Kia faces the transition towards the full electrification of its range of cars with different technologies, with the commitment to become a leader in sustainable mobility and achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. The fifth generation Sportage is an excellent example of this sustainable mobility. , with different mechanical options to choose from and such a huge leap in design and quality that it places it in a prominent position in its category.
It is available with six different technologies, but of all of them, the Sportage PHEV (plug-in hybrid) is perhaps the most rational and functional choice, at least for a large part of its potential public. With 265 CV it is the most powerful in the range, but it is not advisable for this reason -which also- but for its ecological nature, electric autonomy and the fact that it bears the DGT 0 label. It all adds up.
It has an interesting approach, with very appropriate dimensions to become a family car. That is to say, it is big, but without exaggeration, which makes it valid for day to day and, naturally, for weekend trips or vacations.
With a length of 4.51 meters and a trunk with a 540-liter capacity, very usable and easy to access. The habitability is remarkable, both in the front and rear seats. Even people taller than 1.80 meters, sitting in the back, will feel comfortable due to the available head and leg room.
Likewise, it is an SUV that takes care of its occupants, with a balanced suspension that avoids annoying swaying and that, on the other hand, is comfortable when facing long journeys. In addition, the 540-liter boot can be expanded to 1,720 liters in this plug-in hybrid version.
The simplification of driving and the modes of energy use of the Sportage PHEV is another of its advantages. The hybrid system is completely automated, with its selectable modes: Hybrid, Electric and Auto, thus eliminating other complex and unprofitable functions, such as self-recharging of the battery using the combustion engine exclusively.
With an approved consumption of only 1.1 liters per 100 km, it can easily cover 70 km in fully electric mode. And if the route is basically urban, with frequent stops and energy regeneration, the autonomy stretches to 78 km. Its electric mode serves to make the most of the battery and achieve a real consumption of gasoline of around 1.3 liters per 100 km, very close to what the manufacturer announces. It is important to note that maximum efficiency is achieved by leaving home with a 100% charged battery.
The 265 CV of this version, which is also 4x4, goes a long way on long journeys. It is a very solvent car in the dynamic aspect and its performance is really good. It accelerates briskly if we want it to, especially with the Sport driving mode, while maintaining a noble behavior, always predictable. The dual-clutch DCT change is also another highlight. It works exceptionally well, whether in fully automatic or sequential mode via the steering wheel paddles.
It also includes a good number of driving aids such as the involuntary lane change assistant with cameras that project lateral vision on the control square. Or rear traffic alert, emergency braking assistant with pedestrian and cyclist detector or adaptive cruise control.
With an impeccable-looking design, the interior of the GT-line version exudes quality and warmth. All the occupants really feel at ease. And the front sport seats hold up very well. Also noteworthy are the two 12.3-inch screens in a panoramic position, where connectivity is the order of the day with the Android Auto or Apple CarPlay systems or the Kia Connect application, which allows you to control a multitude of functions from your smartphone.
By the way, Kia includes a practical function to move the car, with the driver out of it, in case of finding very narrow parking spaces. The system uses the overhead camera and provides an image of everything around the car.
