Sunday, October 3, 2010

KIA UAE launches 2011 Sportage in new Deira showroom


Al Majid Motors Co. - the sole distributor of KIA cars in the UAE - has launched the 2011 KIA Sportage SUV in KIA UAE's all new state-of-the-art showroom in Deira, Dubai. KIA's latest showroom — which also acts as KIA UAE's new Dubai headquarters — officially opened yesterday and is the company's third showroom in Dubai.

According to General Manager of Al Majid Motors Co., Mohammad Khader: "It's not often a car dealership gets to launch a brand new car and showroom at the same time, so we're very happy with the timing."

He added, "KIA's new Deira showroom is the second in the area and is located right in the hub of the area's automobile market. With this latest addition we now have ten showrooms throughout the UAE, all of which offer sales, after-sales and spare parts services. With this new showroom under our belt, we look forward to increasing KIA's sales by at least 20%."

The 2011 KIA Sportage features a totally new body shell and engine, distinctive styling and a range of luxury elements. 

Longer, lower and wider than the previous generation model, the 2011 Sportage is instantly recognisable by its 'tiger' face which incorporates Peter Schreyer's modern signature grille design that now links all new KIA models.

KIA's new-and-improved 2.4-litre or 2.0-litre Theta II engine is fitted with the latest electronics and low-friction components and features a build that's substantially lighter than the previous models. Boasting increased power, boosted durability, enhanced refinement and lower fuel consumption and emissions, the four-cylinder, 2,359 cc power unit features weight-saving all-aluminium construction with a cast aluminium block, cylinder head and sump. Maximum rpm can be raised by 200 to 6,000 with maximum power output being 177 ps (166 for the 2.0-litre version), with 227 Nm of peak torque at 4,000 rpm.

The car's standard CDP audio system includes a CD player with MP3, USB and iPod connectivity and six top-of-the-range speakers; one in each door and a tweeter at each end of the dashboard. The optional upgraded CDC system includes a woofer and external amplifier that can generate amazing surround sound. 

KIA is serious about investing in R&D programmes directed at enhancing active and passive vehicle safety to deliver the highest levels of occupant protection. The sturdy new 2011 Sportage is no exception and comes fitted with six airbags strategically placed on both front and back seats.

Additional active safety technologies can be fitted to the new Sportage. These include: ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and two new systems; HAC (Hill Start Assist Control) and DBC (Downhill Brake Control). HAC prevents slip-back during stop-start driving-up inclines, while DBC ensures safer travel down steep slopes by maintaining a steady 8 kph (5 mph) speed.

The performance of the Sportage's all-disc braking system is boosted by three systems: a regular ABS (anti-lock system); EBD (electronic brake-force distribution) to adjust the front/rear brake pressure; and BAS (brake assist system) which recognises an emergency stop and delivers maximum braking power. Two active systems are available to assist drivers with reversing manoeuvres. The first is a back-warning sensor that helps the driver avoid contact with pedestrians by triggering an audible warning whenever the vehicle approaches an obstruction.

The second is the new rear-view camera mounted on the tailgate. This camera is fitted with a 130-degree, wide-angle lens which transmits images to an LCD display set within the interior rear-view mirror, or to the navigation display, if fitted. It allows the driver to simultaneously check the rear-view and blind spot below the rear window. 

The second-generation Sportage was introduced in 2004 and indicated a massive step forward for KIA. Over the next six years, the second-generation model attracted thousands of customers, achieving global sales of more than 860,000 units, including more than 172,000 units in 2009.

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