What's New for 2002
The Sportage is now in its eighth model year, so to help move its aged sport-ute along, Kia will offer the four-doors in just one trim level (eliminating the EX and Limited trim models) with more standard feature content than before, though you can no longer get leather upholstery. All Sportages are equipped with body-color door handles and an exterior latch on the rear hatch to ease loading cargo. A Two-Tone Package is available for hardtops; this option group contains two-tone cladding, bumpers and fenders and a cladding-color roof rack and hard-face spare tire cover. In addition, Kia has expanded the standard list of safety features to include seatbelt pre-tensioners and force limiters for the airbags. Finally, interested buyers should note that the Sportage will be going on hiatus for the 2003 model year (to make room for production of the new midsize '03 Sorento); a completely redesigned version (likely with unibody construction) is expected to return in the fall of 2003 as an '04 model.
See also:
By the numbers
The Kia Optima is a five-seat mid-size segment passenger car that has an
interior that the EPA will probably consider a full size interior.
Longer, lower and wider than the vehicle it replaces, it ...
Smart key
With a smart key, you can lock or unlock
a door (and tailgate) and even start the
engine without inserting the key.
The functions of the buttons on a smart
key are similar to the remote keyless
...
Comprehensive 'active' and 'passive' safety
For new Kia Rio, an all-new bodyshell was created using a higher percentage
of high-strength steel than the third-generation model, enhancing strength and
rigidity. Special attention was given to ...


