Kia Sportage Generation One

The Kia Sportage first arrived in the Asian market in July 1993, with European sales following two years later. It wasn't the most refined car of its era, but it was something arguably more important: one of the first compact SUVs ever made, arriving at exactly the right moment as drivers began to look beyond the traditional family saloon. 

Two body styles were available from the outset, a five-door SUV and a three-door soft-top convertible, making it one of the most versatile offerings in its class at the time. 

What Made the First Sportage Significant?

A Pioneer of the Compact SUV

The Kia Sportage is one of the pioneers of the compact crossover segment, first launched in 1993 alongside rivals such as the Toyota RAV4. It helped establish a segment that now dominates global car sales. 

Built for Adventure

The first-generation Sportage was built on a body-on-frame chassis with a focus on practicality and off-road capability, a genuinely rugged proposition at an accessible price point. 

A Safety First

The 1997 Kia Sportage was the first production vehicle in the world to be equipped with a knee airbag , an early signal of the brand's growing commitment to occupant safety. 

The Start of Something Much Bigger

With over 100,000 new Kia sales in the UK in 2022 alone, the journey that the original Sportage started has transformed Kia into one of the most trusted brands on British roads. 

Evolution Through the Years

Generation One (1993–2002)

Available as a five-door SUV or three-door soft-top convertible 
Body-on-frame construction with genuine 4WD capability
European models built by Karmann in Germany from 1995 to 1998

Generation Two (2004–2010)

Moved to a unibody platform shared with Hyundai
Significant leap in safety, quality and refinement
Earned five-star NHTSA safety rating

Generations Three to Five (2010–present)

Each successive Sportage has raised the bar further on design, technology and efficiency, with the current fifth-generation model now one of Kia's best-selling cars globally.

Explore Today's Sportage

View our latest Kia Sportage offers and available stock at Lloyd Kia Carlisle, South Lakes and West Cumbria.

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