Kia Motors announced the new Sportage SX Turbo, which had already been introduced in Canada, for America and other markets. Powered by the Theta II 2.0-liter Turbo GDI engine, this sporty crossover has a base price of $25,795.
For that you get the FWD base model. If you are willing to pay $27,295 then you get the AWD version which also gets – as part of the SX trim – sport-tuned suspension featuring firmer shock and strut rates for improved handling and dynamic performance over non-SX models. That said, it’ll be slightly less comfortable than models with normal suspension.
On the outside, SX models receive unique 18″ alloy wheels, a signature SX grille, dual exhaust, and special side sill moldings. Exterior updates are complemented by SX-specific interior appointments adding more refinement inside the cabin, including standard aluminum door sills and a sleek new supervision gauge cluster. Available exclusively on the Sportage SX, Orange and Blue interior color packages offer more interior color choices for potential buyers.
The Orange Color Package includes orange stitching on the steering wheel, center console, and seats coupled with orange accents on the door panels and air vents. A unique blue patterned cloth seat and blue interior accents are included as part of the Blue Color Package.
As for the engine, that 2.0 liter Turbo engine features a twin-scroll design for maximum efficiency and delivers 256 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of peak torque. It also manages 27 mpg highway. Other benefits of this twin-scroll system include more available low-end power, and reduced turbo-lag as compared to more traditional single-scroll turbo systems.
The twin-scroll design features two valve-operated exhaust gas inlets responsible for feeding exhaust flow through separate paths into the turbine. Utilizing a divided manifold, exhaust gasses from separate cylinders travel more efficiently into the turbocharger’s turbine, avoiding possible interference. The result is a system that improves efficiency and pressure distribution, lowers exhaust and cylinder temperatures, and prevents loss of exhaust energy. The quantity of the air entering each cylinder is increased, resulting in more power.
