2023 Kia Sportage hybrid: Australian launch likely for first half

The 2023 Kia Sportage hybrid has come a step closer to an Australian launch, with the brand's local product planning boss confirming a green light is expected to be given in the coming months.

Speaking with WhichCar at the Australian launch of the new Kia Niro hybrid and EV, product lead Roland Rivero suggested an early- to mid-2023 launch is on the cards.

"Hopefully we'll have a green light this year, that we can announce... well it should be in the first half of next year," Rivero said.

"If all goes well, it'll be added as a new variant in the existing range."

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Up to now, right-hand-drive versions of the Sportage hybrid-electric vehicle (HEV) have only been offered in the short-wheelbase body that isn't available in Australia – delaying its potential for a local launch. The US gets a stretched version of the hybrid, but Kia's Georgia plant can't accommodate right-hand-drive production.

What will supply be like?

Just what volumes and trim grades the Sportage hybrid will be available in here is unclear.

It could be that, like the electrified versions of the Sorento, Australian supply for the Sportage hybrid could be heavily restricted by overseas demand, and limited only to top-spec grades.

"We're in a similar position with Sorento hybrid and plug-in hybrid, because they have a big demand overseas – driven by CO2 regulations – so supply for us is... almost tokenism, a sprinkling of cars. We don't even market it because we can't get enough," Rivero said.

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The Sportage HEV pairs a 132kW/265Nm 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine with a 44kW/264Nm electric motor.

Like the new Niro hybrid, a six-speed automatic sends power to the front wheels – although Kia has yet to specify if it's a dual-clutch unit like the Niro, or a torque converter as offered in the regular Sportage as one of three available transmissions.

An even greener plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant of the Sportage has been revealed overseas, but Kia Australia has already confirmed there are no plans for a local debut.

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Above: the Sportage plug-in hybrid isn't looking good for Australia

Watch for more on the Sportage hybrid to come in the months ahead.