I think what’s confused me is that Kia don’t state it’s a MHEV on their price list, it’s just 1.6 T-GDi or CRDi. Even the motability website lists them under petrol and diesel, not hybrid.
We’d probably go for the 4 model if we ordered one and being listed as AWD it must be a MHEV as the normal petrol and diesels are FWD.
The Tuscon hybrid @ £5599 will be the plug in hybrid. The only Sportage’s left on the scheme before today were Mild hybrids and petrol, but have now gone as you say. The difference in economy between the mild hybrid and petrol is less than 2mpg with the power basically identical. with the 1.6tdgi engine found in both the Sortage and the Tuscon. So I wouldn’t concern yourself about getting the mild hybrid over the petrol. Your main problem lies whether you can put up with a manual Ultimate Tuscon over the Auto . Or as you suggest AP’s go up rapidly.
Its a difficult one because essentially there is bugger all on the scheme at the moment especially with a reasonable AP. The other option is extend your lease on your current car and hope something more suitable becomes available during the lease extension.