The next-generation Kia Sportage may be a relatively new release but it is not shy of competing at a high level. Kia announced that it will return to the Rebelle Rally for the third year in a row with the Sportage.
Kia Sportage X-Pro rally car
To equip the Kia Sportage with the off-road essentials, the Korean automaker teamed up with Therese Contreras and Sara Morosan, owners of LGE-CTS Motorsports and Baja Forged off-road products. The Sportage rally car gets a wrap inspired by the brand’s new slogan, Baja forged front and rear bumpers, skidplates, and 17-inch Rhino wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich all-terrain T/A K02 tires.
In the X-Cross class, teammates Verena Mei (driver) and Tana White (navigator) will work in tandem to complete the 2,414-km navigational challenge. They look to bring it home after placing second and third with the two Sorento PHEVs last year. Kia also had a run in 2020 with a Telluride, finishing second after the Ford Bronco Sport.
The team is ready to rock
At the heart of the rally car is a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine with 187 horsepower. An 8-speed automatic sends power from the engine to all four wheels via an active all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. Catch all the action at the Rebelle Rally happening from October 6 to 15.
“Kia’s longest-running nameplate has a storied past of off-road desert racing with impressive results to boot in the Paris-Dakar rally and Baja 1000 race,” said Kia America COO and EVP Steve Center.
“An incredible off-road contender back then, the latest iteration of the Sportage will build upon its legacy by tackling the arduous Rebelle Rally with finesse, especially with such a fierce team at the helm,” added Center.
Redemption time
Of note, the Rebelle Rally is not a race for speed. It is rather a competition that’s based on precise navigation that features hidden checkpoints. Competitors use maps, compass, and roadbook for directions and are not allowed to use mobile phones or global positioning system (GPS).
The Kia Sportage iteration that will compete in the all-women off-road navigational challenge hasn’t made its way into the Philippine market just yet. But the upcoming rally race can stage what we can expect from the next-gen compact crossover if Kia Philippines decides to bring it in.
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