VM Test Drive Kia Sportage PHEV: Fierce Tiger with a Velvet Touch

Based on the current order entries from Kia Germany, the plug-in hybrid is likely to make up nearly half of the Sportage orders – thus, the best and most important comes at the end in this case. A brief look at the facts: Under the hood, Kia combines the 1.6-liter "Gamma II" turbo petrol engine, which delivers 132 kW/180 hp, with a 66.9 kW electric motor that draws its energy from a lithium-ion polymer battery offering a net capacity of 13.8 kWh. As a result, the fuel tank has shrunk from 54 to 42 liters, even though Kia has split the battery in two and placed it centrally under the driver and passenger seats.

With 350 Nm of torque available between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm, the vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds, reaching a top speed of 191 km/h. The average CO2 emission officially stands at 26 grams per kilometer, translating to a combined consumption of 1.1 liters of fuel and 16.9 kW of electricity per 100 kilometers. Power is distributed through a six-speed automatic transmission, and there are fewer modes in the driving programs: Eco or Sport. However, for the all-wheel-drive model, Kia offers three "Terrain Mode" programs covering "Snow, Mud," and "Sand."

Unfortunately, the Sportage has grown slightly again, measuring 4,515 mm (+30 mm in length) x 1,865 mm (+10 mm in width) x 1,650 mm (+5 mm in height), with 20 millimeters of the length gained in the rear overhang while the wheelbase has also increased by ten millimeters. Consequently, the trunk has grown to 540 liters with the rear seats in their upright position, whereas the predecessor offered 507 liters. Thanks to the standard three-section reclining rear seat backrest (40:20:40), the volume can be expanded to up to 1,715 liters. The braked towing capacity is 1,350 kilograms.

Interior features two 12.3-inch screens

The driver looks at two 12.3-inch screens behind a curved cover and finds their bearings very quickly. The front seating position is also immediately comfortable – here, Hyundai has closely studied the VW Group. Hence, we press the start button and set off. And indeed, in mild weather, it is possible to drive almost 70 kilometers purely electrically if the "kick-down" is not used. The electric motor alone provides ample power in (almost) all situations, except when rapid acceleration from 120 to 160 or 180 km/h is required on highways due to pressing traffic in the left lane.

Then, one might wonder where the Sportage hides its 265 hp, as the petrol engine sounds just like a 1.6-liter engine when spontaneously called upon for power. While on the highway: Driving the tiger-nose front with its distinctive boomerang LEDs at high speeds reaps fuel consumptions starting with a ten – in everyday driving, it quickly becomes seven to eight when the battery is depleted. But diligent charging can actually achieve the factory-specified figures. Charging is now possible with up to 7.2 kW AC, achieving a charge from ten to 100 percent in one hour and 45 minutes. At a household socket with 2.3 kW, Kia specifies a charging time of five hours and 27 minutes. And: The seven-year warranty also applies to the battery.

The chassis remains accurately firm despite the standard 19-inch wheels, only letting rough bumps through with a bit of a rumble. Otherwise, it sits in the sweet spot that 95 percent of drivers will appreciate in everyday life without strain but with firmness. We have expected nothing different here.

Software and safety assistants have been adapted from the EV6, including new app functions. Additionally, there are now USB ports in the front seats like in the EV6, with the back of the seats also designed as clothes hooks. Small but refined details. The trunk is not quite as clever: there are some hooks and the three-section, reclining rear seat backrest – that's about it. But the Sportage is not aiming to turn the world upside down; it targets the heart of the electrified SUV C-segment and precisely the competitive area where all manufacturers worldwide gather. Here, the front is welcome to show its tiger teeth, making the Sportage in its current generation a stronger statement than all its predecessors and competitors.

When it comes to prices, the Tiger remains tame: The base price starts at 44,390 euros gross, which is about 37,300 euros net. It is reduced by the innovation premium of 7,177.50 euros (4,500 euros state premium, manufacturer share of 2,250 euros plus VAT) to 37,212.50 euros, which is about 31,270 euros net. By comparison: The "bare" non-electrified base starts at about 23,350 euros net, the mild hybrid diesels (which we continue to recommend for long distances if it should not be purely electric) start at just under 25,580 euros. The Sportage is produced at Kia's plant in Zilina, Slovakia.

What does that mean?

With the new Sportage Plug-in, Kia once again offers exactly what the whole world expects from a vehicle in this segment. Plus seven years of warranty plus striking design, especially at the front – and thus fully meets the expectations that customers have of the Sportage PHEV. However, despite the good range, it is still not recommended for long distances, which remain the diesel domain. Or one drives purely electric or takes the train.