Kia Sportage I 2.0i 16V (118 Hp)


Overall Rating

6.7 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.0 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 2.8 / 5
Comfort 3.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Kia Sportage:

The Kia Sportage is a series of automobiles manufactured by the South Korean manufacturer Kia since 1993 through five generations. Initially a compact SUV built on a body-on-frame chassis, the second-generation Sportage transitioned to a car-based platform which placed it into the compact crossover SUV class, and was originally developed alongside the Hyundai Tucson and since the fifth-generation model launched in 2021, in two sizes with different wheelbase lengths for different markets, alongside the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Kia Sorento....(Read more on Wikipedia)

I Overview:

Kia Sportage (I). With 166 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1440 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 14.7 s). The top speed reaches 172 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The first-generation Kia Sportage was not tested by Euro NCAP. Safety features were basic for its era, lacking advanced driver aids common in later models.

2.0i 16V (118 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

Offers adequate power for daily driving, though acceleration is leisurely, typical for a 90s compact SUV.

Fuel Economy

Fuel consumption is moderate, especially in urban settings, reflecting older engine technology.

Best Use Case: Mixed driving / Light off-road

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Affordable purchase price
  • • Decent off-road capability (especially 4x4 models)
  • • Practical and spacious interior for its class
  • • Simple and robust mechanicals
  • • Good ground clearance

Cons:

  • • Poor fuel economy (petrol engines)
  • • Sluggish acceleration (especially lower power and automatic variants)
  • • Dated safety features (no Euro NCAP rating)
  • • Lack of refinement on-road
  • • Interior quality is basic
  • • Rust can be an issue on older models

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(K00: 1997 - 2006).

General:
Brand:Kia
Model:Sportage
Generation:I
Modification (Engine):2.0i 16V (118 Hp)
Start of production:1998
End of production:2006
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:SUV
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:118 Hp @ 5300 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:59.1 Hp/l [71mm more]
Torque:166 Nm @ 4500 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:FE More details about the engine FE
Engine displacement:1998
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Engine oil capacity:4.3 l
Coolant:7.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:86 mm mm
Piston Stroke:86 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.2:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:13.6 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:8.3 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:14.7 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:14.7 sec
Maximum speed:172 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:12.2 kg/Hp, 81.9 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:8.7 kg/Nm, 115.3 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:14 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1440
Max. weight:1930
Max load:490
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1510 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:373 l
Fuel tank capacity:60 l
Size:
Length:4316 mm mm [71mm more]
Width:1764 mm mm [34mm more]
Height:1695 mm mm [45mm more]
Wheelbase:2650 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1440 mm
Rear (Back) track:1440 mm
Powertrain:
Drive wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size205/70 R15
Wheel rims size15
Front suspensionDouble wishbone
Rear suspensionSpring Strut

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