Kia primes new Mazda CX-5 fighter

Kia is preparing to accelerate its hybrid-only transition in 2027 with a new generation Sportage that is expected to follow the approach of the smaller Seltos. The new Seltos, arriving in Australia later this year, will use hybrid power exclusively as Kia moves away from petrol. The Sportage is expected to be conventional self-charging hybrid plus a plug-in hybrid, and it has been spotted testing in Korea under heavy camouflage by YouTube channel Healer TV. Digital artist AutoYa has published a render suggesting the next Sportage will closely mirror the new Seltos, including flush door handles and a floating roofline, while likely sharing headlight design cues from the larger Telluride and potentially the “star map lighting.” The article also links expectations to Hyundai’s incoming Tucson, which should arrive this year on the same platform, with only hybrid and plug-in hybrid choices. The current Tucson plug-in system uses a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine with 185kW and 367Nm and a roughly 13kWh battery for about 50km electric range, and new models are expected to adopt a large 17-inch central screen and a 9.9-inch digital driver display.