Bought back in December a 2008(was a left over sold new in 2009) 29,000 miles on it
It is a Kia Sportage LX 4X4 (5 speed)-----ya, I know I used to laugh too at those older Kia's and Hyundai's too, but now they are considered on top of the game.
Since owning it I have found out some interesting things.
This vehicle gets absolutely fantastic mileage.(in the last two weeks I have checked it each week)a trip to Scranton,Pa each week.
I used the same gas pump/same day and I got 27.3/27.6 miles per gallon on the two trips.
But,here is what I have found out that blows me away.(spent 1 hour with the head mechanic at my Kia dealership)
This vehicle has a 4WD system that is the same system that is on the Twin Turbo Porche 911 Targa.
It is the Borg-Warner ITM system
This system is a full-time 4WD system that has also Traction control and Stability control(w/
switch feature for on/off for Stability control)
This system has a 4WD LOCK button that when pushed locks the power 50/50--front/rear
When this is combined with Traction control is simulates the effect of having front and rear (diff lockers)
![Shocked :shock:](./images/smilies/icon_eek.gif)
Without all the disadvantages of actual lockers.
Well, let me tell you(proof is in the pudding)Today---on my 360ft dirt driveway that goes uphill and along a huge gorge and because of the moisture from the gorge the driveway ices up.(bottom line,you could probably slide on your butt all the way down it today unless you went over the gorge first.
So,having other 4WD vehicles and knowing how they react to this condition on this driveway(thought lets see where the rubber meets the road)?
Got in SUV,pressed ESC OFF/4WD LOCK ON)
Guys, that vehicle didn't even spin a tire
![Laughing :lol:](./images/smilies/icon_lol.gif)
And it only has for tires(though they are new)Firestone FR710's (its not like I had studded or even Winterforce's on)
Now,don't get me wrong,I am not saying its a Rubicon rock crawler or a deep mug bogger but???????
Something that has good ground clearence/seats 5 plus cargo room/and in the summer should get close to 30mpg highway.
I think I like it.
Will say (on ice)it outgoes what my GMC K1500 4X4 pickup with BFG AT's would (any day of the week)
waiting for deep snow(if it ever comes to check for that)but it should?????????
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilJHlmyvUIw
Bottom line that ITM system with Traction control is amazing!
Think now, Subaru isn't the only game in town anymore
![Wink :wink:](./images/smilies/icon_wink.gif)