<http://schema.org/articleBody>
"Kia says the all-new 2011 Sportage &amp;quot;will mark a dramatic shift in design direction&amp;quot; for the Korean manufacturer. It will be shown to the public for the first time at the Geneva Auto Show on March 2nd.   Kia says the new Sportage &amp;quot;successfully blends the key features of an SUV\u2014the commanding driving position and heightened sense of security and raised ground clearance\u2014and envelopes them in a sleek and urban-friendly design with global appeal.&amp;quot; Looking at the initial photos of the North American-specific Sportage, there&amp;#039;s no denying the clean and fresh lines of the 2011 model represent a major styling departure from the current Sportage, which is fairly blocky and slab-sided.   Kia hasn&amp;#039;t been forthcoming about mechanical particulars, preferring to leave something for the new Sportage&amp;#039;s launch at Geneva, but we do know it will ride on a longer wheelbase than the current model, providing for improved passenger space and cargo capacity, as well as a more comfortable ride. Overall length and width will also increase, but height will decrease. Don&amp;#039;t be surprised if Kia eliminates a V-6 option from the Sportage&amp;#039;s mix, choosing instead to focus on an efficient 2.4-liter 4-cylinder with about 175 bhp, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.   The 2011 Kia Sportage is scheduled to arrive at U.S. dealers late this summer. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-shows/geneva-auto-show/news/a15434/advanced-coverage-2011-kia-sportage/>