1999 SPORTAGE

HOW CAN A GUTSY SUV BE SO AFFORDABLE???

We've built the new 1999 Sportage to handle the roughest commute as well as the toughest rut-riddled dirt roads - at a starting price of under $15,000.  Thats how

The price is amazing considering that the Sportage is a true SUV, with generous ground clearance, double - wishbone front suspension, a 16- valve, 2.0-Liter dual-overhead-cam engine with 130 horsepower.  It's you're ticket to SUV heaven.  And with triple airbags, too.

It's almost as tough as a tank but much prettier.  And easier to park!!!

When you are looking for an SUV you're trying to get more out of life and yet sumplify it at the same time.  You want it to smoothly handle the daily grind in a world of brick, asphalt and right angles.  But, when the weekend comes you want it to growl and cover the ground where there's no paving and no roads.

Fill'er up

With 125.7 cubic feet of interior room, how much you get out of it - or rather into it - is up to you Tents? Skis? Fifty- five gallon drums of spaghetti sauce from a ware house club?  Bring 'em on.  You also get power windows, mirrors and door locks, an on- board diagnostic system to monitor vital signs, a theft- deterrent system and dual cupholder.

Tough love

Back to that "tough as a tank" part.  The ladder frame - with six cross members - provides a high level of torsional stiffness for enhanced ride and handling.   You'll love the feel.  The Sportage was the world's first vehicle to have a knee airbag working in conjunction with the steering wheel- mounted airbag to five drivers unprecedented protection in a collision.  There are frame and sheetmetal "crush zones" to absorb collision impact and steel side- door impact beams to help prevent intrusion into the passenger compartment.