KIA Sportage

First Drive
Didn't think you could buy a softtop sport/utility for under $15,000? Kia's recently released Sportage Convertible proves you can. Based on the two-door version of the mini-compact Sportage platform, this Kia sunrunner is designed to compete with such other low-buck fun/utes as the Toyota RAV4, Isuzu Amigo, and Jeep Wrangler. The Sportage enjoys a $1000 price advantage over the Amigo 4x2 and a nearly $2500 lower sticker than a comparable RAV4. However, a standard Wrangler begins at a nearly identical $14,090, and that's in 4x4 form.

Okay, you say, the Kia's cheap; but who wants a stripped-down sport/ute? Look again. Included in its roster of standards are power windows/door locks/mirrors, intermittent wipers, and three airbags (dual front plus Kia's exclusive driver-side knee bag). Kia's Extra-Mile Care even provides 24-hour roadside assistance. (For its base price, the Jeep is bare-bones only.)

This Korean-built softtop SUV is available in both 4x2 and 4x4 ($14,495 base) configurations; but the 4x2 wears only a four-speed automatic, while the 4x4 comes exclusively with a five-speed manual. The one and only engine choice is a 2.0-liter/130-horse DOHC four that pulls the 3100-pound Sportage around with decent verve. However, with only 127 pound-feet of torque available at a relatively high 4000 rpm, you have to rev it to get it. The engine is pleasantly smooth in operation and meets light truck Transitional Low Emission Vehicle standards. EPA city/highway ratings are 19/23 mpg for either driveline.

While exploring the eclectic (and way humid) Florida Keys, we dropped the tops on both 4x2 and 4x4 versions looking for relief from the heat. Frankly, it was more comfy with the top up and the air conditioner on, but we looked cooler in open-air mode, so that's how we drove. As with the Amigo and RAV4, only the rear portion of the Sportage's roof is foldable; the part over the front passengers is steel. This design provides not only increased occupant protection in case of a rollover, but keeps ol' Sol from dispensing skin cancer as readily.

Deploying the top is relatively easy, but buttoning up takes a minute or two. It's designed to be removed completely or stored under a tonneau, and when lowered, still leaves room for three-across rear seating (for really close friends). Storage space is at a premium with the seat up (only 14 cubic feet), but fold it down and you have 40 cubic feet of capacity.

When the sun is gone and the top is up, you'll tire of the din of wind pelting against the plastic side curtains on a long drive, but Kia isn't pretending to build a luxury car. The Sportage Convertible is, first and foremost, an affordable fun machine, targeting buyers in the 22-34 age range. It's now available through any of Kia's 420 dealers in 40 states.-Mike Collins