Kia’s Sportage model has been the company’s best-selling car for over 10 years, writes Trish Whelan. Year to date, official Irish sales of the new fifth-generation Sportage are over 3,532.
The Sportage range consists of hybrid, mild hybrid, diesel, and a plug-in hybrid electric which arrived here in mid July sharing the characteristics of both a conventional hybrid electric vehicle and an all-electric vehicle.
Many motorists would like to make the switch to EV but are not confident in the charging infrastructure which currently leaves a lot to be desired, so a plug-in hybrid makes sense as a half-way choice, going electric but backed up by a petrol engine. PHEV models account for 11pc of Kia Ireland’s sales. Adding this PHEV to their 22pc EV volume means that one in every three Kia cars sold here comes with a plug.
In looks, the exterior styling is sleek yet muscular, not too aggressive but still an impressive look. The type that appeals to buyers seeking a practical family means of transport. It has road presence when viewed from every angle. I especially liked the side view, that addition of a chrome belt-line that kicks up onto the rear side of the car created lovely lines with the rear spoiler.
The car is also a neat size for those who don’t want a larger SUV as a family car. On the practical side, it comes with improved luggage capacity, head room and legroom over the outgoing model with very good legroom for the second-row passengers. Luggage space of 540 litres expands to 1,780 litres with rear seats down. It’s a simple operation just by pulling a lever. Luggage capacity is 591 litres for ICE models.
Kia engineers have cleverly packaged the PHEV version to minimise impact on passenger and luggage space by locating the high-voltage battery centrally between the two axles under the body of the SUV. This ensures a balanced weight distribution and a comfortable and versatile interior space.
Just two trims are offered, K3 and K4. K3 has a very generous level of standard specification including 19-inch alloys, dual zone climate control, privacy glass, parking sensors, reversing camera, Blind Spot Alerts on side mirrors, smart cruise control, highway driving assist, Downhill Descent Assist, Auto Hold, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with Kia Connect. K4 adds the full leather trim, drivers’ memory seat, ventilated front seats, and mobile phone charger. Both models come with All Wheel Drive system that delivers engine power to front and rear wheels for maximum traction. The Drive/Terrain button covers driving in conditions of Snow, Mud or Sand. Kia’s Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) helps avoid potential hazards, fully protecting occupants and other road users on every journey.
Good quality materials are evident throughout the cabin. It makes for a very comfortable environment. Front seats have a slim design and house fast-charge USB ports on the sides and hooks within the headrests to hang clothing or handbags. The upholstery in my car was in an attractive beige leather which contrasted well with the high gloss finish on the centre facia. Seats were very comfortable for long journeys. The rear middle one is of a good size for an adult to sit in comfort.
The high-tech curved driver display touchscreen and the multimode touch display look after the driver and passenger connectivity and information needs. Both are easy-to-use and intuitive. Graphics are beautiful in design and are very clear.
My PHEV version was powered by a sprightly four-cylinder 1.6 T-GDI turbo petrol engine, part of the powertrain package that also uses a 66.9kW electric motor and a 13.8kWh lithium-ion battery pack which, combined, deliver a power output of 265hp, with 180hp originating from the petrol engine. Both the motor and engine are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Annual road tax is €140. The car is capable of an electric-only range of up to 70kms that can cover most daily trips from home to work, or for school runs and daily shopping needs. To get the most use from your PHEV car, and to save on petrol, you should charge the battery every night at home.
The car is a delight to drive and to travel in. Agile, responsive and easy to park with its neat size. On returning the car after a week’s test drives, the computer showed a petrol fuel consumption of 5.7 L/100kms. Sportage PHEV can tow up to 1,350kg braked, or 750kg unbraked.
This is one of the safest cars in its class having gained a maximum five stars for safety from Euro NCAP. All new Kia cars come with a 7-year unlimited warranty.
PRICE: Sportage K3 is priced from €46,000; K4 as tested, from €48,000.
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