Hybrid finally added to Sportage lineup

  It's been a long time coming but Kia has finally added a hybrid to its Sportage range. Expected to account for 20 per cent of Sport...

 

It's been a long time coming but Kia has finally added a hybrid to its Sportage range.

Expected to account for 20 per cent of Sportage sales, the Kia Sportage HEV is available in two trims: SX FWD Auto and GT-Line FWD Auto.

It's powered by the same hybrid setup that underpins the larger Sorento Hybrid.

That means a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol-electric hybrid that combines a 132kW/265Nm four-cylinder petrol engine with a 44kW/264Nm electric motor, and a 1.49kWh lithium-ion polymer battery.

Combined petrol and electric output is 169kW and 350Nm.

It's paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, with drive to the front wheels.

ensuring a smooth transition between gear changes.

Claimed fuel consumption is 4.9L/100km.

As is the case with many hybrids it rides on smaller 18-inch alloys and misses out on all-wheel drive.

A temporary steel spare wheel is provided.

The SX is priced from $45,950, while the GT-Line starts from $55,420, both prices before on-road costs.

 

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