Since launched, the Kia Sportage has been one of those machines with a built-in connection to the average Canadian shopper. Typical vehicle-buying Canucks are concerned with things like ruggedness, flexibility and a good overall deal—and Sportage has been delivering on these fronts for its last two terms of duty.

The 2011 Sportage is landing on dealer lots now with a base price of $21,995. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com)
Existing Sportage owners often say an attraction to an affordable, family-ready and Canada-proof vehicle got them into their nearest Kia dealer, and that a great warranty and high-utility bang-for-the-buck sealed the deal. Now entering its third generation, the 2011 Sportage is shipping with even more of the sensible, adventurous wholesome stuff that made the initial two a hit.
Up North
The average Canadian tends to be southerly-minded when it comes to planning a trip, but Kia went the opposite direction in previewing their latest Sportage for selected automotive journalists. Rather than some exotic locale, the pre-launch road trip would take writers from Whitehorse to Skagway, Alaska and back. This end of the country boasts some of the most untouched scenery and freshest air on the planet—and it proved a worthy stage for a machine designed to tackle most any driving our continent's craggy North might throw its way.
Fusion styling
The engineering and hardware behind that goal is wrapped in a globally-styled, Korean-built body that combines numerous influences into a fresh and dynamic package. It's like fusion cooking—but with sheetmetal and plastic instead of meat and spices. A similar cross-cultural combining is, in many regards, part of the Canadian identity.
Kia's building an identity, too—and they called upon Peter Schreyer, formerly of VW/Audi, to head up the design work that would help pull it off. For the new Sportage, Schreyer solicited ideas from his various worldwide design teams, selecting and implementing the best ones for use in the final product.
The resulting mix should help the new Sportage stand out with a unique, athletic and prominent look that's more aggressive and less cartoony than the former. Don't miss the glaring chrome-clad fascia, Euro-esque bumper-mounted turn signals, and the unique intersection line between the windshield and roof, either. LED running lamps are coming soon, too.

Since launched, the Kia Sportage has been one of those machines with a built-in connection to the average Canadian shopper. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com)