KIA'S new plug-in hybrid version of its latest Sorento SUV will costs from £44,995 when it arrives early in 2021.

The car will have an all-electric range of 35 miles under normal operating conditions or up to some 43 miles in town.

It has been rated under the latest emission tests at a CO2 figure of 38g/km which equates to more than 170 miles per gallon.

The Sorento PHEV uses a 1.6-litre petrol engine with a six-speed auto box and a 13.8kWh electrical system but recharging times and full homologation of UK specification models have still to be completed.

The car will be available in three trims - 2, 3 and 4 - with level 3 models priced from £48,895 and top grade 4 versions from £53,095 which makes the plug-in the flagship of the new Sorento range.

Boot space for the car - which is a seven seater - ranges from 175 litres with all seats in use with 809 litres available as a five seater, fractionally down on the non-plug-in versions. Maximum capacity is almost class leading at nearly 2,000 litres.

Inside, the plug-in gets an updated instrument cluster to accommodate graphics and dials for its electric powertrain while from the 3 grade model upwards the 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system has additional functionality to enable drivers to easily find vehicle charging points.

Meanwhile, Kia has announced it is adding a limited edition of JBL Black specification models to its top-selling Sportage range of SUVs.

As well as high-end JBL sound system the car gets special trim highlights on the outside including a new grille design with the Sportage name appearing across the tailgate while it is finished in a black metallic paintjob.

The special is priced from £28,545 for a 1.6 T-GDi six-speed manual model while automatic versions cost from £29,760. Diesels, which have 48-volt mild hybrid 1.6-litre powertrains range from £29,130 to £30,345.