1999 KIA SPORTAGE 2-DOOR CONVERTIBLE
DELIVERS AFFORDABLE FUN IN THE SUN

IRVINE, Calif., - Kia's latest model is the all-new 1999 Kia Sportage 2-Door Convertible. The versatile outdoor-fun vehicle is based on the rugged four-door Sportage, combining that award-winning vehicle's true off-pavement capabilities with the joy of open-air motoring.  As with all Kia vehicles, it is a value leader in its segment with a suggested retail price more than $1000 less than comparable vehicles.

Unlike the unit-body construction of many of its car-based competitors, the Sportage 2-Door Convertible's ladder frame -- with six stout crossmembers -- provides a high level of torsional rigidity and the toughness four-wheeling demands. Kia enlisted Modem Engineering to help with the chassis design, while Lotus helped tune the double-wishbone front suspension and four-link rear suspension for superior ride and handling. Ground clearance is a serious 7.9 inches for off-pavement adventuring, while its approach and departure angles of 36.2 degrees and 36.5 degrees, respectively, mark the Sportage 2-Door Convertible as a vehicle built for go-anywhere fun.

The Sportage 2-Door Convertible maintains the ruggedness of the vehicle that conquered the tough Baja 1000 in a size that's even easier to maneuver. At 156.4 inches, it is 13.9 inches shorter than the Sportage four-door, while its front and rear track are the same at 56.7 inches.  It rides on a 92.9-inch wheelbase, compared to the 104.3-inch wheelbase of the four-door. The shorter wheelbase makes the Sportage 2-Door Convertible even nimbler than the four-door version, which has been praised for its handling abilities on difficult terrain.

The new Sportage 2-Door Convertible features the same durable engine that has made the Sportage a successful off-road racer. From an original Mazda design, Kia has modified the tough 130-horsepower 2.0-liter dual overhead cam engine that now meets the Transitional Low Emission Vehicle (TLEV) standard. Equipped with Bosch fuel injection, the 16-valve engine develops 170 lb.-ft of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. The combination of horsepower and torque gives the Sportage 2-Door Convertible the flexibility to handle both on-and off-pavement duties with equal aplomb.

Despite its ability to tame the wild outdoors, the new model offers substantial interior comfort for a vehicle its size, with a generous amount of leg, shoulder and head room, front and rear.   Cargo space with all seats in place is a surprising 13.0 cubic feet. With the rear seat folded, space increases to 39.4 cubic feet.

The convertible top is manually operated and has been designed to fold down quickly and easily out of the way. It can be removed completely or stored under a self-contained tonneau.  The open configuration at the rear of the vehicle provides open-air touring for the rear seat passengers as well as easy access for hard-to-carry items.

The 1999 Sportage 2-Door Convertible is offered in two configurations:  4x2 with automatic transmission and 4x4 with manual transmission. In conjunction with the rear-wheel-drive configuration, the four-speed automatic transmission is electronically controlled for smooth shifts and good fuel economy. The four-wheel-drive configuration features the smooth-shifting, Getrag-designed five-speed gearbox along with a beefy two-speed transfer case. Four-wheel-drive enthusiasts will appreciate the vacuum-operated front hubs. The Warn hubs automatically disengage when the driver shifts out of four-wheel drive. The hubs do not require stopping and backing up, and the system eliminates the requirement of manual hubs for towing.

In addition to offering outstanding quality, affordability and value, the Kia Sportage 2-Door Convertible comes with two reassuring warranties: three-year/36,000 mile basic limited warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. All Kia owners are protected by Extra-Mile Care, a program that includes 24-hour roadside assistance for the length of the basic limited warranty.