 | | | |  | | ROADTESTS | | Kia Sportage |  | Magazine - August 2001 | | SAC Kia Sportage
- Better all round - | | Kia’s popular Sportage 4x4 is widely praised for its off-road performance and excellent value for money. | | It does lack outright power though, especially at Highveld altitudes. | | A performance conversion from Steves Auto Clinic provides the solution. | | When Topcar tested the Kia Sportage back in 1998 we praised the little Korean’s capable off-road manners, excellent pricing and rugged looks. | |  | | | But being the committed petrolheads that we are, we would’ve liked a bit more power. | | We felt that the standard 2.0-litre 16-valve engine didn’t provide sufficient on-road grunt, especially when loaded or towing. | | Steves Auto Clinic (SAC) appears to have the solution with its SAC Stage 1 conversion specifically designed for the Sportage. | | Aimed at improving cruising ability and fuel consumption, the kit offers a reasonably inexpensive way to up performance levels to more acceptable levels. | | The Stage 1 kit consists of two basic changes to the vehicle. Firstly, the standard exhaust system is replaced with a stainless steel, catalytic converter-free performance exhaust, which also carries a three-year guarantee. | |  | | | The next step is a programmable chip fitted in tandem with the Sportage’s standard computer processing unit (CPU). Mapping is done on SAC’s ultra accurate dynometer using the latest air-to-fuel ratio equipment, allowing for optimal fuel and ignition timing maps. | | Fitted, the Sportage gains a 15 percent power increase and SAC claims that there is no increase in fuel consumption or engine/exhaust noise levels. | | In SAC trim the Sportage driver can look forward to 108 kW at 5 358 r/min and 205 Nm of torque at 4 277 r/min, compared to the standard car’s 94kW at 5 300 r/min and 175 Nm at 4 700 r/min respectively. | | After testing at Gerotek this Sportage certainly made an impression. Its best 0-100 km/h time of 14.29 sec was over 2 sec faster than the standard vehicle. | |  | | | Tractability times improved markedly as well. The standard Sportage managed a best 60-100 km/h run in fourth gear in 17.27 sec while the SAC version shed just over a second. | | No 80-120 km/h run was attained previously due to the kilometre straight at Gerotek being too short for the standard Kia to complete the test. The SAC car managed however, and clocked 28.18 sec in fifth gear. Top speed come to 173.7 km/h compared to the previously attained 154.5 km/h. | | There’s no denying the best results – the SAC Kia certainly has more poke underfoot. And its translated into everyday driving as well. The Sportage accelerates more freely, overtakes with less driver panic and allows for greater loads to be carried with ease. And the performance exhaust makes a pleasantly sporty note without being overbearing. | | The Kia Sportage Stage 1 conversion delivers on what is promised; and at the price it represents excellent value for money. | | The kit can be fitted as an aftermarket accessory or an option to a new vehicle. It comes with a full warranty by SAC. | | Performance comparison | | | KIA Sportage | SAC KIA Sportage | | Power: | 94 kW @ 5 500 r/min | 108 kW @ 5 358 r/min | | Torque: | 175 Nm @ 4 700 r/min | 205 Nm @ 4 277 r/min | | Performance: | | | | 0-100 km/h: | 16.47 sec | 14.29 sec | | Top speed: | 154.5 km/h | 173.7 km/h | | Quarter-mile: | | | | Time/speed: | 20.14 sec/109.6 km/h | 19.35 sec/115.1 km/h | | 1-km sprint: | | | | Time/speed: | 37.58 sec/133.9 km/h | 35.9 sec/143.7 km/h | | Tractability: | | | | 60-100 km/h (4th): | 17.27 sec | 16.25 sec | | 80-120 km/h (5th): | Not attained | 28.18 sec | | Price: | R169 980 | R174 180 | | | | | Click Here to get an SAC consultant to advise you! | | Click here for more about our conversions | Performance / power conversions, modifications, engine upgrades available for Alfa, Audi, BMW, Chev, Chrysler, Colt, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Isuzu, Jeep, Kia, Mazda, Mercedes, Mini, Nissan, Opel, Toyota, VW and more... | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |  | Performance / Power enhancement conversions | | Petrol & Diesel conversions, modifications, engine upgrades available for: | | Alfa, Audi, BMW, Chev, Chrysler, Colt, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Isuzu, Jeep, Kia, Mazda, Mercedes, Mini, Nissan, Opel, Toyota, VW and more... | | | | | | | | | | | |
