Kia Motors confirmed on June 16 that the name of its new compact Sportage-replacing SUV will still be the Sportage when it hits showrooms worldwide in second half of 2004. Sportage is a synthesis of the words “sports” and “portage.” The new Sportage will be a five-passenger SUV equipped with a 2.7L V-6, or 2.0L four-cylinder gasoline engine, or a 2.0L, four-cylinder turbodiesel. This is the same engine offering as parent Hyundai is rolling out in its similarly-sized new Tucson SUV – including an automatic option for the turbodiesel. Following a comprehensive review of name connotations, public opinion polls, and effectiveness as a global brand, Kia Motors said it decided to keep Sportage as the name for its latest SUV. The original Sportage was first introduced in 1993.