Here at RPM, we’ve been watching the rising fortunes of Kia Motors with interest. The Korean vehicle maker was initially stuck with ordinary, but well-priced vehicles, yet managed to create a strong and appreciative following.

That loyalty is slowly being rewarded: the impressive latest-generation Sorento, and the sleek Cerato Koup, are only two examples. But the new Sportage will be the vehicle that most of us remember as the one that symbolised the true arrival of the Kia brand. This week, we fly to Korea to meet the newcomer first hand.

Back home, Spike puts the Subaru Impreza 2.0 RS through its paces at the Zwartkops Raceway, and finds that this ‘lite’ version of the legend doesn’t quite have the urge, or the personality, of its more powerful brethren.

And finally, we get behind the wheel of the Audi A5 Coupé – this time in almost entry-level guise. The version under scrutiny links Audi’s much-feted two-litre turbo engine to its equally lauded quattro all-wheel drive system. And yes, it still looks a million dollars, too!

RPM TV premieres this Wednesday night at 20h30 on SuperSport 2, SS2 Africa and CSN. We’re also on the MNET main channel and on SuperSport 2 at 08h30 on Thursday morning. And don’t forget the long list of repeat broadcasts covering the remainder of the week. As live sport can affect the scheduling on SuperSport, please check the latest transmission schedule on the RPM TV website at http://www.rpmtv.co.za/. 

This week's complete transmission schedule is as follows:

Wednesday 14 July	20h30	SS2/SS2 Africa/CSN
Thursday 15 July	08h30	MNET/SS2/SS2 Africa
	10h30	SS Action
	16h30	SS Select
	17h30	SS6 Africa
	20h30	SS Action
Friday 16 July	01h30	SS Action
	10h00	SS2/SS2 Africa
Saturday 17 July	12h20	SS7/SS7 Africa
	15h00	SS Action
Monday 18 July	01h00	SS2/SS2 Africa
	16h00	SS5/SS5 Africa
Tuesday 19 July	04h30	SS Action
	16h30	SS6/SS6 Africa
Wednesday 20 July	11h00	SS Action