The Kia Sportage is gonna face very stiff competition from the upcoming Honda CRV when its launched next Tuesday. The CRV has better specs and if the price is kept to <152K, you can be sure it will take a chunk out of the Sportage sales unless Naza Kia start offering discounts.

Yes. Better than the Sportage for sure. These are some of the CRV 2.0L specs:

1) 6 airbags
2) ABS, EBD, BA
3) Stability Control
4) Emergency Stop System (ESS)
5) Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
6) Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
7) Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
8) Hill Decent Control (HDC)
9) Speed sensitive electric steering
10) Improved real time AWD system

Only drawback is the 5 speed auto.

This post has been edited by cybermaster98: Mar 1 2013, 01:42 PM

Looks wise the Sportage surely looks better. But besides this, the Sportage is no longer value for money compared to the upcoming CRV. Honda has upped the ante and if they can keep prices affordable with a 5 year unlimited mileage warranty thrown in, the CRV will be a clear winner in the medium range SUV bracket. The Sportage has been enjoying good sales for the past 6 mths but if Naza Kia doesnt start offering some decent promos now, their sales of the Sportage could take a big hit soon enough.

Does the Sportage come with the following?

1) Emergency Stop System (ESS)
2) Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
3) Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
4) Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)

If the answer is no to the above, then the CRV does have better specs. Period.

Its pointless talking about reviews and comparing the Sportage with other models out there. We are comparing spec to spec between the Sportage and the CRV and mind you the CRV has got some decent reviews out there. It doesnt matter if the Sportage is a 2011 model or not. As long as this is the model in the market, then this will be the model that will be compared.

Dont forget that the Japanese cars still have better engines, smoother auto transmissions and more efficient power delivery systems compared to the Koreans. This is an area which the Koreans need to improve on very soon. Offering better spec'd cars and affordable pricing is a great move but they have to start improving the drive trains if they wanna keep up with the Japs and Europeans.

The list i provided is not a list of what the CRV has in ADDITION to the Sportage. I gave you the list of features that the CRV has in GENERAL. I know very well what the Sportage has and doesnt have (i was among the first in the country to test drive the Sportage and it was before the launch..dont ask me how).

The point im trying to make is that the main selling advantage the new generation of Korean cars (Forte, Sportage & K5) had over the Japanese were mainly:

1) Better specs
2) Cheaper price
3) 5 year warranty period
4) Unlimited mileage warranty
5) Better design
6) Higher safety crash ratings

But with this new CRV, points 1, 3 & 4 are no longer applicable to the Sportage while No 5 is subjective. Naza Kia cannot continue to depend on point 2 & 6 to drive their sales anymore after this. They have to take action if they wish to maintain their market share.

The Japanese had the following advantages over the Koreans from Day 1 since the launch of the Forte:

1) More refined engines
2) Smoother automatic transmissions
3) Better power delivery
4) More comfort

These 4 points have yet to be replicated by the Koreans. Hence the need to continue to improve and remain competitive.

This post has been edited by cybermaster98: Mar 1 2013, 02:57 PM

Sorry but i think this is total crap and you know it. This just makes you sound like sour grapes much like how UMW tried to justify their ommision of the Stability Control feature on the Camry. Salesman talk doesnt get you anywhere. If u dont know what ESS is then please do the neccessary research before talking. Based on what you just said, it seems you dont even know what ABS is for.

If you knew me well enough, u would know that i own a K5 and im a Korean supporter but facts are facts and only those who have limited knowledge about cars will deny the points ive made above.

Never be a blind supporter of anything. Even though i own a K5, i will readily admit its flaws in comparison to the Camry and other D segments out there. Facts are facts and that cannot change.

This post has been edited by cybermaster98: Mar 1 2013, 03:05 PM

The list stayed the same. I ammended the list to show the specs which the CRV has IN ADDITION to the Sportage since some of the guys here couldnt understand simple English. Im sure u have a better command or the language dont you?

The CRV is the SAME RANGE as the Sportage. What the heck are you talking about? Do you even know what ure saying? Im actually shocked that Kia has such owners who know practically NOTHING about cars. You wont get into that argument cuz u dont know what ure talking about obviously.

If the CRV came out with a 150K price tag, it would still be a BETTER CHOICE compared to the Sportage. A difference of 12K with all the extras plus a more refined and proven engine, better handling and more efficient power delivery is surely WORTH the price.

Only an ignorant person who doesnt know much about cars would say the Sportage is good value compared to the upcoming CRV. Did you know that NAZA is already worried about the upcoming CRV? Did you know about the meeting they had in Glenmarie on 19 Feb to discuss this CRV because that's when they got the spec list? They already know the pricing and despite the higher price tag, they know that the CRV will be a threat to their sales. Dont ask me how i know but i know. If Naza themselves realise this, it would be utter ignorance on your part to keep saying the Sportage is a clear choice compared to the CRV.

Allow me to make a few things clear since you dont know much about cars in the first place.

ESS = Emergency Stop System is a system similar to BMW, Merc, Audi and a number of other cars which will automatically activate the brake and hazard lights during hard braking. The lights will blink rapidly to warn following vehicles that the CR-V is stopping abruptly, alleviating the risk of a collision. Nothing to do with moving seats.

ABS = Anti Lock Braking System which prevents wheel lock up during emergency braking and allows you to safely navigate around the obstacle. It also prevents lock up so that you dont skid and slam into an obstacle. It usually does not shorten braking distance. It does not control the car for you. It just controls the wheels. You still need to react and navigate as required.

CMBS = Collision Mitigation Braking System warns of an impending collision and applies the brakes to minimise an impact. Functions like the City Stop system on the new Ford Focus and probably works only at low speeds.

Its COMMON KNOWLEDGE that Korean engines are far from the best. Im not comparing against luxury makes. Even compared to the old generation Camry 2.0L engine, the Korean Theta 2 isnt as refined. Thats a FACT.

I dont see whats the problem in servicing conti cars. What layout are u talking? Do u even know what ure talking about? Even i can do a simple engine oil and filter replacement. Aint rocket science. Btw, we are not talking about servicing and maintenance here. Im refering to the QUALITY OF THE ENGINE. And yes u are right about Jap engines being able to compete with the European makes but please dont say Korean engines are of the same pedigree. They arent. They have improved but they have a long way to go.

Anyway, the discussion here is about the CRV vs the Sportage right?

U really have a problem understanding simple English eh? Nobody is talking about quality issues with a car. Im refering to FACTS about the Korean cars in general which are FACTS because its been PROVEN. Only an ignorant person like you would claim that the Korean engine is REFINED. Do you even know whats the meaning of refined? I guess not which is why u can't seem to argue your points with any knowledge. Do you know what is POWER DELIVERY? Again u dont rite? Typical.

Facts remain facts and i dont need to OWN a Sportage to know that. I own a Optima K5 and the engine is the same. Or didnt you know that? So i am speaking with ACTUAL OWNERSHIP KNOWLEDGE and at least im able to speak with factual knowledge rather than some fanboy argument which clearly shows your lack of maturity.

If you dont know much about cars, then ask questions and learn. Dont continue to be ignorant. Ignorance gets you nowhere.

(Btw, my family has 3 generations of Peugeot in addition to Kia's, Hyundai's and Toyota's. So i know exactly what im talking about unlike you. )

This post has been edited by cybermaster98: Mar 4 2013, 09:14 AM

That 19Peter78 is a guy who knows almost ZERO about cars. So for a typical ignorant guy like him, leather seats would surely be more important that a refined engine, better road handling and more efficient power delivery cuz he knows nothing about all these. And if you think along the same lines, then i suppose ure in the same boat.

I too was a ZERO knowledge person until i took the interest and made the effort to learn from others. If we continue to stick to what we know and not improve ourselves, we will remain at that same level.

Btw, im a family man as well.

Well said! Why didnt u just buy a Myvi at half the price and have leather seats installed? And please spare me the bullshit about space cuz the Myvi has similar interior space as the Sportage and the boot space of the Sportage aint all that big either. Im sure now ull come with the safety argument eh? Ill respond to that too once uve said it.

Just goes to show how ignorant and foolish you are. You have finally realised that you have no means to have an intellectual conversation because you lack the knowledge and facts to argue so you have to resort to childish retorts to salvage yer pride.

I find it so amusing how a technical conversation about car specs can dwaddle down to such a immaterial conversation about leather seats vs all the other more important technical aspects of a car ownership. Only a fool like yourself will make a big deal out of leather seats. Im sure u didnt realise that you can get leather seats installed at any roadside car accessory shop while getting a refined engine and more efficient power delivery system may not be an item off the shelf.

A sad case of ignorance of the highest order. Kindly do not ever contribute any facts on this forum. Please dont ever go to the Mazda, VW or Audi forums and say that leather seats was among the top priorities for ya. Ull become an instant laughing stock. Kinda embarassed to say both of us are Kia owners.

Btw, im not talking with my mouth or ass here since this is an online forum. Also baffles me how you can 'smell' on an online forum? Oops! Forgot. U lack the common sense to argue like an adult. Im just using my God given brains which ive put to good use. U wanna learn how to use yours?

This post has been edited by cybermaster98: Mar 4 2013, 02:51 PM

Im telling you Korean engines CANNOT compete with the Japs because they lack the REFINEMENT and POWER DELIVERY. Got it? Either way you were WRONG.

Do you know anything about suspension? A suspension is hard because its tuned for handling while a soft suspension system is tuned for comfort. You cannot get the best of both worlds unless ure driving a car with adaptive suspension. Simple fact which you have clearly misunderstood.

So u really dont read that much do you? U just prove me right over and over again. The Japanese (Toyota, Nissan and Honda) are known as the among the most reliable car makers on the planet. Even the Europeans have admitted to that fact together with numerous international surveys done over the years. Only YOU are still living in the Dark Ages and thinking the other way around. Do u even know what is RELIABILITY? Its not that they wont ever break down, but the CHANCES of them breaking down is much less compared to Conti or Korean and thats a FACT.

Car recalls have been conducted by ALL car manufacturers because nobody can make a PERFECT car simply because cars are made by production lines and no production line in the world for any industry can have a perfect assembly.

U gauge a car manufacturer's recall effect by the number of cars?? How do you expect Kia to recall a LARGE number of cars when their annual sales are barely 1/3 of Toyota?

And what nonsense are you talking about ABS being hot and no grip? ABS is a system not a brake. The system only functions during HARD braking when the tyre locks. If your previous Lancer had loss of grip issues then its a problem with your car alone as ive heard of any other Lancer with such problems.

This post has been edited by cybermaster98: Mar 4 2013, 03:09 PM

I guess u werent reading what i wrote earlier eh? Let me explain. Do you know the difference between ACTIVE and PASSIVE safety features? The CRV has more ACTIVE safety which is more important because it helps PREVENT accidents. Airbags are passive safety which help once the impact has taken place. Which would you rather have? Better active safety or passive? Its a no brainer question.

Secondly, do u know how many trims are there for the CRV? The version with the 4 airbags is the BASE MODEL. Wait for the spec list to be revealed tomorrow and see if Honda launches a higher end model or not.

As for your comment on looks. Did u read my first few posts where i listed the advantages of the Sportage? I guess u just blabber on without checking your facts eh? Any design is subjective so its pointless talking about it. My sole point of discussion was the SPECIFICATIONS including engine, transmission and power delivery. Why do u keep diverting? Running out of points?

Since u brought up safety crash ratings, did u know that the CRV got slightly higher frontal crash ratings by the NHTSA for the driver compared to the Sportage? Bet u didnt know that yet eh?

Any no im not gonna trade in my K5 for the CRV simply because i have no interest in a SUV.

Better handling has NOTHING to do with feeling the road la. Do u know whats the meaning of handling ah? If u dont know just ask la. Why keep saying things and making me laugh?

Handling refers to a number of aspects like steering feedback, cornering ability, swerving, centre of gravity, braking, road holding and aerodynamics.

Of course everybody has their own choice. Did i say you must replace your Sportage with the CRV??

Did u even read my post? I said the CRV has got better specs and Naza Kia should start offering some better discounts or promos to make sure the Sportage remains attractive. It was YOU who started this war by saying that the CRV is NOT better than the Sportage but now after ive clearly proven to you that the CRV is better, now u have no where else to turn so u start talking about personal choices? Ive brought up MANY advantages of the CRV while u can only talk about design, leather seats and your 6 speed auto which is NOTHING compared to what the CRV offers.

Dont u know how to argue based on FACTS? Cant u argue in a MATURE MANNER? Being able to argue like an ADULT is about fighting fact against fact not talking about PERSONAL PREFERENCES. You brought up rubbish facts and i answered to each of your arguments.

And what 3 yr old car u refering to??? Just because a particular model arrives late in Malaysia doesnt make it a old model. Did u know that the design process for a particular model starts about 5 years before the actual launch??? As i said before, if u dont know then ask.

And since when is safety based on what you need? If that's the basis of your argument, then why u need airbags? Better just drive at 30kmph everywhere so that you wont need an airbag rite? Thats the same stupid argument that Toyota said when ppl asked them why the stability control was removed from the Camry. They said Malaysians didnt ask for it and didnt need it. U sound as foolish as them.

Before this u were talking about 5 star safety bla bla bla but now ure saying safety features based on NEED. What the hell u talking la? Nobody said the Sportage is a bad car. Its a good effort by Kia but they cannot afford to rest. The competition from the Japanese is very stiff. Honda especially is improving alot in the past 2 years. Now with the CRV, it will again become the best selling SUV and it will affect the sales of the Sportage. Only an ignorant person like you will not see this threat.

This post has been edited by cybermaster98: Mar 4 2013, 07:10 PM

U think a 6 speed auto will ensure your fuel consumption remains low?

Did u know that the 4 speed Camry 2.0L is more fuel efficient than the 6 speed K5? The same goes for the Sportage. It is not as fuel efficient as the Sportage. Thats why i keep on saying power delivery. If your power delivery is crap, then alot of that power is lost in translation and doesnt reach the wheels. Thats why Korean engines are not as fuel efficient as Japanese and its a FACT. Thats wht ive been trying to tell u all this while. Fuel consumption is not just related to gear ratios. There are many other factors which determine that. Go do some reading up instead of trying to argue here with ZERO knowledge.

Im actually laughing at u bro. Until today u still have no idea what a refined engine is. In your little world, refinement is about horsepower. Such a pity. Such limited automotive knowledge.

U suddenly realise where the Japs stand in terms of engine and tech? When u have no where to turn then u claim to have known something all along? U really make me laugh.

I suppose you have conveniently forgotten my first statement in which i said the new CRV will eat into the Sportage sales and naza needs to do something to boost sales e.g promos, discounts, etc.

But i give u credit for 1 thing. U backed out of the discussion when it got too technical. Sadly for that Peter guy, his ego continued to rule and he ended up embarassing himself with his clear lack of knowledge. Imagine driving a 138K vehicle and not knowing what ABS stands for. Pathetic!

This post has been edited by cybermaster98: Mar 6 2013, 04:47 PM

Well we both know that u werent laughing cuz u were busy getting thrashed by your own words. I used everything u said against you and u were desperately twisting and turning to get out of the hole u dug yerself into. And now u think u can escape by juist saying u were lauging at me the past few days? LOL

Try harder kiddo. Im sure ull do better.

Btw, in case u dont already know, Zweimmk and i were having a private conversation where i told him a couple of days ago that the premium specs will only be in the 2.4L model. And im sure ull realise that a couple means 2 days ago which was BEFORE the CRV was launched last nite.

So what exactly were u laughing about?