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I'm somewhat taken aback that this Sportage runs right up against the $30,000 mark, but I'm still very impressed with it. The exterior styling is a vast improvement over the previous Sportage; I parked next to an older model in the parking garage and the two vehicles didn't look related in any way. The interior is also a huge upgrade, with nicely designed instruments and much better materials. Our test car had pretty much every amenity that a crossover buyer would want, including 4WD, a very nice navigation system, satellite radio, heated seats and outside mirrors, and more. This Sportage is just the latest sign that Kia is producing vehicles that can compete against the best vehicles in the segment.

Hyundai/Kia continues its new-product onslaught with new Sonata variants, a redesigned sportage, and the ultraluxurious Equus. The stunning Lexus LFA supercar, which finally arrives in December, seems like it comes from another era, while the Nissan Leaf will try to face down the Chevy Volt to be the car of the future. Honda's CR-Z puts a new spin on an old idea, while the battle in the battle in the 'burbs heats up as a new odyssey engages the Toyota Sienna.

As of late, Kia's forte seems to be bringing stylish cars to market that employ bold design to showcase new technology, if the Soul and upcoming Optima sedan's transformation from concept to production is any indication. Kia's latest surprise is an electric microcar, the Pop, a three-meter car designed to compete in global, urban markets.