Kia has only just launched the new Sportage PHEV here in the UK and Europe, but it is already planning on launching it over in the US soon. Kia announced the new news last week that the plug in hybrid version will be the only version to be available, which will be in Q3 of this year. This variant has a 66.9kWh electric motor, powered by a 13.8kWh battery pack. As its a hybrid, there is a standard combustion engine, which is a 1.6-litre 177bhp petrol.

The battery pack is good for up to 32 miles of electric only range, which is perfect for driving around town without the need to power up the engine. But, thanks to the small battery, it can be charged up pretty fast – Kia say it’ll take around two hours on a standard Level 2 system. There is also regenerative braking too, which should help keep the battery in the green.

However, this is not sitting on the new platform that Kia is using for the EV6 or IONIQ5, instead it is virtually identical looking to the combustion version with the same interior and features. There is a large 12.3-inch drivers display, large infotainment system and 4G WiFi hotspot for up to five devices.

The new Sportage PHEV is already on sale in the UK, but is due to launch in the US later this year in 2022.