2007 Kia Sorento Makes North American Debut at New York Auto Show
 Mid-size SUV Offers More Power, More Standard Safety and Further Illustrates the 'Power to Surprise'
Kia Motors America (KMA) today unveiled the 2007 redesigned Sorento midsize SUV during a press conference at the New York Auto Show. The 2007 Sorento sports a new, more powerful, all-aluminum V6 engine producing 262 horsepower – more than Toyota Highlander V6, Ford Explorer V6 and Toyota 4Runner V8 – more standard safety, class-leading towing capacity and an all-new interior.
'The Sorento SUV is the third in a line of six new or facelifted vehicles Kia will unveil in 2006,' said Len Hunt, executive vice president and COO of KMA. 'With more power and safety, class-leading towing capacity and a refined interior, it's yet another example of how the Kia brand gives consumers confidence, integrity and value in its products.'
The award-winning five-passenger Sorento combines power, utility and style with a new standard for value in its segment. For 2007, the versatile vehicle is loaded with comfort and convenience features, more standard safety features, provides capable on- and off-road performance and – like all Kias – is backed by one of the industry's best warranties.
Exterior Refinements
Available in LX and EX trim lines, as well as LX Sport Package and EX Luxury Package, and two-wheel or four-wheel drive, Sorento builds on the previous-generation model with subtle exterior refinements, including redesigned front headlamps with projection lights, a revised front grille insert, new front fascia and bumper, more rounded body-side cladding, and redesigned tail lamps and rear fascia with reflector inserts. A new 17-inch wheel comes with the optional LX Sport Package and a new 16-inch wheel design fits the EX, while carry-over 16-inch silver and machined wheel designs sit at the four corners of the LX and EX Luxury Package trims respectively.
Upgraded Interior and Packaging
More dramatic changes inside the vehicle take 2007 Sorento's interior to a new level. A new center fascia, gauge cluster and floor console are enveloped in new, upscale wood and metal trim materials, creating a functional and comfortable cabin feel. Inviting first- and second-row seats, with available leather on the Sport and Luxury Packages, feature front active headrests and a new rear seatback lever for easier reclining adjustment. Additional interior upgrades include a standard front passenger side central door lock, and revised steering wheel mounted cruise control and steering wheel mounted audio controls.
Standard comfort and convenience features include air conditioning (dual-zone auto on EX Luxury Package), power windows/door locks/heated mirrors, cruise control, 10-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system, full overhead console with sunglass storage, map lights and garage door opener pocket, four 12-volt power outlets, eight-way adjustable driver's seat, 60/40 split flip-and-fold rear seats, rear privacy glass, cargo cover, roof rails and keyless entry with alarm.
LX Sport Package models have unique and exclusive black interior cloth or leather, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, side step bars, spoiler and the new 17-inch wheels and tires. The EX trim line features a power sunroof, heated power mirrors, fog lights, deluxe door scuff plates, eight-way power driver's seat, HomeLink® programmable remote system, trip computer in the multi-meter that includes outside temperature gauge, compass, average speed and travel time to the overhead console and new 16-inch alloy wheels. EX Luxury Package adds leather seating and interior trim, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, heated front seats, auto headlamps, chrome door handles, Torque-on-Demand™ (TOD) full-time four-wheel drive and 16-inch machined alloy wheels.
More Power and Performance
A new, all-aluminum, 3.8-liter V6 powerplant producing 262 horsepower – a 36-percent increase over the previous-generation engine – and 260 lb.-ft of torque is mated to an electronically controlled five-speed Sportmatic® transmission, allowing drivers to choose between automatic or manual shift mode. The new powertrain setup also yields a class-leading 5,000-pound towing capacity for true versatility and utility.
Featuring large four-wheel disc brakes and standard 16-inch tires and wheels, the Sorento is a serious performer, on-and off-road. A rugged, authentic SUV, the Sorento features body-on-frame construction with nine crossmembers, a double wishbone front suspension and a five-link solid rear axle. A long wheelbase (106.7 inches) and wide track (62.2 inches) provide a comfortable ride and excellent stability in all driving situations, while the short front and rear body overhangs allow the Sorento to navigate steep terrain.
The 2007 Sorento is available in both two-wheel- and four-wheel-drive configurations. In the two-wheel-drive version power is directed to the rear wheels, while the 4WD offering includes a part-time or a Torque-on-Demand™ automatic full-time four-wheel-drive system, depending upon the option package. The part-time four-wheel-drive system engages with the turn of a knob for convenient shift-on-the-fly operation and has a transfer case equipped with a low range for the most challenging off-road situations.
The full-time automatic Torque-On-Demand™ four-wheel-drive system, also with a low range, is available on the EX trim level as part of the Luxury Package. The system automatically detects wheel slippage 200 times per second, seamlessly transferring power between the rear and front wheels without requiring driver input. With Torque-On-Demand™, the Sorento provides all-weather, all-terrain capability.
Additionally, the Sorento offers an Eaton limited-slip differential that quietly transfers up to 50 percent of torque between the rear wheels as standard equipment on all four-wheel drive models.
Even More Standard Safety
Sorento offers even more standard safety features for 2007. Building on the previous model's five-star National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rating for both front and rear side impact crash tests, Sorento offers the following safety features as standard equipment across all trim lines: advanced two-stage airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, electronic stability control (ESC) and traction control (TCS), tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), active front headrests, energy-absorbing steering column, driver knee airbag, rear child door locks, rear seat fixed upper and lower anchors for child safety seats (LATCH), and three-point seat belts for all seating positions with adjustable anchors and pretensioners with force limiters in front.
Industry-leading Warranty
Like all Kia models, the 2007 Sorento is covered by a comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in the package are a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty; a five-year or 60,000-mile limited basic warranty; and a five-year or 100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan is also part of the comprehensive coverage program.
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2007 Kia Spectra and Spectra5
 Enhancements Inside and Out Improve Sporty Compact Sedan and Five-Door
For 2007, the Kia Spectra compact sedan and Spectra5 five-door enter their fourth year on the market by offering exterior and interior upgrades to all trim lines (LX, EX, SX and Spectra5 SX five-door). Both vehicles continue to offer sporty styling, class-leading safety and a plethora of standard features all at a tremendous value.
In 2006, Spectra was named the 'Most Delightful Vehicle of 2005' by Strategic Vision in the Small Car Segment, a Consumer Guide 'Recommended Buy' and a 'Best Buy' by Consumers Digest. Spectra also was named one of the 'Greenest Cars for 2006' by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE). In the 2005 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS), the Spectra sedan was ranked second in the Compact Sedan Segment, with a better IQS score than its key competitors, including the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus and Mazda3. The Spectra sedan also received Consumers Digest's coveted 'Best Buy' award in 2005, and the Spectra5 was named one of the '10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000' by Kelley Blue Book.
Available as a four-door sedan in three trim levels – LX, EX and sport-tuned SX – or as the Spectra5 SX five-door, the Spectra model lineup continues to offer a comprehensive list of standard and available safety features that make it stand out from the crowd in a hotly competitive compact-car market.
The Spectra SX sedan and Spectra5 SX five-door are the sporty image leaders for the Spectra lineup and feature class-leading safety equipment, a sport-tuned, four-wheel independent suspension and newly designed 16-inch wheels and tires for better steering response and handling. Other standard features include cruise control, a strut tower bar for a stiffer chassis and better turn-in, and sporty design touches such as unique front and rear fascias and fog lights. Standard enhancements inside the cabin include a new black interior with sport fabric seats and door panels, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob with perforated leather, metal-finish trim throughout the interior and metal pedals.
The Spectra and Spectra5 SX follow Kia's brand philosophy of offering best-in-class safety equipment, with the use of six standard airbags, including dual advanced front air bags, front seat-mounted side airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags. Four-wheel disc brakes and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) are standard on all Spectra models, with four-sensor, four-channel anti-lock brakes available as optional equipment for the Spectra SX and Spectra5 SX models
Additional safety features include: an impact-absorbing steering column, front seatbelt pre-tensioners and force limiters, three-point seatbelts for all five seating positions, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) and child safety door latches.
Spectra offers one of the roomiest interiors in its class with 97 cubic feet for the sedan and 98.1 cubic feet for Spectra5 SX. When it comes to cargo capacity, Spectra5 SX offers 18.3 cubic feet while the Spectra sedan's large trunk offers 12.2 cubic feet of storage space.
Incorporating Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and multi-port fuel injection, the Spectra and Spectra5 SX are powered by a 2.0-liter DOHC engine that produces 138 horsepower and 136 lb.-ft. of torque¹. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, while an improved electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission is available as an option on EX, SX and Specrta5 SX.
Spectra's suspension layout uses MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link design in the rear, and was carefully tuned to achieve the optimum balance between a comfortable ride and responsive handling. Front and rear stabilizer bars are standard on all Spectra models and handling is aided by a precise rack-and-pinion steering system equipped with engine-speed-sensitive power assist.
A sport-tuned four-wheel independent suspension provides both the Spectra SX and the Spectra5 SX with an athletic stance, while a strut tower bar provides additional torsional rigidity for better handling and quicker turn-in.
Like all of Kia's vehicles, each model features an impressive list of standard features inside and out, including: auto-off headlights, AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers including door-mounted tweeters, height adjustable steering column, tachometer, six-way adjustable driver's seat, digital clock, dual 12-volt power outlets in the center console, height-adjustable front seat belt anchors, tinted glass, rear window defroster and dual map lights with sunglasses holder.
The Spectra EX, SX and Spectra5 SX models also offer such standard equipment as air conditioning, power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry and dual body-color heated power outside mirrors. Optional equipment includes a four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, cruise control, rear spoiler and a body kit that adds a front spoiler and rear valence.
Like all Kia models, Spectra and Spectra5 SX are covered by Kia's comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in the package are a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year or 60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year or 100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan is also part of the comprehensive coverage program.
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Compact SUV Offers Comfort, Convenience and Safety at a Tremendous Value
For 2007, the award-winning Kia Sportage continues to offer the same combination of comfort, convenience and class-leading safety features that have established the compact SUV as the value standard in the segment since its debut in 2005. An available Sport Package for LX V6 models adds distinctive features such as fog lights, sport gauge instrument cluster, black mesh grille, dark metallic gray bodyside cladding, leather steering wheel and shift knob, rear spoiler, cargo cover and the AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers from the EX trim level.¹
Designed with both young-at-heart and value-conscious customers in mind, Sportage places a heavy emphasis on safety. Its long list of standard safety features includes: six standard airbags (two advanced front airbags, two front-seat-mounted side airbags, and two full-length side-curtain airbags); four-wheel disc brakes with antilock brake system (ABS); traction control system (TCS); aluminum trim assist grips, and electronic stability control (ESC).
Sportage is an exceptionally spacious vehicle with an interior that can transport five adults in comfort, or fewer people and a wide variety of cargo with its innovative easy-to-use ‘Drop & Fold' rear seat.
The ‘Drop & Fold' rear seating system utilizes a 60/40 split cushion and backrest that allows the bottom cushion to move forward and down into the rear footwell area, which in turn allows the seat backrest to be folded completely flat and onto the same level as the trunk floor. This easy-to-perform operation can be carried out without removing the rear head restraints.
The ‘Drop & Fold' rear seat, plus the fold-flat front passenger seat, gives Sportage users a large number of seating/luggage carrying combinations. With all seats occupied, the Sportage can carry three sets of golf clubs in the load area. Maximum cargo volume is 66.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. The fold-flat front passenger seat allows for carrying long loads or simply providing more legroom for passengers traveling in the right rear seat. The fold-flat seat also can be utilized as a 'work table' for the driver when the vehicle is parked.
Access to Sportage's cabin is particularly easy, with large, wide-opening doors and especially generous legroom – 42.1 inches at the front and 37.2 inches at the rear. Front headroom is 40.7 inches, while rear headroom is 39.4 inches. Sportage's front seats can be fully reclined (with head rests removed) to meet second-row cushions for sleeping.
In addition to its sheer volume, customer convenience benefits offered by the load area include: a rear-cargo under-floor oddments tray (above the spare wheel), three seat-back hooks for grocery bags, six tie-down anchors in the floor, side-wall storage with net, and a two-position rear cargo cover.
Sportage also offers a wide range of storage compartments including a large center console with two-stage tray top², large lockable glove box, overhead sunglasses holder, map and cup holders in all four doors, rear-seat central armrest and floor-console dual cup holders. A handy shopping bag hook in the front-passenger area keeps bags upright and easily accessible.
Sportage comes with the choice of two engines, a five-speed manual or four-speed Sportmatic™ transmission, and the choice of either two-wheel or full-time four-wheel drive.
The 2.0-liter, 16-valve engine uses Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) to boost performance, enhance fuel economy and reduce emissions at low and mid-range rpm. This engine generates 140 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 136 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm, giving the Sportage competitive power for its class.
For even better performance, a powerful V6 engine is available, mated to a four-speed Sportmatic™ transmission. The lightweight, compact, DOHC 24-valve all-aluminum 2.7-liter engine generates 173 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque.
Fully independent suspension systems in both the front and rear are designed to deliver responsive on-road handling and a comfortable ride on a wide variety of road surfaces, while retaining long-wheel-travel and a genuine talent to perform with true off-road ability.
A four-channel, four-sensor, antilock brake system (ABS) is standard. This system incorporates electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), which helps to distribute braking force evenly to all four wheels as weight shifts during cornering. The standard traction control is a fully-automatic dual-mode system that either reduces engine power or applies the vehicle's brakes – or both when appropriate.
All Sportage models come with 16-inch alloy wheels. The four-cylinder Sportage LX is fitted with 215/65R16 tires, while Sportage V6 models make use of 235/60R16 BF Goodrich tires.
The Sportage LX model is loaded with standard equipment. In addition to antilock brakes (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), traction control system (TCS), electronic stability control (ESC), six airbags, and a choice of engines and drivetrains, the LX trim level also offers power windows with a driver's one-touch down feature, power mirrors, rear privacy glass, roof rack, and an AM/FM/CD stereo system with six speakers. Cruise control comes as standard equipment on all V6 models.
In addition to the V6 engine with automatic transmission, opting for the EX model adds a power-operated, one-touch sunroof, fog lights, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), heated outside mirrors, a leather-covered shift knob and steering wheel, illuminated ignition, remote keyless entry system, a cargo cover and upgraded seat fabric.
The EX also offers a Luxury Package, which includes leather seats and interior trim, heated front seats, automatic headlamps, electrochromatic interior mirror with HomeLink®, upgraded stereo system complete with subwoofer and external amplifier, and special body-color bumpers. The leather seats and trim are also available as a stand-alone option for the EX model.
Like all Kia models, the Sportage is covered by a comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in the package are a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty; a five-year or 60,000-mile limited basic warranty; and a five-year or 100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan is also part of the comprehensive coverage program.
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