√2023 Kia Sportage GT-Line orders paused amid parts shortages

Kia Australia has temporarily stopped taking orders for its top-of-the-range mid-size SUV, as parts shortages slam the brakes on production.

Order books for the 2023 Kia Sportage GT-Line mid-size SUV have been temporarily closed in Australia amid production slowdowns and a backlog of orders.

Kia Australia has advised it has “temporarily paused orders until production improves” for its flagship Sportage due to “component shortages impacting supply”.

The GT-Line accounted for about 40 per cent of Sportage sales last year, and is the variant most vulnerable to parts shortages as it is the top-of-the-range model, with the most luxury features and technology.

The delays on the Sportage GT-Line follow news the panoramic sunroof in the related Hyundai Tucson Highlander from Kia’s sister brand is temporarily unavailable due to parts shortages, and that customers are being offered a $1500 refund if they accept the same car without a sunroof.

Drive understands the sunroof is not one of the components in short supply for the Sportage GT-Line.

It is unclear when orders for the Kia Sportage GT-Line will resume. A Kia Australia spokesperson told Drive “the situation is being reviewed regularly”. Kia Australia is yet to advise how many back-orders are waiting to be cleared.

MORE: 2023 Hyundai Tucson Highlander hits glass ceiling: sunroof deleted

Wait times for other Kia Sportage variants – the S, SX and SX+, with fewer luxury features – is estimated at approximately four to six months, a company spokesperson told Drive.

The Kia Sportage GT-Line is priced from $49,720 to $52,720 plus on-road costs, after a price rise earlier this year.

The Sportage range is due to expand to include a hybrid model early next year.

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