With hybrid buyers lighting up the EV market, great things are expected of the recent addition to the Sportage SUV range.
Driven by the surge in hybrid sales, the Toyota RAV4 has overtaken the Ranger and HiLux to become the best-selling vehicle in Australia.
So, it’s not before time that Kia has introduced a hybrid variant to its popular Sportage medium SUV range, which the company confidently anticipates, at 300 units per month, will contribute 20 per cent to total Sportage sales.
“The Sportage range was already an excellent medium SUV package in a very popular and competitive segment and the addition of the Hybrid variant strengthens our offering considerably,” says Damien Meredith, Kia Australia chief executive officer.
The Sportage HEV is available in two trims – SX FWD and top-of-the-range GT-Line – with power coming from the same 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol/electric hybrid system as the larger Sorento Hybrid.
This is mated with an electric motor and lithium-ion polymer battery delivering a combined petrol/electric output of 169kW and 350Nm. Paired with the powerplant is a dial-up, shift-by-wire six-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels.
Based on the fifth generation Sportage, both hybrids feature 18-inch machined alloy wheels with temporary spare, while the GT-Line Hybrid (the test vehicle) adds a heated steering wheel.
The SX HEV FWD goes on the market for $45,950, while the flagship Kia Sportage GT-
Line HEV FWD sells for $55,420, both plus on-road costs. Each is covered by Kia’s generous seven years/unlimited kilometre warranty, the battery seven years/150,000 kilometres.
STYLING
The body is defined by Kia’s Opposites United design language characterised by sharp lines amplified by bold surfaces with unique graphics. Up front the Kia signature Tiger Nose black grille links with distinctive curved LED daytime running lights and headlamps. In a nod to marketing, the polished metal Kia badge is hard to ignore.
From the side the Sportage HEV stands its ground in the mid-size SUV segment with bold black plastic wheelarch cladding and clean lines linking the futuristic front with a sleek fastback and taillights cut into the body. A broad back supports an impressive width.
INTERIOR
The heart of the top-shelf GT-Line is a curved touchscreen flanked by air vents giving the impression of width to the cabin. The 12.3-inch screen acts as a centre of connectivity for driver and front passenger, while the similar-size instrument cluster incorporates the latest display with clear and precise graphics. A Blind-Spot View Monitor ‘sees’ what is potentially in the driver’s blind spot.
Unlike the ICE models, the HEV centre console features a dial-style gearshift knob as well as electronic parking brake with Auto hold. Storage includes cup holders and a large open space under the padded armrest.
Leather appointed seats include eight-way power driver’s seat, with two-way lumbar support. Front seats also are heated and ventilated. Boot, accessed by a smart hands-free power tailgate, is a usable 586 litres with the seat backs up, expanding to a generous 1872 litres with them folded. A rare EV bonus is a space saver spare wheel rather than a puncture kit.
INFOTAINMENT
Smartphone wireless capability sadly is absent but there is a wireless phone charger as well as USB-A and USB-C ports. As is the case with other top-line Sportages, the GT-Line HEV is fitted with a premium eight-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system as well as DAB+ digital radio and Bluetooth connectivity.
ENGINES/TRANSMISSIONS
Power in the Sportage Hybrid comes from the same 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol-electric hybrid system as the larger Sorento Hybrid, which mates a 132kW/265Nm four-cylinder petrol engine with a 44kW/264Nm electric motor and a 1.49kWh lithium-ion polymer battery (combined petrol + electric output is 169kW and 350Nm). A six-speed automatic transmission puts power to ground via the front wheels, ensuring a smooth transition between gear changes.
SAFETY
The Sportage GT-Line HEV carries a top five-star ANCAP rating on 2022 testing. Included are autonomous emergency braking with cyclist and pedestrian detection, rear cross traffic alert, active cruise control, lane keeping assist with steering intervention, blind spot monitoring, 360-degree surround view cameras, front and rear parking sensors, trailer sway control and hill descent control. Front, front-side and curtain airbags, plus front centre airbag complete the picture.
DRIVING
Refined is the only way to describe the GT-Line HEV manners. The engine and electric motor work together in conjunction with the conventional six-speed automatic transmission for a reasonably enjoyable driving experience. However, the lack of all-wheel drive does cause some chaos via the front under heavy acceleration.
Transition between engine and electric motor was done with quiet efficiency and is matched by a mostly unperturbed ride. Braking is good too and the regenerative system is consistent and pulls up the car well.
Fuel consumption is claimed by the maker to be 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres on the ADR 81/02 combined urban/highway cycle. The test vehicle came up with, I feel, an honest 6.5 litres per 100 kilometres.
SUMMARY
It remains to be seen whether the Sportage Hybrid can hang on to the coat-tails of the runaway Toyota RAV4 petrol-electric and make it all the way to the top. Only time will tell.
RATINGS
Looks – 8
Performance – 4
Safety – 6
Thirst – 7
Practicality – 7
Comfort – 5
Tech – 7
Value – 8
