One of KIA-WORLD blog visitors gave us a cue about new microsite on Kia’s Korean website. Beeing curious as we are, we visited their official website today! And guess what we found? A facelifted Sportage microsite!

The vehicle you are looking at right now is the brand new 2008 Kia Sportage destined for Korean market! Unlike the European Sportage, which was officially enveiled at Frankfurt’s Motor Show last month, Kia’s compact SUV received a major facelift for it’s home market.

The new Sportage features exterior enhancements such as redesigned front and rear bumper, re-styled grille, different front and rear lights, enlarged door mirrors, new-style alloy wheels and more.

Every Sportage has sixteen inch diameter wheels with 215/65 R16 as a standard and larger 235/60 16 wheels as an option. The suspension dampers are stiffer for improved on-road handling and body roll has been reduced.

South Koreans can choose between two engine options. First, there is a 2,0 liter oil burner with the output of 151 hp and 320Nm of torque, which is an increase of 11 hp compared to the old engine. And second, there is a 2,0 liter gasoline option avaliable, producing 142hp. Both engines were improved and are now more refined to offer better fuel consumption and lower noise level in the new Sportage edition. [Source: Kia]

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