Kia in Israel. Price increase in 2023
The price increase in 2023 will touch almost all the most popular models of Kia presented in Israel: the Kia Picanto will rise in price by 4,000 shekels, the Kia Sportage plug-in hybrid SUV will become 11,000 shekels more expensive, the Kia Niro Plus EV will rise in price by 10,000 shekels, and all other models will rise in price, on average, by 5,000 shekels. The updated price list for 2023 was published by Talkar, Kia’s exclusive supplier in Israel.
The increase in prices is a result of an updated formula for calculating the environmental tax and an increase in the tax on plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles. As a reminder, from January 2023, the tax on the purchase of plug-in hybrid models has increased from 40% to 50%, and the maximum benefit limit has been reduced from 40,000 to 30,000 shekels. For all-electric models, the purchase tax has increased from 10% to 20%, and the benefit limit has been lowered from 75,000 to 60,000 shekels. As a result, prices for most Kia models have increased, on average, by 1,000 to 4,000 shekels. Plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles are seeing even more significant price increases, averaging between 8,000 and 11,000 shekels.
Kia EV6
In Israel, sales of the electric SUV began at the end of December 2022. The new Kia EV6 2023 is delivered to Israel in two versions: a rear-wheel drive version offers a capacity of 229 hp and a driving range of 528 km, whereas an all-wheel drive modification has a capacity of 325 hp and a driving range of 484 km. All models are equipped with a 77.4 kWh battery. There is the possibility of both fast DC charging up to 350 kW, and slow charging AC charging up to 11 kW. Here we have detailed trim levels and modifications. The price for the entry-level 2WD starts at 249,000 shekels and the top-end AWD costs from 299,000 shekels. According to Talkar, this price already includes the EV tax increase, so as previously promised, the current model will retain starting prices, but this will most likely no longer apply to subsequent deliveries.
Kia Picanto
The Kia Picanto has been sold in Israel for 10 years! In our market, the new Kia Picanto restyled in 2020 is offered in a single version with a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated engine with a capacity of 84 hp, 5-speed robotic gearbox and front-wheel drive. In 2022, the cost of a hatchback ranged from 87,740 to 89,140 shekels for top-end versions. The car has a 7 year or 150,000 km warranty. The excellent price-quality ratio allowed the compact car to become the third best-selling car in Israel. We have already analyzed its advantages and disadvantages. In 2023 price for all trim levels has increased by 4,000 shekels, now starting at 92,900 shekels.
Kia Sportage
This Korean bestseller has been named ‘Car of the Year’ many times. Among its advantages are good handling and maneuverability, decent power and fuel-efficient engines. The Israeli market offers the 5th generation Kia Sportage. Our customers can choose from several SUV modifications with gasoline and diesel engines, as well as a hybrid version.
The car is equipped with 1.6-liter turbo gasoline with 180 hp paired with a 7-speed robotic gearbox or 2-liter engines with 156 hp complemented by a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The 1.6-liter turbo diesel engine with 136 hp is complemented by an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Prices for the new 2023 Kia Sportage have increased by 1,000-5,000 shekels and now start at 168,900 shekels.
The Kia Sportage HEV is the most fuel-efficient model with a hybrid system based on a 1.6 T-GDi engine paired with 60 hp electric motor that produces a total of 230 hp and 350 Nm. The SUV comes with a 6-speed automatic gearbox and only front-wheel drive. Fuel consumption will be 6 liters per 100 km in the combined cycle. The Sportage Hybrid is equipped with the latest Kia technologies such as E-Ride, a speed bump-like ride control system, and E-Handling, which helps you to handle turns. In 2023, the cost of the 1.6 Turbo Plug-in version will increase by 11,000 to 249,900 shekels (that is, the price is almost equal to the electric Kia EV6 2WD Premium).
Kia Niro
The front-wheel drive compact hybrid SUV already has its second generation, which is notable for its driving mode ‘in the green zone’, as HEVs (hybrid electric vehicle) or PHEVs (plug-in hybrid) themselves switch to electric traction when necessary. With the help of on-board navigation or a history of previous trips, the car determines the ‘green zones’, which include residential areas, schools or hospitals, and you can also add your home or office. In Europe, the new Kia Niro can become Car of the Year 2023.
In Israel, the new Kia Niro is still represented by the first generation restyled in 2019. The hybrid modification is based on a 141-horsepower system, consisting of a 1.6-liter engine, a modest electric motor and a lithium-polymer battery with a capacity of only 1.56 kW h, a 6-speed dual-clutch robotic gearbox and front-wheel drive. Combined fuel consumption is 4.9 liters per 100 kilometers. The plug-in hybrid version, recharged from a wall outlet, is more powerful: an electric motor with a capacity of 61 hp and 170 Nm and an 8.9 kWh battery that provides a range of 49 km in pure electric mode (measured by WLTP). In 2023, both versions will rise in price from 3,000 to 5,000 shekels.
In addition, our market offers a purely electric version, the Kia Niro EV, with an engine producing 204 hp and a battery with a capacity of 64 kWh, which is enough for about 420 km on a single charge. According to a survey by J.D. Power conducted among nearly 10,000 EV and plug-in hybrid owners, the electric Kia Niro ranked first in terms of vehicle satisfaction, outperforming competitors in real driving range, charging convenience and availability, driving enjoyment, and value for money. In 2023, the cost of the new Kia Niro Plus EV will increase by 10,000 shekels to 199,900 shekels.
