In addition to the following release, here are a few key details about the U.S. version of the Sportage:

Engine Options: 2.0 4-cylinder, available in 2WD form with either a 5-speed manual or an optional 4-speed automatic. 4-cylinder will also be available in 4WD form with a 5-speed manual transmission (not available with automatic transmission). 2.7-liter V6 in either 2WD or 4WD forms with a 4-speed automatic transmission. A manual transmission for the V6 will not be offered, at least in the first model year.

Standard Safety Features: Six airbags, including full-length side-curtain airbags. 4-wheel disc brakes. ABS will be available as an option on some models, and may be standard on the V6 4WD model . . . TBD.

Look for the Sportage to make its North American debut this fall. U.S. vehicle specifications to be released at a later date.

• Progressive, contemporary SUV with combination of an MPV’s versatility and sedan-like ride and handling
  
  
• All-new compact SUV is a perfect match for new brand identity: “Exciting and Enabling”
  
  
• Sportage world premiere to be held at Paris Motor Show in September

SEOUL, August 4, 2004 - Kia Motors today released the first official photographs and technical specifications of the company’s long-anticipated successor to the widely popular Sportage SUV. First introduced in 1993, Sportage is Kia’s best-seller globally, with 568,720 export sales.

Representing Kia’s re-entrance into the small SUV market with completely new and highly attractive styling, the Sportage will make its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in September 2004. It will be positioned as a progressive, contemporary SUV that has the strengths of an SUV, the smooth ride and handling of a sedan and the functionality of a MPV.

“Adding to our quickly expanding full product line-up, the all new Sportage will reinforce our SUV offering together with the tremendously popular Sorento, thereby boosting Kia’s brand reputation in the SUV category,” said Yong-Hwan Kim, Senior Executive Vice-President and COO of Kia Motors. “Moreover, the Sportage is a perfect match for Kia’s new brand identity - ‘Exciting and Enabling’.”

Compared to competitors in its class such as the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V, the Sportage boasts a longer wheelbase as well as larger overall exterior width and height dimensions.

It also outclasses the competition in terms of interior dimensions, with more leg room, second row seating headroom, and total interior volume allowing for maximum cargo space and storage.

With its well-combined powertrain offerings that include a 2.0 I4 and 2.7 V6 gasoline engine as well as a 2.0 diesel engine mated to manual or H-Matic 4-speed automatic transmissions (automatic only for the V6) with electronic full-time 4-wheel drive system (torque on demand), the Sportage is high on performance.

The 2.7 V6 version churns out 175 horsepower at 6,000 rpm with maximum torque of 24.6 kilograms per meter at 4,000 rpm.

From a functional standpoint, the Sportage offers spare tire placement at the cargo area floor, convenient upward swing hatch and flip-up tailgate glass, and ergonomically designed center fascia with driver friendly control placement. Seating is designed to allow for multiple variations with its full-flat front seats, fold and dive type rear seats for maximum cargo space, and seat split function for storage of large cargo items.

The Sportage is also equipped with class leading safety features including anti-lock braking system (ABS) and traction control system (TCS), curtain and side airbags, and electronic stability program (ESP).

Production of the Sportage will begin in early September for Europe and general markets and in the end of October for North America. Total annual export sales volume is predicted to be 100,000 units with more than 60,000 units destined for North America and more than 20,000 planned for Europe. Kia Motors America is the U.S. sales, marketing and service arm of Kia Motors Corp. in Seoul , South Korea.