Kia Sportage FX is back

KIA has reintroduced the value-added FX model to the Sportage line-up to boost the compact off-roader's lacklustre sales performance.

The FX adds a four-speaker CD player, alloy wheels and a luxury spare wheel cover to the Sportage's standard equipment list.

The extra features come at no extra cost as the FX is priced at $23,990 - the same as the base model Sportage.

Despite the recent boom in the off-roader segment, the Sportage's popularity has declined sharply during the past two years.

Sportage sales amounted to 1417 vehicles until the end of September which, although up on the tally of 1265 for the same period last year, does not compare favourably with the figure of 2419 until the end of September, 1997.

The Sportage's sales have been propped up in 1999 by the FX package being offered earlier in the year, followed by the launch of the facelifted Sportage in July.

Kia hopes to build on current Sportage sales of around 160 per month through the reintroduction of the well-equipped FX.

"The Sportage has always been great value and the FX has always been the standout deal of the range ..." Kia Motors Australia general manager Mr David Hughes said.