New Kia Sportage to include plug-in hybrid powertrain

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Kia has revealed the new Sportage SUV, which will be available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain for the first time.

The all-new model features a bolder look, taking inspiration from the new Kia EV6.

It’s also the first Sportage that will be offered in a dedicated version for Europe.

The new plug-in hybrid engine develops 265PS and uses a 13.8kWh battery pack. it will be offered alongside a 230PS hybrid version and a mild-hybrid with 150PS or 180PS outputs. All four utilise the same 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine. 

“Reinventing the Sportage gave our talented design teams a tremendous opportunity to do something new; to take inspiration from the recent brand relaunch and introduction of EV6 to inspire customers through modern and innovative SUV design.

“With the all-new Sportage, we didn’t simply want to take one step forward but instead move on to a different level in the SUV class,” said Karim Habib, senior vice president and head of Global Design Center.

Kia says the interior of the all-new Sportage creates “a driver-orientated space that is truly state-of-the-art”.

The 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument display are connected in one wrap-around panel, while a raised centre console houses a rotary gear selector and switches for key functions.

Connected services, including live traffic reports and over-the-air map updates, are also included along with the Kia smartphone app.

For convenience, at the rear of the driver and front passenger seats are integrated hanger-type designs within the slim headrests, allowing clothing and handbags to be easily and conveniently hooked into place.

Interior passenger space is said to be class-leading, while the new model will have a luggage capacity of 591 litres.

For the first time a more rugged model, known as X-Line, will be offered with a unique bumper, side sill and curved roof rack. On the inside, it can be specified with sage green or black seating, as well as black metal wood.

The new Sportage will arrive in the UK in early 2022, with pricing and technical specifications expected before the end of the year.