kia sportage 2011

Kia redesigned its midsize Sorento for 2011, and the Kia Sportage is next in line. In fact, based on its introduction at the 2010 New York Auto Show, several reviewers say it looks like a scaled-down version of its big brother.

Aside from the new aggressive-looking sheetmetal, the redesigned Sportage gets a new all-wheel drive system, two new engines (including a turbocharged four-cylinder), a new cabin design, and more standard features than ever.

Kia hasn’t yet announced fuel economy numbers, but says the engines are expected to provide better figures than the 2010 Sportage. A new quick-ratio electric power steering system will also save on fuel and improve handling. The Sportage is expected to earn fuel economy ratings similar to its Hyundai Tucson cousin, which would make it one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in the class. The base Tucson is rated at 23 mpg in the city and 31 on the highway.

The Sportage will continue to offer Kia’s great warranty coverage: a five-years/60,000-mile basic warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty

Key Details

The 2011 Sportage will be offered in two trims, LX and EX. The base LX model is expected to come with more equipment than before, providing Bluetooth and satellite radio as standard features. The uplevel EX is expected to come with more innovative and luxury features than Kia typically offers -- such as a panoramic sunroof, heated and cooled seats, a cooled glove box, and Kia’s new UVO voice control system (a system similar to Ford’s SYNC).

The Sportage’s new base engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that makes 176 horsepower. Sometime after launch, Kia also plans to offer a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in mid-2011 (horsepower has not yet been announced). These will be paired with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

The Sportage’s new all-wheel drive system is biased toward the front wheels but also includes a lock feature that splits torque between the front and rear wheels at speeds up to 25 mph. Though it’s designed more for inclement weather than rough terrain, the system comes with Hill Start Assist Control and Downhill Brake Control, which help out when driving on uphill grades or steep descents.

Stay tuned for our full review of the 2011 Kia Sportage

BMW X1: Brand New Sports Activity Vehicle introduced in Qatar

BMW's popular X model expands its model offering.

Doha- BMW is setting a new benchmark in the compact Sports Activity Vehicle segment with the launch of the newest member of its X model range, the all-new BMW X1. The youngest model to join the hugely successful X Sports Activity Vehicle portfolio comes with all of the features typical of the BMW X range, but at the same time offers a new interpretation of BMW's Sheer Driving Pleasure.

The driving characteristics of the BMW X1 offer the perfect combination of supreme agility and versatile sportiness with an appearance of a Sports Activity Vehicle and the agility of a BMW 1 Series.   Available in Qatar with two engine variants and measuring 4.45 metres in length, this five-door stands out from every angle as a BMW X model.

The BMW X1 xDrive25i has 218hp, reaching 100Km/h in 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 223 Km/h.  Also available is the sporting and economic sDrive 18i, a 2.0 litre four cylinder engine with 150hp. Accelerating this agile performer from 0-100 km/h takes just 10.4 seconds and provides a top speed of 200 km/h.

The interior of the BMW X1 is characterised by clear functionality and modern style. The elevated seating position, a generous feeling of space, the wide range of storage options and the variable interior offer ideal conditions for enjoying the BMW X1 both in an urban environment and beyond.

The BMW X1 features an extremely stable body structure designed for maximum occupant safety. It achieved the highest score of five stars in the Euro NCAP crash test.  NCAP (New Car Assement Programme) is regarded as one of the most important and demanding tests required for new vehicles worldwide.   

The test scenario covers accident types such as the head-on collision, side crash and side impact against a steel post. 

Modern drive-train technology gives the BMW X1 superior performance and efficiency all in one. The driver benefits from a powerful, economical and low-emission engine, BMW’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive technology, as well as a range of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies to reduce emissions and fuel consumption. The suspension technology featured in the BMW X1 offers high-precision power steering, high performance brakes and Dynamic Stability Control including Dynamic Traction Control.

The BMW X1 comes with the latest generation of BMW iDrive functions, including the 6.5inch Business or 8.8inch Professional navigation systems. The iDrive system has been updated to provide easy access to all telecommunication, audio and entertainment functions.

“Our BMW X5 and X6 models do exceptionally well in Qatar so we are delighted to enrich our X model offering with the launch of the X1.   It will be the entry level X model variant positioned below the X3 so we expect this model to attract a younger audience to our X model line-up," said Mr. Mohamed Kandeel, General Manager at Alfardan Automobiles, the exclusive BMW and MINI importer in Qatar.

The new BMW X1 is now available in Qatar at Alfardan Automobiles.

New Hyundai ix35 Redefines Compact SUV Cars with Style

The new Hyundai ix35 stands out on style with a bold statement to challenge compact SUV market

 Sydney, Australia (Vocus/PRWEB ) May 19, 2010 -- Hyundai fights back the competition in the compact SUV market with a real contender, the all new Hyundai ix35. Developed as an urban cruiser, ix35 is compact and agile for life in the city, yet tough and versatile for out-of-town travel.

 Hyundai Australia

Designed at Hyundai's Design Centre Europe at Russelsheim in Germany, Hyundai's development team started with a clean slate and moved away from the two-box off-roader look in favour of a sleeker, more refined profile while simultaneously achieving a roomier cabin, extra storage capacity and excellent fuel economy.

 The new ix35 symbolises the evolution of the brand's exterior and interior design, through the introduction of 'Fluidic Sculpture', an architectural language which will be embodied in future models from Hyundai Motor Company.

 Described as sporty, stylish, sleek, modern and compact, Hyundai ix35 features the 'Fluidic Sculpture' design which symbolises the flow of water. Clearly contoured surfaces are delineated by defined, naturally graduating lines. A subtle yet powerful double 'Z' form emerges from the body. The concave sills have a wedge-shaped profile extending rearward, wrapping around into the rear bumper.

 Inside ix35's cabin, a definitive 'X' zone characterises the centre fascia with black and metallic finishes throughout the interior. The four spoke steering wheel incorporates controls for management of audio and cruise control systems. All instruments and gauges are backlit in Hyundai's signature blue colour.

 The Hyundai ix35 offers the latest in seating design and technology. The driver's seat offers six-way electric adjustment plus electric lumbar support, allowing taller drivers to find a comfortable driving position. Added seating conveniences include second row armrest with dual cup holders and multiple seating layout configurations.

 Plenty of storage is available from 19 different storage options, as well as a standard luggage screen cover provide privacy and security for valuables in the cargo area, while a luggage net (standard on Elite and Highlander models), secures loose items.

 New Hyundai ix35 is available in three trim levels, Active, Elite and top of the range Highlander. With a wide choice of engines and transmissions plus a range of premium features including rear camera, panorama glass roof and full iPod® integration, new ix35 brings 'designer' style and luxury to the compact SUV segment.

Hyundai Motor Company Australia

 Established in 1967, the Hyundai Automotive Group is the world's fifth largest and fastest growing major automotive manufacturer. Hyundai Motor Company Australia Pty Ltd (HMCA) was established on October 1st, 2003 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company. The award-winning range of Hyundai vehicles continues to set segment and industry benchmarks in value, quality and safety, with innovations such as ESP Stability Program and Australia's first five-year warranty with unlimited kilometres.

Alfardan Automobiles provide Joy to Qatar Media With the New BMW 5 Series

Doha – Alfardan Automobiles, the exclusive importer of BMW in Qatar, has showcased the new BMW 5 Series with a test drive event for media around the streets of Doha.

The new 5 Series, which arrived in Qatar in March 2010, marks the epitome of aesthetic design and supreme driving pleasure in the upper midrange segment. With its sporting and elegant design, excellent comfort and the highest standard in efficiency in its class, the sixth generation of this immensely successful executive sedan is expected to continue the BMW success story.

Alfardan Automobiles media drive event took place on the 11^th May and saw leading business, lifestyle and automotive journalists test drive the new BMW 523 and BMW 535 models on a circuit from the importer’s showroom in West Bay to the Pearl-Qatar and back. BMW trainers provided interactive training to ensure an unforgettable driving experience.

Mr. Mohamed Kandeel, General Manager at Alfardan Automobiles, said:  “With the 5 Series being an important model for BMW, we wanted to give the media an opportunity to test drive the sheer driving pleasure of this new model.  The drive event was a huge success with us receiving many positive comments for the design and new technology features."

Some of the wide range of sophisticated driving and comfort features offered in the new BMW 5 Series include Dynamic Drive Control with three modes: comfort, normal, sport and sport +;  Comfort Start; Head-Up Display;   Multi-Channel Audio System, Rear Seat Entertainment;  Four-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning and BMW iDrive control.

BMW ConnectedDrive also offers a unique range of driver-assist technology functions for enhanced comfort and safety. For the first time the new BMW 5 Series comes with a Parking Assistant, an optional feature that facilitates the process of parking; Active Cruise Control , Surround View and Rear View Camera,  Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning and BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition.

The new BMW 5 Series is available in Alfardan Automobiles West Bay and Suhaim bin Hamad showrooms.

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