More Efficient, Kia Launches Sportage PHEV 2023

Kia Sportage PHEV 2023 / Photo: Antara

JAKARTA - Kia has launched the Kia Sportage PHEV 2023 SUV, which combines a 1.6-liter turbo petrol engine with a 66.9 kW electric motor and is claimed to be more efficient.

With a 13.8 kWh battery, the Sportage PHEV is capable of reaching 32 miles or about 50 km on electric power only (all-electric).

"The first Sportage PHEV introduced in the US demonstrates that Kia is listening to our customers asking for electrification solutions and a super-efficient powertrain, and the Sportage delivers on that promise in a sophisticated and refined package," said Sean Yoon, president and CEO of Kia America and Kia North America, in an official statement, quoted Sunday 13 February.

The Sportage PHEV adds to Kia's lineup of subcompact SUVs with two design-focused X-Line trim levels that come standard with all-wheel drive. The Sportage PHEV is planned to go on sale in the third quarter of this year and pricing will be announced ahead of the sale.

With a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder petrol engine, the Sportage PHEV can produce a maximum power of 177 horsepower. Equipped with a 66.9 kW electric motor and a 13.8 kWh lithium polymer battery, this SUV is powered by a 6-speed automatic transmission, with selectable drive modes, such as Downhill Brake Control (DBC).

Charging is possible thanks to the built-in high-efficiency 7.2 kW charger, with the best power density at 1.53 kW/ℓ. When connected to a Level-2 charger, the Sportage PHEV will take approximately two hours to fully charge the battery.

The Integrated Electronic Brake (IEB), standard on the Sportage PHEV, combines hydraulic pressure control and generation functions. The feel of linear braking is realized by electronic control using the motor, and the Sportage PHEV offers a higher rate of regenerative braking recovery, compared to its competitors.

Using an "N3" platform like the Sorento, the Sportage PHEV's chassis is made up of ultra-high-strength steel to increase average tensile strength and torsional rigidity. Sound-absorbing and insulating materials minimize road, wind, and engine noise.

Like all fifth-generation Sportage models, the Sportage PHEV 2023 is now one of the largest SUVs in its class. With 39.5 inches of rear legroom and a rear cargo capacity of 34.5 cu.-ft., the Sportage PHEV gives rear passengers room to relax.

The Sportage PHEV is offered in two trim levels or variants, the X-Line PHEV AWD and the X-Line Prestige PHEV AWD. The style of the X-Line combines sporty exterior features that claim to be rugged, including unique front and rear bumpers with satin chrome finish, side mirrors, roof racks, and window coverings in glossy black, as well as 19-inch gloss black alloy wheels.

Inside, the car features a futuristic driver's cockpit with dual panoramic curved screens available connecting the two screens for a nearly 25-inch display (12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 12.3-inch infotainment screen).

For added convenience, Kia added the Kia Connect service which provides advanced embedded connectivity to take the customer experience to all levels, including the ability to charge remotely from the Kia Access smartphone app.

Kia Connect introduces Wi-Fi Hotspot which can connect up to five devices to the internet based on 4G LTE, over-the-air map updates, stolen vehicle immobilization and tracking capabilities, and Connected Routing which calculates optimal routes using real-time maps and traffic info predictions. based on historical information and artificial intelligence.