We have already brought other versions of this renewed Kia Sportage to the channel, but today it is the turn of the version that is perhaps the most rational and functional of all, at least for a large part of its potential public. We are talking about the Sportage PHEV or plug-in hybrid.
With its 265 CV this Sportage is the most powerful of the entire range, but it is not precisely for this factor that it is one of the most advisable alternatives, if not for its plug-in hybrid nature and its consequent Zero label.
A label that is achieved thanks to a compact battery of only 13.8 kWh capacity, with the possibility of recharging on the electrical network and an official 100% electric range of 70 kilometers.
As is customary in the conventional PHEV hybrid segment, this battery is only rechargeable in alternating current connections, that is, it does not accept fast charging. The latter is something that is not very important, since on the one hand it reduces costs and on the other, with its maximum connection power of 7.5 KW it only takes 2.2 hours to replenish 100% of the energy.
This Kia Sportage PHEV also simplifies its modes of use to the maximum, at least as far as energy management is concerned. Its hybrid system is completely automated, with its selectable modes; Hybrid, Electric and Auto, eliminating other complex and unprofitable functions, such as self-recharging of the battery using the combustion engine exclusively.
The electric mode is used to make the most of the battery and achieve a real gasoline consumption of 1.3 liters per 100 km, very close to the liter announced by the manufacturer. This obviously taking advantage of 100% loads, in a very calm driving, in addition to being developed in environments of a lot of city and little or no expressways. In these conditions we have achieved ranges of up to 65 real kilometres.
With these figures it is easy to understand that this car is ideal for those who do that mileage (or less) each way and make the most of the electrical connections at home or wherever, because once that battery is consumed, the fuel cost, whether in hybrid or automatic mode, it will rise above 7.5 liters, a figure that is not so unreasonable either since it places it in the average of other SUVs with gasoline thermal engines of similar power and enables it to face trips of more or less entity.
As we can see, it is a car designed for a very specific user, especially in terms of optimization of consumption, recharging and use, but this is not why it is a vehicle with dynamic deficiencies. The 265 CV and its average torque of 350 Nm, are the result of the combination of the 180 CV of the 1.6 gasoline engine and the 91 CV of the electric one, more than enough benefits and which are also managed with the efficient automatic transmission.
It is a classic eight-speed automatic gearbox with a torque converter and that, unlike other variator-type gearboxes, offers a very familiar response for those drivers used to a gearbox of a lifetime. This is coupled with a very successful operation, both in quiet driving and a little more reactive.
Another positive detail is that this PHEV also offers an all-wheel drive scheme with mechanical distribution, which is a plus for those who need extra mobility under any circumstance. In addition, it has specific traction control electronics for off-road use, such as descent control and snow, sand and mud modes that provide a plus drive on difficult floors.
Even so, it must be borne in mind that this is a crossover-style car and although it is equipped with a relatively elastic frame and with an acceptable ground clearance (17 cm), its frame is more designed for asphalt than for proper off-road use. .
In general, its suspensions are relatively firm, although with a clear focus on comfort, where it stands out both for the elasticity of its independent suspensions, and for the correct acoustic and vibration isolation of the set.
In dynamic driving, and thanks to the Sport mode, it more than complies thanks to precise steering, a suspension that contains body rolls and braking at the height of the increased weight of the whole (1,900 kg empty). In any case, there are rivals in the SUV PHEV segment that, even with less power, surpass it in terms of frame dynamism.
For the rest, it continues to enjoy the advantages of a modern car on an aesthetic level, with a 4.5-meter crossover body, five useful seats, with comfortable front seats and rear seats in which legroom and height stand out. in general, in addition to offering a 540-liter trunk expandable to 1,720 liters for this plug-in hybrid version.
The same goes for the equipment, which is generally very high, especially from the Tech finish, which we tested today, and in the GT-Line version, which is the highest of all.
All of them maintain the spectacular curved panoramic screen (which is actually two 12.3-inch screens) with good resolution, very visual infographics and quite complete and customizable menus using the widget window function. Of course, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay still need a cable connection for integration with the system.
The finishes are other aspects that we have always highlighted in this new Sportage generation and that in this PHEV they maintain that high and quality commitment. In general, the widespread use of soft, well-assembled plastics stands out, although perhaps with an excessive use of piano-black plastics, very attractive but which hide dirt, dust or any small scratch on their surface very poorly.
Of course, like the entire range, the driving aids box is of the highest level, with elements such as the dynamic lane warning and maintenance system, braking assistance with pedestrian recognition, cruise control with Stop function
In fact, and as an option, this Tech finish only leaves, through a pack called Luxury, the reversing assistant to avoid cross-traffic accidents, the 360-degree camera and the lateral traffic sensor with image projection on the dashboard.
Currently, the prices of this range, with brand promotions already included, (not official aid) range from 45,900 euros for the most basic Drive version, through 48,700 euros for this intermediate Tech version and reaches the top of 54,600 euros for the GT-Line, with the sportiest equipment and appearance of all.
