Cheaper Kia Sorento and Carnival hybrids on the way

Kia Australia is planning an expansion of its local hybrid line-up and will soon offer more affordable versions of its electrified Sorento large SUV and Carnival MPV, both of which have traditionally limited hybrid powertrains to the flagship GT-Line trim.

Citing the overwhelming popularity and success of Toyota’s now all-hybrid passenger and monocoque SUV line-up, Kia’s local product planning boss Roland Rivero said it was abundantly clear plugless hybrids are consumers’ preferred form of electrification.

“Judging by what’s happening with Toyota, I think it’s pretty clear Australians are a lot more quick to adapt to that interim step as opposed to the jump to all-electric,” he told carsales at the national media launch of the new EV3.

“Particularly with NVES coming our way, [the] CO2 footprint of hybrids is also a little bit more favourable than your standard ICE, so it’s our intention to grow our hybrid mix – yes the quantities on Sorento and Carnival have been low, mainly due to supply, and for that reason we’ve limited it (hybrid) to a top-of-the-range GT-Line variant.

“The demand’s there. We really haven’t allowed fleets into the game, but there’s definitely a push and a request for lower variants – expect to see that spread across Carnival and Sorento, and they wont strictly just be GT-Lines moving forward.”

The main issue, until now, had been Australia’s low prioritisation for electrified models compared to the European and Korean market seeing as we didn’t have any concrete emission standards, and all current Kia hybrids (globally) are sourced out of Korea.

Some strategic negotiating on Kia Australia’s behalf was able to finally secure the Sportage hybrid for our market last year, albeit only in front-drive guise and two trim levels (SX and GT-Line).

“Now with the CO2 regulation at our doorstep … headquarters is a lot more supportive and it’s in an effort reduce our carbon footprint and maximise our credits as much as possible so that we don’t have to pay any penalties,” Rivero said.

The product planning boss didn’t go into any detail as to when the new hybrid family haulers would be landing on home soil or in what quantities, but we’d expect a similar arrangement to the aforementioned Sportage – the addition more affordable variant (ala Sport trim) and better supply of the loaded GT-Lines.

Despite the electric version being axed, the Niro hybrid will remain available until the next-generation Kia Seltos arrives with the option of hybrid power at a much lower price point.

The Tasman ute is also primed to receive a hybrid powertrain in the mid-term future as well as the new K4 small car.