Kia Sportage I 2.0i 16V (118 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
Kia Sportage:
The Kia Sportage is a series of automobiles manufactured by the South Korean manufacturer Kia since 1993 through five generations. Initially a compact SUV built on a body-on-frame chassis, the second-generation Sportage transitioned to a car-based platform which placed it into the compact crossover SUV class, and was originally developed alongside the Hyundai Tucson and since the fifth-generation model launched in 2021, in two sizes with different wheelbase lengths for different markets, alongside the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Kia Sorento....(Read more on Wikipedia)
I Overview:
Kia Sportage (I). With 166 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1440 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 15 s). The top speed reaches 163 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The first-generation Kia Sportage was not tested by Euro NCAP. Safety features were basic for its era, lacking advanced driver aids common in later models.
2.0i 16V (118 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The automatic transmission further dulls performance, making acceleration even more sluggish compared to the manual.
Fuel Economy
Expect slightly higher fuel consumption than the manual version due to the automatic gearbox.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Affordable purchase price
- • Decent off-road capability (especially 4x4 models)
- • Practical and spacious interior for its class
- • Simple and robust mechanicals
- • Good ground clearance
Cons:
- • Poor fuel economy (petrol engines)
- • Sluggish acceleration (especially lower power and automatic variants)
- • Dated safety features (no Euro NCAP rating)
- • Lack of refinement on-road
- • Interior quality is basic
- • Rust can be an issue on older models
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(K00: 1997 - 2006).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Kia |
| Model: | Sportage |
| Generation: | I |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.0i 16V (118 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1998 |
| End of production: | 2006 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 118 Hp @ 5300 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 59.1 Hp/l [71mm more] |
| Torque: | 166 Nm @ 4500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | FE More details about the engine FE |
| Engine displacement: | 1998 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.3 l |
| Coolant: | 7.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 86 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 86 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.2:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 14.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8.9 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 15 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 15 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 163 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 12.2 kg/Hp, 81.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 8.7 kg/Nm, 115.3 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 14.3 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1440 |
| Max. weight: | 1930 |
| Max load: | 490 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1510 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 373 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 60 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4316 mm mm [71mm more] |
| Width: | 1764 mm mm [34mm more] |
| Height: | 1695 mm mm [45mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2650 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1440 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1440 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/70 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Spring Strut |



















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