Latest news with #RolandRivero
The Advertiser
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Kia Australia product boss "would love" the K4 Wagon, but it might be too niche
The Kia K4 Sedan will soon be joined by a hatchback body style and a more efficient petrol engine in Australia, and the wagon variant is also on Kia Australia's wishlist – but the business case may not stack up here. Speaking with CarExpert at the Australian launch of the updated Kia Sportage mid-size SUV, general manager for product at Kia Australia, Roland Rivero, said that while a K4 Wagon will likely be offered in right-hand drive for the UK, demand for wagons continues to shrink in Australia. "The ultimate question is the appetite. The [Australian] market has evolved, and I think it's very SUV-biased. I'd love a wagon, but I think the business case for our market is not as much as Europe's," Mr Rivero said. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Above: 2026 Kia K4 Wagon prototype When asked if the wagon-bodied K4 could be reserved for a GT warm performance hero, Mr Rivero remained reluctant. "It would be pretty expensive. We'd have to convince the Mexican plant for that additional variant, which isn't that hard because the UK will have it in right-hand drive – but it's still another derivative that the factory has to churn out." A camouflaged Kia K4 Wagon prototype was recently spotted testing in Europe, ahead of its anticipated reveal later this year. The K4 will replace the popular European-market Kia Ceed, in the same way it replaced the Cerato in Australia. While heavily disguised under sheets and cladding, the K4 Wagon appears to have the extended rear overhang of the K4 Sedan, but with the high roof and tailgate of the incoming K4 Hatch. In the same interview, Mr Rivero confirmed the new K4 Hatch will introduce a more efficient petrol engine and transmission combination when it arrives in the latter stages of 2025. "We've got [the] hatchback first. That does adopt a new powertrain which you're familiar with from the Seltos [small SUV]… which helps us out from a CO2 perspective – that will be our first adjustment in light of NVES [the federal government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard]," Mr Rivero said. The powertrain in question is an Atkinson-cycle 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated with what Hyundai and Kia call an 'IVT' or Intelligent Variable Transmission. Effectively, it's Hyundai/Kia-speak for a CVT. "The CO2 on that is better than even the 1.6 turbo – I think it's about a 30g/km improvement [over the 2.0L MPI]. Whether we spec it with [idle stop/start] is TBC," Mr Rivero added. Above: Kia K4 Sedan (left) and K4 Hatch (right) The current 2.0L MPI engine with a six-speed automatic in the K4 Sedan quotes combined fuel consumption of 7.4L/100km and CO2 emissions of 167g/km, while the more powerful 1.6 T-GDI engine in the GT-Line with its eight-speed auto quotes 6.7L/100km and 158g/km. Mr Rivero said the new drivetrain will be applied to both the upcoming K4 Hatch as well as the existing K4 Sedan during the fourth quarter of 2025, likely coinciding with model year 2026 (MY26) production. For reference, the related Hyundai i30 Sedan with the Smartstream-branded Atkinson-cycle engine and CVT quotes a much thriftier 6.1L/100km and 139g/km on the combined cycle. As yet there's still no word on a K4 Hybrid or HEV variant, which has been all but confirmed for future introduction. It will almost certainly draw upon the 1.6-litre petrol-electric system used in the i30 Sedan and Kona hybrids, in which it makes 104kW and 265Nm. Let us know in the comments if you want Kia Australia to bring the K4 Wagon! MORE: Kia K4 Hatch to debut more efficient engine in AustraliaMORE: Everything Kia K4 Content originally sourced from: The Kia K4 Sedan will soon be joined by a hatchback body style and a more efficient petrol engine in Australia, and the wagon variant is also on Kia Australia's wishlist – but the business case may not stack up here. Speaking with CarExpert at the Australian launch of the updated Kia Sportage mid-size SUV, general manager for product at Kia Australia, Roland Rivero, said that while a K4 Wagon will likely be offered in right-hand drive for the UK, demand for wagons continues to shrink in Australia. "The ultimate question is the appetite. The [Australian] market has evolved, and I think it's very SUV-biased. I'd love a wagon, but I think the business case for our market is not as much as Europe's," Mr Rivero said. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Above: 2026 Kia K4 Wagon prototype When asked if the wagon-bodied K4 could be reserved for a GT warm performance hero, Mr Rivero remained reluctant. "It would be pretty expensive. We'd have to convince the Mexican plant for that additional variant, which isn't that hard because the UK will have it in right-hand drive – but it's still another derivative that the factory has to churn out." A camouflaged Kia K4 Wagon prototype was recently spotted testing in Europe, ahead of its anticipated reveal later this year. The K4 will replace the popular European-market Kia Ceed, in the same way it replaced the Cerato in Australia. While heavily disguised under sheets and cladding, the K4 Wagon appears to have the extended rear overhang of the K4 Sedan, but with the high roof and tailgate of the incoming K4 Hatch. In the same interview, Mr Rivero confirmed the new K4 Hatch will introduce a more efficient petrol engine and transmission combination when it arrives in the latter stages of 2025. "We've got [the] hatchback first. That does adopt a new powertrain which you're familiar with from the Seltos [small SUV]… which helps us out from a CO2 perspective – that will be our first adjustment in light of NVES [the federal government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard]," Mr Rivero said. The powertrain in question is an Atkinson-cycle 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated with what Hyundai and Kia call an 'IVT' or Intelligent Variable Transmission. Effectively, it's Hyundai/Kia-speak for a CVT. "The CO2 on that is better than even the 1.6 turbo – I think it's about a 30g/km improvement [over the 2.0L MPI]. Whether we spec it with [idle stop/start] is TBC," Mr Rivero added. Above: Kia K4 Sedan (left) and K4 Hatch (right) The current 2.0L MPI engine with a six-speed automatic in the K4 Sedan quotes combined fuel consumption of 7.4L/100km and CO2 emissions of 167g/km, while the more powerful 1.6 T-GDI engine in the GT-Line with its eight-speed auto quotes 6.7L/100km and 158g/km. Mr Rivero said the new drivetrain will be applied to both the upcoming K4 Hatch as well as the existing K4 Sedan during the fourth quarter of 2025, likely coinciding with model year 2026 (MY26) production. For reference, the related Hyundai i30 Sedan with the Smartstream-branded Atkinson-cycle engine and CVT quotes a much thriftier 6.1L/100km and 139g/km on the combined cycle. As yet there's still no word on a K4 Hybrid or HEV variant, which has been all but confirmed for future introduction. It will almost certainly draw upon the 1.6-litre petrol-electric system used in the i30 Sedan and Kona hybrids, in which it makes 104kW and 265Nm. Let us know in the comments if you want Kia Australia to bring the K4 Wagon! MORE: Kia K4 Hatch to debut more efficient engine in AustraliaMORE: Everything Kia K4 Content originally sourced from: The Kia K4 Sedan will soon be joined by a hatchback body style and a more efficient petrol engine in Australia, and the wagon variant is also on Kia Australia's wishlist – but the business case may not stack up here. Speaking with CarExpert at the Australian launch of the updated Kia Sportage mid-size SUV, general manager for product at Kia Australia, Roland Rivero, said that while a K4 Wagon will likely be offered in right-hand drive for the UK, demand for wagons continues to shrink in Australia. "The ultimate question is the appetite. The [Australian] market has evolved, and I think it's very SUV-biased. I'd love a wagon, but I think the business case for our market is not as much as Europe's," Mr Rivero said. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Above: 2026 Kia K4 Wagon prototype When asked if the wagon-bodied K4 could be reserved for a GT warm performance hero, Mr Rivero remained reluctant. "It would be pretty expensive. We'd have to convince the Mexican plant for that additional variant, which isn't that hard because the UK will have it in right-hand drive – but it's still another derivative that the factory has to churn out." A camouflaged Kia K4 Wagon prototype was recently spotted testing in Europe, ahead of its anticipated reveal later this year. The K4 will replace the popular European-market Kia Ceed, in the same way it replaced the Cerato in Australia. While heavily disguised under sheets and cladding, the K4 Wagon appears to have the extended rear overhang of the K4 Sedan, but with the high roof and tailgate of the incoming K4 Hatch. In the same interview, Mr Rivero confirmed the new K4 Hatch will introduce a more efficient petrol engine and transmission combination when it arrives in the latter stages of 2025. "We've got [the] hatchback first. That does adopt a new powertrain which you're familiar with from the Seltos [small SUV]… which helps us out from a CO2 perspective – that will be our first adjustment in light of NVES [the federal government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard]," Mr Rivero said. The powertrain in question is an Atkinson-cycle 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated with what Hyundai and Kia call an 'IVT' or Intelligent Variable Transmission. Effectively, it's Hyundai/Kia-speak for a CVT. "The CO2 on that is better than even the 1.6 turbo – I think it's about a 30g/km improvement [over the 2.0L MPI]. Whether we spec it with [idle stop/start] is TBC," Mr Rivero added. Above: Kia K4 Sedan (left) and K4 Hatch (right) The current 2.0L MPI engine with a six-speed automatic in the K4 Sedan quotes combined fuel consumption of 7.4L/100km and CO2 emissions of 167g/km, while the more powerful 1.6 T-GDI engine in the GT-Line with its eight-speed auto quotes 6.7L/100km and 158g/km. Mr Rivero said the new drivetrain will be applied to both the upcoming K4 Hatch as well as the existing K4 Sedan during the fourth quarter of 2025, likely coinciding with model year 2026 (MY26) production. For reference, the related Hyundai i30 Sedan with the Smartstream-branded Atkinson-cycle engine and CVT quotes a much thriftier 6.1L/100km and 139g/km on the combined cycle. As yet there's still no word on a K4 Hybrid or HEV variant, which has been all but confirmed for future introduction. It will almost certainly draw upon the 1.6-litre petrol-electric system used in the i30 Sedan and Kona hybrids, in which it makes 104kW and 265Nm. Let us know in the comments if you want Kia Australia to bring the K4 Wagon! MORE: Kia K4 Hatch to debut more efficient engine in AustraliaMORE: Everything Kia K4 Content originally sourced from: The Kia K4 Sedan will soon be joined by a hatchback body style and a more efficient petrol engine in Australia, and the wagon variant is also on Kia Australia's wishlist – but the business case may not stack up here. Speaking with CarExpert at the Australian launch of the updated Kia Sportage mid-size SUV, general manager for product at Kia Australia, Roland Rivero, said that while a K4 Wagon will likely be offered in right-hand drive for the UK, demand for wagons continues to shrink in Australia. "The ultimate question is the appetite. The [Australian] market has evolved, and I think it's very SUV-biased. I'd love a wagon, but I think the business case for our market is not as much as Europe's," Mr Rivero said. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Above: 2026 Kia K4 Wagon prototype When asked if the wagon-bodied K4 could be reserved for a GT warm performance hero, Mr Rivero remained reluctant. "It would be pretty expensive. We'd have to convince the Mexican plant for that additional variant, which isn't that hard because the UK will have it in right-hand drive – but it's still another derivative that the factory has to churn out." A camouflaged Kia K4 Wagon prototype was recently spotted testing in Europe, ahead of its anticipated reveal later this year. The K4 will replace the popular European-market Kia Ceed, in the same way it replaced the Cerato in Australia. While heavily disguised under sheets and cladding, the K4 Wagon appears to have the extended rear overhang of the K4 Sedan, but with the high roof and tailgate of the incoming K4 Hatch. In the same interview, Mr Rivero confirmed the new K4 Hatch will introduce a more efficient petrol engine and transmission combination when it arrives in the latter stages of 2025. "We've got [the] hatchback first. That does adopt a new powertrain which you're familiar with from the Seltos [small SUV]… which helps us out from a CO2 perspective – that will be our first adjustment in light of NVES [the federal government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard]," Mr Rivero said. The powertrain in question is an Atkinson-cycle 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated with what Hyundai and Kia call an 'IVT' or Intelligent Variable Transmission. Effectively, it's Hyundai/Kia-speak for a CVT. "The CO2 on that is better than even the 1.6 turbo – I think it's about a 30g/km improvement [over the 2.0L MPI]. Whether we spec it with [idle stop/start] is TBC," Mr Rivero added. Above: Kia K4 Sedan (left) and K4 Hatch (right) The current 2.0L MPI engine with a six-speed automatic in the K4 Sedan quotes combined fuel consumption of 7.4L/100km and CO2 emissions of 167g/km, while the more powerful 1.6 T-GDI engine in the GT-Line with its eight-speed auto quotes 6.7L/100km and 158g/km. Mr Rivero said the new drivetrain will be applied to both the upcoming K4 Hatch as well as the existing K4 Sedan during the fourth quarter of 2025, likely coinciding with model year 2026 (MY26) production. For reference, the related Hyundai i30 Sedan with the Smartstream-branded Atkinson-cycle engine and CVT quotes a much thriftier 6.1L/100km and 139g/km on the combined cycle. As yet there's still no word on a K4 Hybrid or HEV variant, which has been all but confirmed for future introduction. It will almost certainly draw upon the 1.6-litre petrol-electric system used in the i30 Sedan and Kona hybrids, in which it makes 104kW and 265Nm. Let us know in the comments if you want Kia Australia to bring the K4 Wagon! MORE: Kia K4 Hatch to debut more efficient engine in AustraliaMORE: Everything Kia K4 Content originally sourced from:
7NEWS
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Kia Australia product boss "would love" the K4 Wagon, but it might be too niche
The Kia K4 Sedan will soon be joined by a hatchback body style and a more efficient petrol engine in Australia, and the wagon variant is also on Kia Australia's wishlist – but the business case may not stack up here. Speaking with CarExpert at the Australian launch of the updated Kia Sportage mid-size SUV, general manager for product at Kia Australia, Roland Rivero, said that while a K4 Wagon will likely be offered in right-hand drive for the UK, demand for wagons continues to shrink in Australia. 'The ultimate question is the appetite. The [Australian] market has evolved, and I think it's very SUV-biased. I'd love a wagon, but I think the business case for our market is not as much as Europe's,' Mr Rivero said. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Above: 2026 Kia K4 Wagon prototype When asked if the wagon-bodied K4 could be reserved for a GT warm performance hero, Mr Rivero remained reluctant. 'It would be pretty expensive. We'd have to convince the Mexican plant for that additional variant, which isn't that hard because the UK will have it in right-hand drive – but it's still another derivative that the factory has to churn out.' A camouflaged Kia K4 Wagon prototype was recently spotted testing in Europe, ahead of its anticipated reveal later this year. The K4 will replace the popular European-market Kia Ceed, in the same way it replaced the Cerato in Australia. While heavily disguised under sheets and cladding, the K4 Wagon appears to have the extended rear overhang of the K4 Sedan, but with the high roof and tailgate of the incoming K4 Hatch. In the same interview, Mr Rivero confirmed the new K4 Hatch will introduce a more efficient petrol engine and transmission combination when it arrives in the latter stages of 2025. 'We've got [the] hatchback first. That does adopt a new powertrain which you're familiar with from the Seltos [small SUV]… which helps us out from a CO2 perspective – that will be our first adjustment in light of NVES [the federal government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard],' Mr Rivero said. The powertrain in question is an Atkinson-cycle 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated with what Hyundai and Kia call an 'IVT' or Intelligent Variable Transmission. Effectively, it's Hyundai/Kia-speak for a CVT. 'The CO2 on that is better than even the 1.6 turbo – I think it's about a 30g/km improvement [over the 2.0L MPI]. Whether we spec it with [idle stop/start] is TBC,' Mr Rivero added. Above: Kia K4 Sedan (left) and K4 Hatch (right) The current 2.0L MPI engine with a six-speed automatic in the K4 Sedan quotes combined fuel consumption of 7.4L/100km and CO2 emissions of 167g/km, while the more powerful 1.6 T-GDI engine in the GT-Line with its eight-speed auto quotes 6.7L/100km and 158g/km. Mr Rivero said the new drivetrain will be applied to both the upcoming K4 Hatch as well as the existing K4 Sedan during the fourth quarter of 2025, likely coinciding with model year 2026 (MY26) production. For reference, the related Hyundai i30 Sedan with the Smartstream-branded Atkinson-cycle engine and CVT quotes a much thriftier 6.1L/100km and 139g/km on the combined cycle. As yet there's still no word on a K4 Hybrid or HEV variant, which has been all but confirmed for future introduction. It will almost certainly draw upon the 1.6-litre petrol-electric system used in the i30 Sedan and Kona hybrids, in which it makes 104kW and 265Nm.
Perth Now
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Kia Australia product boss "would love" the K4 Wagon, but it might be too niche
The Kia K4 Sedan will soon be joined by a hatchback body style and a more efficient petrol engine in Australia, and the wagon variant is also on Kia Australia's wishlist – but the business case may not stack up here. Speaking with CarExpert at the Australian launch of the updated Kia Sportage mid-size SUV, general manager for product at Kia Australia, Roland Rivero, said that while a K4 Wagon will likely be offered in right-hand drive for the UK, demand for wagons continues to shrink in Australia. 'The ultimate question is the appetite. The [Australian] market has evolved, and I think it's very SUV-biased. I'd love a wagon, but I think the business case for our market is not as much as Europe's,' Mr Rivero said. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Above: 2026 Kia K4 Wagon prototype When asked if the wagon-bodied K4 could be reserved for a GT warm performance hero, Mr Rivero remained reluctant. 'It would be pretty expensive. We'd have to convince the Mexican plant for that additional variant, which isn't that hard because the UK will have it in right-hand drive – but it's still another derivative that the factory has to churn out.' A camouflaged Kia K4 Wagon prototype was recently spotted testing in Europe, ahead of its anticipated reveal later this year. The K4 will replace the popular European-market Kia Ceed, in the same way it replaced the Cerato in Australia. While heavily disguised under sheets and cladding, the K4 Wagon appears to have the extended rear overhang of the K4 Sedan, but with the high roof and tailgate of the incoming K4 Hatch. Supplied Credit: CarExpert In the same interview, Mr Rivero confirmed the new K4 Hatch will introduce a more efficient petrol engine and transmission combination when it arrives in the latter stages of 2025. 'We've got [the] hatchback first. That does adopt a new powertrain which you're familiar with from the Seltos [small SUV]… which helps us out from a CO2 perspective – that will be our first adjustment in light of NVES [the federal government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard],' Mr Rivero said. The powertrain in question is an Atkinson-cycle 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated with what Hyundai and Kia call an 'IVT' or Intelligent Variable Transmission. Effectively, it's Hyundai/Kia-speak for a CVT. 'The CO2 on that is better than even the 1.6 turbo – I think it's about a 30g/km improvement [over the 2.0L MPI]. Whether we spec it with [idle stop/start] is TBC,' Mr Rivero added. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Above: Kia K4 Sedan (left) and K4 Hatch (right) The current 2.0L MPI engine with a six-speed automatic in the K4 Sedan quotes combined fuel consumption of 7.4L/100km and CO2 emissions of 167g/km, while the more powerful 1.6 T-GDI engine in the GT-Line with its eight-speed auto quotes 6.7L/100km and 158g/km. Mr Rivero said the new drivetrain will be applied to both the upcoming K4 Hatch as well as the existing K4 Sedan during the fourth quarter of 2025, likely coinciding with model year 2026 (MY26) production. For reference, the related Hyundai i30 Sedan with the Smartstream-branded Atkinson-cycle engine and CVT quotes a much thriftier 6.1L/100km and 139g/km on the combined cycle. As yet there's still no word on a K4 Hybrid or HEV variant, which has been all but confirmed for future introduction. It will almost certainly draw upon the 1.6-litre petrol-electric system used in the i30 Sedan and Kona hybrids, in which it makes 104kW and 265Nm. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Let us know in the comments if you want Kia Australia to bring the K4 Wagon! MORE: Kia K4 Hatch to debut more efficient engine in AustraliaMORE: Everything Kia K4
Motor 1
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Kia Blames Regulations For The Death of Gas Performance Cars
We recently mourned the loss of fun gas-powered cars in Europe due to tightening emissions regulations. But the situation is actually much worse. The gradual demise of performance vehicles with combustion engines is happening worldwide. Kia is the latest automaker to announce that its future sports cars will be purely electric to meet stricter legislation. Kia Australia's product chief, Roland Rivero, told Carsales that automakers have no choice but to 'satisfy the global situation and CO 2 regulations are tightening all around the world.' If there is a silver lining in all of this, it's that the GT badge will live on for more electric models. The new EV4 is a prime candidate to receive the electric GT treatment. Rivero remains optimistic about catering to enthusiasts, even in an increasingly electrified era. He believes 'there's no reason why an electrified product can't give you a similar experience [to internal combustion performance cars], albeit with some computer tech and whatnot.' Still, another car like the Stinger GT with its V-6 engine isn't going to happen. The GT badge is already appearing on electric models, such as the supersized EV9 GT . Meanwhile, the smaller EV6 GT recently received an update that includes simulated gear shifts and engine sounds , "features" that tie into Rivero's 'computer tech' comment. Hyundai's N division may have axed the i20 N and i30 N hot hatches, the Kona N crossover, and the quirky Veloster N, but it's not ready to abandon internal combustion just yet. The company still sells the Elantra N and has pledged to launch a next-generation model with a bigger engine . Earlier this year, N division co-founder Joonwoo Park hinted in an Auto Express interview that hybrid powertrains could help keep fun ICE cars alive under the N badge. Addressing the elephant in the room, any hybrid or EV with performance chops will come with a weight penalty. This is especially true for fully electric performance cars, but it's a compromise carmakers seem willing to accept. Hyundai and Kia appear to be leaning into SUVs for now, which only exacerbates the situation. But that's the reality of 2025. Consumers want SUVs, and governments want automakers to reduce the emissions of their fleets. To satisfy both demands and stay in business, car companies are producing more electric SUVs. A few of these receive upgrades to earn their GT and N badges, which were exclusive to combustion-engine cars not long ago. Hyundai's luxury brand Genesis does have a new twin-turbo V-8 , but it's intended solely for race cars. Source: Carsales Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Perth Now
08-06-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
No Kia Sportage PHEV for Australia, at least for now
The facelifted Kia Sportage range won't be joined by a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option to compete with Mitsubishi and an increasing number of Chinese brands, as well as the next-generation Toyota RAV4, says the brand's local product boss. Speaking with CarExpert at the Australian media launch of the upgraded mid-size SUV, Kia Australia general manager for product Roland Rivero said the Sportage PHEV hasn't been engineered for right-hand drive. 'As much as we'd love to throw [a PHEV] into say, a Sportage, we couldn't justify the business case from a volume and business case perspective [for RHD], and therefore this generation won't see a plug-in hybrid variant in Australia,' Mr Rivero said. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Above: 2026 Kia Sportage facelift – Australian market For now, Kia's local division is 'expanding' its PHEV portfolio with additional variants of the larger Sorento PHEV beyond the current GT-Line flagship. However, it remains unclear how many new PHEV variants of the large SUV are coming. Like the Sorento PHEV, the Sportage PHEV is powered by a familiar 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine combined with an electric motor and lithium-ion battery back. Total system output is rated at 200kW for the facelifted model in North America, and while electric range hasn't been confirmed for the new version, the pre-update model in the US quoted around 50km of EV range from a 13.8kWh battery. Note that we've used the North American Sportage PHEV as a reference since it's the longer-body model similar to the vehicle sold in the Australian and Korean markets, as opposed to the shorter Slovakian-built version sold in Europe and the UK. Interestingly, the long-body Sportage PHEV is built in Korea for the US, despite Kia America producing petrol variants in Georgia. The Sportage PHEV also isn't sold in Korea, despite its local assembly. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Above: 2026 Kia Sportage facelift – Australian market An increasing number of mid-size SUV rivals are adding PHEV options, led by Chinese brands and Mitsubishi. The popular Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV was once a lone wolf in this space, but is now competing with everything from the BYD Sealion 6 and Mazda CX-60 to the Cupra Formentor and Jaecoo J7. Chery will soon launch a Tiggo 7 Pro 'SHS' PHEV, and Toyota has confirmed the next-generation RAV4 Hybrid will be joined by a PHEV version in 2026. Leapmotor also has the C10 REEV (Range Extended Electric Vehicle) in this space. PHEV sales continue to grow in Australia, outpacing those of all other powertrain types – albeit off a lower base. To May this year, 19,393 PHEVs have been registered – 208.1 per cent more than in the same January-May period in 2024. MORE: Everything Kia Sportage
