for as options. Features such as rear privacy glass, power windows with a driver's one-touch down feature, power mirrors, a roof rack and an AM/FM/CD stereo system with six speakers are all standard.

Pricing for the four-wheel drive LX model starts at $17,900, while two-wheel-drive LX model with the V6 engine with automatic transmission begins at $18,500.

In addition to the V6 engine with automatic transmission, opting for the EX model adds a power-operated, one-touch sunroof, fog lights, heated outside mirrors, a leather-covered shift knob and steering wheel, illuminated ignition, remote keyless entry system, a cargo cover and upgraded seat fabric. The EX model's MSRP begins at $19,999.

Like all Kia models, the new Sportage will be covered by Kia's comprehensive warranty program, which includes a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty.

Kia Motors America is the U.S. sales, marketing and service arm of Kia Motors Corp. in Seoul, Korea. The full line of Kia models including the Sorento midsize SUV, Sedona minivan, Amanti premium large sedan, Optima midsize sedan, Spectra compact sedan and Spectra5 hatchback as well as the Rio subcompact sedan and Rio Cinco five-door wagon are available at more than 600 retailers nationwide. For more information, visit www.kiamedia.com.