The Kia Sportage has long been a big-selling success in Ireland (albeit perhaps not quite so successful as its cousin, the Hyundai Tucson) and Irish buyers can now get their collective teeth into the new model, with prices starting from €34,300.
Now with hybrid option
Quite apart from the striking styling (check out that full-width grille and arrowhead LED lights), the new Sportage is entirely new. It rides on a new 'N3' platform (shared with the Tucson) and can be had with hybrid power for the first time.
"The all-new Sportage has been carefully designed, developed and honed specifically for Europe, in the process breaking boundaries and establishing new benchmarks in the SUV segment," said Ronan Flood, Managing Director Kia Ireland. "With its forward-thinking exterior design and its pioneering interior, the new Sportage combines a dynamic road presence on the outside with a class-leading, driver-focused premium cabin that benefits from the very latest breakthrough tech features. The Sportage is also a key model for Kia Ireland having been our best-selling model for over 10 years. This new model is no different and we anticipate sales of nearly 3,000 in 2022 and in our first year full year in 2023 sales in advance of 3,500."
Basic model is diesel-only
That €34,300 will get you a basic K2 model, with the 115hp turbo-diesel engine, and standard equipment including 17-inch alloys, LED headlamps, dual-zone climate control, reversing camera with dynamic guidelines, auto-dimming rearview mirror, cruise control with speed limiter, lane keep assist, lane follow assist, and forward collision avoidance.
Move up to K3 trim for €38,000 and you can have the same diesel engine or a mild-hybrid turbo petrol 1.6-litre engine with 150hp. Standard equipment for a K3 model includes 18-inch alloys, heated front and rear seats, power-adjustable front seats and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with Kia Connect and the firm's UVO internet connectivity. The K3 full-hybrid, or HEV as Kia calls it, uses the 1.6-litre engine, costs €42,000 and also features smart cruise control and highway driving assistance.
Moving up a trim level, the K4 is available with 1.6 diesel and 1.6 HEV hybrid at €40,500 and €44,500 respectively. Spec highlights for the K4 include exterior enhancements like matt chrome coated front bumper and door garnish, and silver painted rear skid plates. Comfort and tech features include beige leather upholstery, driver memory seat, ventilated front seats, curved 12.3-inch driver instrument display, and a wireless phone charger. The K4 hybrid also comes with a blind-spot monitor.
The top of the range GT-line (which comes with the 136hp CRDi diesel engine ) comes with features including 19-inch alloys, special GT-line sports upholstery, GT-line exterior styling, sports pedals, and a smart power tailgate as standard.
Plug-in hybrid coming
Later in the year, there will be a 265hp plug-in hybrid model, and specs and prices for that will be announced closer to the on-sale date. CO2 emissions for the regular hybrid model start at 125g/km, while for the mild-hybrid it's 142g/km, and 135g/km for the diesel.