Kia Sportage R for Russia: Chinese-Movements, Local Pricing, and Specs
The first batch of 100 Kia Sportage R crossovers arrived for the Russian market. These models are manufactured in China for local sale and carry the Ace designation in Russia. The vehicle lineup seen in Russia draws on the same design language and engineering roots as its Chinese counterparts, highlighting a growing trend of cross-market collaboration in the industry.
engineers point out that the crossover borrows its platform from the Hyundai ix35. The production of these cars in China is handled by the joint venture Dongfeng Yueda Kia, reflecting a strategic collaboration among Korean and Chinese partners to expand both production capacity and regional availability.
In Russia, the Kia Sportage R is offered in the top-level configuration, providing buyers with a feature-rich package right from the start. Pricing begins at 3,225,000 rubles, a figure that some observers note sits below the typical dealer price for the standard Kia Sportage in China, where the model is marketed under the name KX5. This pricing dynamic can be appealing for customers seeking value within a traditional Korean crossover lineup that already enjoys strong recognition in the market.
Under the hood, the Sportage R in this configuration is equipped with a 2.0-liter engine producing 161 horsepower, paired with a classic six-speed automatic transmission. The drive is front-wheel only, aligning with front-biased performance expectations and city-friendly dynamics that appeal to urban drivers and family-oriented buyers alike.
- Driving performance and real-world impressions are available on video platforms, providing a practical look at how the model behaves on the road.
Source: Russian newspaper