2022 KIA Sportage 4 ISG HEV Auto 1.6L Hybrid electric · PF22 WNP

The 2022 Kia Sportage 4 ISG HEV Automatic presents with a clean and current MOT status, having passed its most recent test on 3 August 2026 with no defects or advisories recorded against it. This is a positive indicator of present roadworthiness, suggesting that any issues present at the prior inspection have been addressed. However, the August 2025 test outcome warrants closer scrutiny, as the vehicle initially failed that assessment due to both windscreen wipers failing to clear the glass effectively, a presentation of two dangerous defects that would have rendered the car unroadworthy in their unremediated state. The same visit subsequently recorded three advisories concerning a deteriorated rear registration plate, an active tyre pressure monitoring system warning, and a nail embedded in the offside rear tyre. The fact that the wipers were rectified and the tyre puncture presumably repaired sufficiently to clear the advisories, with no recurrence at the 2026 test, suggests competent remedial action rather than systemic neglect, though the underlying causes of these advisories merit physical verification prior to purchase. With 39,351 miles accumulated over a four-year period, the vehicle has averaged approximately 9,838 miles per annum, which sits broadly within the typical usage bracket for a hybrid SUV of this age. This mileage level is neither so low as to raise concerns about prolonged standing, which can bring its own issues such as brake disc corrosion and battery degradation, nor so high as to suggest excessive wear on major mechanical components. The relatively modest annual usage is consistent with predominantly urban or suburban driving, which in a hybrid powertrain typically results in less mechanical stress on the internal combustion components but potentially more frequent cycling of the high-voltage hybrid battery. The recorded mileage progression appears steady without conspicuous gaps that would indicate long periods of inactivity, and there is nothing in the history to suggest clocking or inconsistent recording. Given that the MOT history is otherwise sparse and the most recent test was entirely clean, physical inspection should focus on age and usage-related deterioration that an annual roadworthiness examination does not necessarily cover. Tyre condition warrants particular attention; despite the original advisory having been resolved, the sidewalls should be examined for perishing and cracking consistent with four years of service, and tread depth should be measured across the full width of each tyre as uneven wear may not be flagged by an MOT test. The 12-volt auxiliary battery in hybrid vehicles is prone to early failure due to the demands of the vehicle's electronic systems, and its state of charge and date code should be verified. Brake discs on a hybrid of this mileage can exhibit corrosion on the friction surfaces from standing moisture, so the discs should be inspected for lipping and surface rust, and the calipers should be checked for binding by ensuring the vehicle rolls freely when released on a level surface with the handbrake off. The hybrid system itself, along with its associated cooling and high-voltage cabling, should be inspected for any signs of rodent damage or perished insulation, particularly around the engine bay and undertray areas, as hybrids that stand for extended periods or are used predominantly for short journeys can suffer from unique wear patterns. All fluids, including brake fluid, engine coolant, inverter coolant if separately specified, and the automatic transmission fluid, should be checked for service history adherence to the manufacturer's calendar-based intervals regardless of the mileage covered. On a test drive, listen for any abnormal noises from the suspension over uneven road surfaces, particularly clunks or knocking from the front MacPherson struts or rear multi-link components, and pay close attention to the operation of the regenerative braking system, which should transition seamlessly into hydraulic braking without excessive pedal travel or vibration. Finally, verify that the tyre pressure monitoring system functions correctly through a full pressure check and reset cycle, as a persistent warning can indicate a faulty sensor rather than a simple pressure issue, and ensure that the registration plate has not deteriorated further since the 2025 advisory was issued.