While U.S. Kia dealers are busy trying to pass off the Sportage that debuted in 2015 as a 2022 model until the 2023 Sportage arrives early next year, over in Europe you can already buy an entirely new compact Kia SUV with a Sportage badge.
Showcasing a striking front-end design, kicked-up waistline and sporty rear styling that really amps the aggression, the European-spec 2022 Sportage also features a dramatically improved interior and is now available to order in the UK for £26,745.
That money buys an entry-level ‘2’ grade Sportage with a 148 hp 1.6-liter petrol engine, though if that doesn’t tickle your fancy there are four other trim levels and four more engines to choose from.
Related: 2023 Kia Sportage Detailed For America With New Rugged-Looking X Models, A Hybrid Is On The Way
Crossing your dealer’s palm with another £1000 swaps the 1.6 T-GDi petrol for a 113 hp 1.6 CRDi diesel, still matched to the entry level ‘2’ trim, while other Sportage options include 48-volt mild hybrid version of both the petrol and diesel engines and a choice of six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmissions, plus the option of all-wheel drive on higher trim levels.
At the far end of the Sportage line, and coming in at over £40,000 in its ultimate specification, is the new Sportage Hybrid. A conventional hybrid, rather than a PHEV, it starts at £33,245 in GT-Line trim with a six-speed automatic sending 226 bhp to the front wheels. That rises to £38,645 for the GT-Line S, again in front-wheel drive configuration, or you can upgrade to all-wheel drive for £40,245.
Kia will add a powerful 261 hp PHEV later in 2022, but has no plans for an all-electric version, the thinking being that the EV6 crossover has already plugged (sorry) that gap. As for the U.S., it will soldier on with the old model for now, but early in 2022 will receive a stretched version of the new Sportage that has recently been launched in Australia.
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