Despite the wave of new Chinese plug-in hybrid models arriving in Israel, Israelis are still buying more hybrid vehicles. In January, the market share of plug-in hybrids did indeed double to 15.9% of the market, but hybrids increased by 20% to 28.3% and remained the largest segment after gasoline vehicles, whose share dropped for the first time to below 39%. This comes as electric vehicles declined from 15.9% to 9.5%.
Kia has recently launched an additional version of the hybrid Niro, offering higher equipment levels as a response to the abundance of features in plug-in hybrids. The Niro Premium (NIS 182,000, with a promotional price of NIS 175,000) receives, for an additional NIS 2,000 over the EX version, an electric sunroof, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and synthetic leather seats, and is even unusually equipped for a hybrid with a spare wheel.
There is no change to the powertrain, which is based on a 1.6-liter engine with a combined output of 129 hp and an official fuel consumption figure of 22.7 km per liter.
At the same time, a new base version of the American long-wheelbase Sportage has been launched at NIS 190,000, which is NIS 20,000 less than the Premium version imported until now and NIS 9,000 less than the equivalent base long-wheelbase Hyundai Tucson. During the launch period, a discount of NIS 4,000 is offered, bringing the price to NIS 186,000.
The Sportage Long Urban features the same body extended by 12 cm (4.66 meters), a wheelbase longer by 9.5 cm, and an enlarged trunk increased by 46 liters to 633 liters. The powertrain includes a 1.6-liter gasoline engine and an electric motor with a combined output of 230 hp and an official fuel consumption of 17.8 km per liter.
Unlike the Tucson, which comes with all-wheel drive, the long Sportage is offered with front-wheel drive only, which slightly improves fuel consumption but comes without the basic off-road capability found in its twin. The equipment includes, among other features, electric adjustment for the driver’s seat, heated front seats, and lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels.
