Kia Sportage (1994-2002): How it all began
The first generation of the SUV rolled off the production line for Europe at Karmann in Osnabrück
The Kia Sportage has now been on the market for five generations, and the compact SUV has found many friends. But thirty years ago, both the car and the brand were still a new kind of fringe phenomenon. We take a look back at the first generation of the Sportage.
In August 1995, our colleagues from ADAC wrote about the Kia Sportage: "Typical Korean. Not a super car, but not bad either. And at a fair price." They had just tested the 4.25 metre long off-roader (or SUV?). And praised the "agile" four-valve engine with two overhead camshafts and an output of 128 PS. This allows the 1.4 tonne Sportage to accelerate to 62 mph in 14.7 seconds, compared with a long 18.4 seconds for the SOHC engine with just 95 PS.
Gallery: Kia Sportage (JA, 1994-2002)
A Mazda-based Kia
The basic Sportage costs DM 34,990 with very good standard equipment, but most customers go straight for the more powerful model for DM 36,740. Initially, there was no diesel, followed later by a turbodiesel with 83 PS. All engines had a displacement of 2.0 litres in common. The boot, which was only 300 litres in size, was criticised, but the fuel consumption of eleven litres was not so much of a problem at the time.
The first-generation Kia Sportage was developed on the basis of the Mazda Bongo. It shared many mechanical components with this compact delivery van, such as the engine, transmission (early versions) and differentials. At that time, Kia was not yet part of Hyundai, but a co-operation with Ford and Mazda. For example, the small car Pride, alias Ford Festiva, is a derivative of the first Mazda 121.
Production in Osnabrück
From 1995 to 1998, the Sportage rolls off the production line at Karmann in Germany; during this time, European buyers receive German-made versions, while the rest of the world is served by South Korean production. The market launch in Asia takes place in July 1993, sales in Europe begin a good two years later.
Kia Sportage with soft top
From autumn 1998, the Sportage is again produced exclusively in South Korea, and in 1999 the body shape is slightly revised. The first Kia Sportage is only available with selectable all-wheel drive and off-road reduction. And either as a closed five-door model or as a three-door convertible with a fabric top.
Kia initially developed the car in standard length, but launched an extended version around 1996. This stretched model - sold mainly on the Asian markets under the name Sportage Grand, but also as the "Grand Wagon" - is characterised by a 305 mm longer body with the same wheelbase, an increase in the maximum boot space from 1,570 to 2,220 litres and the relocation of the spare wheel from the tailgate under the floor
The three engines in the first Sportage came from Mazda, starting with the 2.0-litre FE-DOHC in-line four-cylinder petrol engine with 128 PS and the 2.0-litre RF turbodiesel with 83 PS. The models with diesel engines were largely limited to the European markets, as was the simpler SOHC version of the 2.0-litre FE inline four-cylinder with overhead camshaft.
The cockpit of the first Kia Sportage (1994-2002)
Fun fact: The 1997 Kia Sportage was the first production vehicle in the world to be equipped with a knee airbag. Probably a reaction to disastrous crash behaviour: The Sportage achieves the worst possible result in the Australian ANCAP crash tests - one out of five stars. In addition to a failure of the seat belts, the vehicle structure also collapsed.
Not a great success
The first-generation Sportage (1993-2002) was only sold in small numbers, even in South Korea, and the models after the partial takeover of Kia by Hyundai in 1998 (1997-2002) were recalled twice due to rear wheels coming loose while driving.
The first generation of the Sportage was discontinued in 2002 in South Korea and Europe. By 2003, the model series is discontinued in most international markets. Only in some developing countries will it continue to be offered until the second-generation successor is released in 2005.
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