Another hybrid option for fleets to challenge the dominance of the Toyota RAV4 is now available as the Kia Sportage Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) is starts arriving in dealerships.
The Sportage HEV variant impresses with comfort, convenience and safety features, and expands on Kia’s fuel-efficient technologies for Australian new car buyers to choose from.
“The Sportage range was already an excellent medium SUV package in a very popular and competitive segment, and the addition of a Hybrid variant strengthens our offering considerably,” said Kia Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, Damien Meredith.
“The Sportage range is an integral part of Kia’s sales initiatives and we anticipate sales of the HEV to be around 300 per month, contributing 20% of total Sportage sales volume.
“The Sportage HEV is another solid step in Kia’s progress of increasing electrified options to the Australian market.”
The Kia Sportage HEV is available in two trims; SX FWD Auto and GT-Line FWD Auto.
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).
Paired to the engine is a 6-speed automatic transmission and power is transferred to the front wheels ensuring a smooth transition between gear changes.
Combined Fuel Consumption is 4.9L/100km on the ADR 81/02 combined fuel cycle.
To optimise efficiency 18” alloy wheels are featured on both trims and for peace of mind while on the road, a temporary steel spare wheel is fitted to both.
