Kia is testing the 5th-generation Sportage in Pakistan as a camouflaged test mule has been spotted doing rounds of testing on local roads. The registration data reveals that the vehicle is indeed owned by Lucky Motor Corporation (LMC) and was registered just recently in November 2024.
While details are limited at the moment, the recent surge of hybrid cars showcased at PAPS 2024 suggests that LMC might introduce the new Sportage as a hybrid in Pakistan. It may be sold alongside the outdated 4th-gen gasoline-only model, similar to Hyundai’s approach with the Elantra.
5th-Gen Kia Sportage test mule in Pakistan
However, the test mule is the pre-facelift model as the 5th-gen Sportage has recently received a thorough facelift, nearly 3 years after it debuted back in 2021. Better still, it is the long wheelbase version instead of the shorter wheelbase version that’s sold in European markets.
5th-Gen Kia Sportage- Pre-facelift vs Facelift
It will be too early to predict whether the 5th-gen Kia Sportage in Pakistan will be offered as a CKD-assembled model or a CBU-imported unit, but one can expect it to carry a high price tag considering that the obsolete Sportage already costs as high as PKR 90.0 lac. What is your opinion regarding this development, let us know with your comments.
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