Kia has put a whole lot more sport into its Sportage with the addition of a 191kW two-litre GDI turbopetrol engine to the range.
Initially available only in the United States, where it will go on sale at the end of March 2011, the Sportage SX Turbo is slated for South African release in 2012 - the exact date depending on the availability of right-hand drive versions.
The SX Turbo is the second Kia model to get the Theta II two-litre Turbo GDI (gas direct injection) engine, after the US-market Optima Turbo. In this application it's tuned for a conservative 191kW with a whopping 358Nm of torque.
The twin-scroll turbo gives improved combustion efficiency, more bottom-end power and reduced turbo lag, compared to more traditional single-scroll turbos. It has two valve-operated exhaust gas inlets responsible for feeding exhaust flow from a divided manifold through separate paths into the turbine for lower exhaust and cylinder temperatures.
Kia quotes fuel consumption of 8.8 litres/100km, driving through a six-speed automatic transmission.
The Sportage SX Turbo also has firmer damper and spring rates for improved handling and dynamic performance, and runs on special 18” alloys.
It's further distinguished by a signature SX grille, dual exhausts and special side-sill mouldings. Interior upgrades include aluminium door sills and a sleek new instrument cluster.