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Kia Sportage K00 2.0 TD (83 Hp)
Overall Rating
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)
K00 Overview:
Kia Sportage (K00). With 195 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.5 l/100km). With a weight of 1465 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 20.5 s). The top speed reaches 145 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Kia Sportage K00 generation was not tested by Euro NCAP. As a vehicle from the late 90s, its passive safety features would be rudimentary compared to modern standards, likely offering basic protection for occupants.
2.0 TD (83 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Still underpowered with 83 Hp, but the manual gearbox provides slightly better acceleration (20.5 sec 0-100 km/h) and more driver control compared to the automatic variant.
Fuel Economy
Identical combined fuel economy of 9.1 l/100 km to the automatic, offering reasonable efficiency for a diesel SUV of its time. Good for mixed driving.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Genuine off-road capability due to body-on-frame construction and 4x4 system.
- • Excellent value for money as a used vehicle.
- • Relatively spacious interior for its class.
- • Simple, robust mechanics make it easier to maintain.
- • Distinctive, rugged styling.
Cons:
- • Generally poor on-road performance, especially with diesel engines.
- • High fuel consumption for petrol variants.
- • Dated interior design and materials.
- • Limited modern safety features.
- • Prone to rust, particularly on the chassis and bodywork.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(K00: 1994 - 2006).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Kia |
| Model: | Sportage |
| Generation: | K00 |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.0 TD (83 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1997 |
| End of production: | 2006 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 83 Hp @ 4000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 41.5 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 195 Nm @ 2000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | RF More details about the engine RF |
| Engine displacement: | 1998 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger |
| Engine oil capacity: | 6.4 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 86 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 86 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 21:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 11.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 9.1 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 20.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 20.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 145 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 17.7 kg/Hp, 56.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.5 kg/Nm, 133.1 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 19.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1465 |
| Max. weight: | 1930 |
| Max load: | 465 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 640 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 347 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 60 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4245 mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1730 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1650 mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2650 mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1440 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1440 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/75 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Spring Strut |
Your first impression of the Kia Sportage in one word? Go!