Convenience Features

Easy-to-use, high-specification, equipment

Kia has a reputation for packing a lot of car into a price range, and the Sportage takes that tradition a stage further to provide customers with easy-to-use, high-specification equipment and excellent value for money in a thoroughly modern small SUV.

The major and minor controls are positioned so that the driver can operate all the systems simply and quickly with least possible distraction from the road ahead. The four-spoke steering wheel can be adjusted for height and, together with the multiple-adjustment seat ensures that Sportage users can set up a perfect driving position. For both the manual and automatic transmission models, the gear selector lever is mounted on the centre console, quite close to the steering wheel and within easy reach for the driver.

Alongside the driver, the door armrest houses eight controls - for the four powered windows (standard fit on all models), central locking and powered door mirrors - in an easy to use location.

Directly ahead of the driver, the hooded instrument cluster has a sporty look, with a three-dial layout presenting a large central speedometer, flanked by a rev-counter (left) and engine water temperature and fuel gauges (right). Twin steering column stalks provide the traditional controls for lights, washers and wipers, while a third stalk controls the optional Cruise Control.

The stylish centre fascia houses equipment in logical, horizontal layers, with the digital clock, twin flush-shutting air-vents, the audio system, and the heating and ventilation controls, stacked neatly for an elegant appearance, and within easy reach of the driver´s hand. A choice of audio systems and heating systems is offered, depending on model.

The Sportage´s audio system offers customers a multiple choice of units - radio/cassette, radio/CD, or radio/cassette with CD changer - depending on model. On all systems, large, soft-touch buttons make operation simple and intuitive, allowing drivers to keep their eyes on the road. Top quality sound is broadcast through a system with up to six speakers for the highest option. Each audio systems is tuned to compliment the interior acoustics of the Sportage and to deliver best possible audio performance.

The Sportage´s manual temperature control system has a trio of large rotary dials that govern temperature, airflow direction and fan speed. Two upgrades are available, offering manual air conditioning or fully automatic climate control.

The manual air conditioner is activated by a simple soft-touch button incorporated into the air flow direction dial. On models with the fully automatic temperature control (FATC) system, all aspects of the selected environment are controlled by soft-touch buttons and displayed on the LCD screen. This system also allows ´set and forget´ temperature selection and comes with a germ-proof filter in Kia´s air quality system (AQS), which blocks out dust and pollen as well as filtering microbes and unpleasant smells, and compliments the air conditioning system.

Power outlets are provided on the centre-console and in the luggage area.