The Kia Sportage has just about everything, including good price! (Ian Wood Photo)

Starting in San Francisco, a group of journalists and I left in a fleet of the new 2011 Sportages in order to test them on the streets of San Francisco and the winding roads north of the Bay Area heading for picturesque Half Moon Bay.

This route provided plenty of ups and downs, curves and “wow” vistas for testing the vehicle’s power, handling, acceleration, deceleration, stopping -- and its new Eco mode of handling. The new incarnation was indeed sporty, therefore living up to its name.   The lines are fresh with enough chrome to make the colors pop , yet is still does not come across as too showy. The design appears more aggressive and stylish in comparison to some of the other competitors in its class.

So, you like big wheels, huh? How about these 18-inch babies! (Ian Wood Photo)

The interior is attractive without being overdone or fussy. The buttons, dials and knobs are well placed and a user-friendly. The space is thoughtfully equipped with arm rests, lots of storage, headrests for the rear passengers, and cup holders for all. The Sportage affords plenty of head room, seat and leg room for the larger crowd.  In testing the rear space, I was able to fit 10 bags of groceries with room to spare before putting down the back seat. Once the back seats are folded down, there is 54.6 cubic feet of space to haul what you will. The EX has the panoramic double sunroof as an option that certainly makes the visuals of day trips and vacations all that more spectacular.

When it was my turn to be the navigator, I exchanged positions with my driving partner.  I had as much fun familiarizing myself with all the standard features Kia offers in this model as I did driving it. With a few buttons pushed, I was hooked up via BLUETOOTH to the internal phone and stereo systems. I was able to make and receive phone calls and listen to music from my iPHONE without a wire hook up, although there are USB and auxiliary jacks if needed. There was ample clear, clean sound with the four -speaker standard system that includes Sirius radio. The computer and cockpit area are not overdone or too complicated -- just very serviceable.

Kia has partnered with Microsoft to create the UVO (meaning “your voice”), an advanced in-car technology that will be available on select models including the Sportage. During a demonstration, I saw a lot of potential with their inaugural version of this new technology. The UVO system works with the touch screen, steering wheel command buttons and an intuitive hands-free voice activation system.  Whether you use Bluetooth or a USB/auxiliary jack, you can play music from your MP3 player, iPod/iPhone or PDA. The UVOs will rip CDs to the jukebox onboard music storage system as well as respond to voice commands for making and answering phone calls, reads texts out loud to you, works as a navigation system with a back-up camera viewable on the LCD touch screen.

It seems that Ford has some competition for its “Ford Touch” Technology, as well as other brand systems . . . I look forward to seeing where this technology goes in the future and how the competition spurs more innovation.

One strong selling point for the Sportage is the numerous safety features that are standard for the base, LX, EX and SX models. One standout safety feature standard on all models is the driver/passenger and seat side air bags and full-length side window bags for front and back seats.  In addition, all doors are reinforced with side impact door beams. Another impressive safety feature added (heaven forbid it is needed) is the front active head rests. In the event of an accident the head rest for both front passengers will  move forward to protect the head and neck, reducing the risk of serious injury and whiplash.

Other offerings standard on all models are a tire pressure monitoring system, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, plus traction control and brake assistance systems.  An increasingly popular and soon to be standard on all U.S. vehicles is the backup camera option, giving the driver better visibility for unknown dangers in backup driving. Normal seat hooks for baby seats is, of course, standard as well as some other various features. All in all, I felt comfortable and safe.

Some slight drawbacks for me include having the road noise come down a bit more, though it’s not terrible. I would probably have to yell for my grandmother to hear me. I would like to feel a smoother acceleration; I thought it was a bit jumpy.

I find the Sportage to be a very relevant car for today that can win over both young and old. With more than average standard features, good looks, comfortable handling, exceptional safety features and a clean uncomplicated spacious interior -- this 2011 version of the Sportage is worth looking at.

SPECS – 2011 KIA SPORTAGE EX

Engine:  4-cylinder DOHC w/CVVT

Horsepower:  176 @ 6,000 rpm

Torque: 168 @ 4,000 rpm

Transmission:  (FWD) Electronically-controlled 6-speed/overdrive w/Sportronic

Wheelbase: 103.9 inches

Curb Weight: 3,186 lbs.

Fuel Capacity: 14.5 gallons

Tires: 235/55R-18

Suspension: MacPherson Strut; coil springs; gas shocks (front); Multi-link w/gas shocks (rear)

Cargo Capacity: 26.1 cubic feet (rear sets up); 54.6 (rear seats down)

Towing Capacity: 2,000 lbs.

EPA Fuel Economy Ratings: 22 mpg/city; 31 mpg/highway

MSRP: $18,295 - $24,795