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Kia Sportage Soft Top I 2.0 TD (83 Hp)
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)
Soft Top I Overview:
Kia Sportage (Soft Top I). With 195 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.5 l/100km). With a weight of 1395 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 20.5 s). The top speed reaches 145 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
2.0 TD (83 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Underpowered for modern driving, offering basic acceleration suitable only for relaxed cruising and off-road use.
Fuel Economy
Decent fuel economy for a 4x4 diesel of its time, though urban consumption is notably high.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Affordable purchase price
- • Capable off-road performance
- • Simple, robust mechanics
- • Practical soft-top option
- • Spacious interior for its class
Cons:
- • Poor safety rating (Euro NCAP)
- • High fuel consumption (petrol models)
- • Sluggish on-road performance
- • Dated interior and features
- • Rust can be an issue on older models
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(K00: 1994 - 2006).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Kia |
| Model: | Sportage |
| Generation: | Soft Top I |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.0 TD (83 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1997 |
| End of production: | 2006 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 3 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 83 Hp @ 4000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 41.5 Hp/l [220mm less] |
| Torque: | 195 Nm @ 2000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | RF More details about the engine RF |
| Engine displacement: | 1998 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger |
| Engine oil capacity: | 6.4 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 86 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 86 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 21:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 11.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 9.1 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 20.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 20.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 145 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 16.8 kg/Hp, 59.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.2 kg/Nm, 139.8 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 19.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1395 |
| Max. weight: | 1930 |
| Max load: | 535 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1032 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 247 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 53 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4025 mm [220mm less] |
| Width: | 1764 mm [34mm more] |
| Height: | 1650 mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2360 mm [290mm less] |
| Front track: | 1440 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1440 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/70 R15 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Spring Strut |
Behind the wheel of the Kia Sportage. How does it handle on the road?