Best in Class Residual Value for 2011 Kia Sportage from ALG

Following recent results released by American automotive data provider ALG, the new 2011 Kia Sportage compact utility vehicle leads the CUV segment, as it has achieved the highest residual value rating. Kia, along with BMW and Subaru, achieved the industry’s highest individual rankings with a mark of 66 for the Sportage Base trim.

The rating of 61 percent of original MSRP for 36 months of ownership is, in fact, 20 points higher than the current 2010 model year residual value.

“Kia Motors’ design-led transformation is driving more and more buyers to Kia dealerships for popular new models like Soul, Forte, Sorento and soon the new Sportage, as evidenced by our best-ever first half year sales,” said Tom Loveless, VP sales, Kia Motors America (KMA). “The best ALG rating for the Kia brand and for Sportage strengthens the Kia value proposition and consumer confidence by providing higher resale value and great leasing options that benefit the buyer.”

To be released soon in the US in three trims, Base, LX and EX, the model will retail starting from $18,295. The medium LX trim starts at $20,295, while the top of the range EX retails from $23,295.

The CUV will come in a choice of two engines, a 2.4l DOHC (176 hp) and a 2.0l turbo GDI (270 hp), with the latter to become available in 2011. Both engines will be offered with either a front-wheel drive or a Dynamax all-wheel drive configuration. Dynamax reportedly monitors driving conditions continuously. Featuring a multi-plate clutch, the coupling system is fully controllable via an electro-hydraulic actuation system.