Kia is introducing a seven-year/150,000km warranty for 2008 model year Sportage compact SUVs manufactured at its facility in Zilina, Slovakia.
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The warranty is similar to that which comes with every Ceed model built in the same plant – Kia’s first in Europe. It is transferable to subsequent owners provided the vehicle is serviced according to the manufacturer’s schedule.
Sportage production began there in August 2007 and Kia will back-date the cover to all Sportage models made in Europe since then.
All 2008 Sportage models will also be covered by a new 10-year anti-corrosion warranty.
The Slovak-built models have a re-styled front grille, black bezel headlamps, enlarged door mirrors, new-style alloy wheels, a broader range of paint finishes and body-colour bumpers.
Technical improvements for 2008 include power steering re-tuned to be a little more direct, stiffer dampers and larger 300mm diameter front brakes.
Inside, the front seats are longer (by 40 mm) and wider (by 20 mm) and the rear seat has been reshaped and lowered 5mm to increase headroom.
Wind noise has been reduced by redesigning the door mirror housings and improving the seals around the electric sunroof. The 2008 Sportage has 12.5% more towing capacity than the previous model – now up to a maximum of 1800 kg.
