The new generation of the Kia Sportage was officially launched at the end of last year as a locally assembled unit (CKD), although it actually arrived somewhat late compared to other markets.
With a competitively priced package accompanied by appealing specifications, the Kia Sportage has the potential to be an alternative in a market dominated by Japanese SUVs such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota Corolla Cross.
Based on a short test drive recently, the writer was generally satisfied with what the Kia Sportage offers.
Not all vehicles are perfect in their offerings; there are a few minor weaknesses present in this C-segment SUV.
However, for us, these are minor issues if you can tolerate the shortcomings and prioritize driving satisfaction.
Not Everyone is Fond of the Rotary PRND Dial
The variant we tested is equipped with a 1.6-liter turbo engine paired with a dual-clutch transmission (DCT) and e-shift functionality.
This means it does not come with the conventional gear lever commonly found in other SUV models.
The benefit of using a rotary dial is that it creates a more spacious cockpit appearance, but not everyone appreciates this feature.
Personally, I prefer a physical PRND gear lever, which is easier to control and aligns better with the muscle movements we are accustomed to.
Empty Function Buttons on the Center Console
Kia Sportage Euro spec
Located next to the rotary PRND dial, you will notice a cluster of empty function buttons on the center console.
It is unfortunate that these function buttons are not assigned any features, unlike international specifications that offer features like heated steering wheels and heated or ventilated seats.
It appears empty and gives the impression that the Sportage 1.6T is a lower variant.
Climate Control Panel May Be Difficult to Use
Another interesting feature of the Kia Sportage 1.6T is the touch-based climate control panel and infotainment system located below the central air vents.
Essentially, the driver no longer needs to dig through control menus typically embedded in the infotainment screen.
However, it operates using a touch system, and at times it can be a bit difficult to control, especially for drivers with larger fingers.
A few days before the Chinese New Year celebrations, Dinamijaya Motors, the sole distributor of Kia vehicles, invited automotive media practitioners to test the newly launched C-segment SUV – the 2025 Kia Sportage.
For your information, our market has been somewhat slow to embrace this Sportage model, as the fifth generation was introduced as early as 2021.
However, there is no need for concern, as the launched Sportage units are CKD (Completely Knocked Down) vehicles produced at the Inokom plant in Kulim, Kedah, meaning they come with a very competitive price.
We had the opportunity to test drive the two highest variants, the Sportage 1.6T 2WD High and 1.6T AWD High.
Here are our first insights based on the short test drive we conducted recently:
1. A More Striking Exterior Design
The exterior design of the Kia Sportage represents a significant shift from the previous generation.
Employing an approach known as “Opposites United,” the Kia Sportage features an aggressive front design, beginning with its signature tiger nose grille and boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights (DRL) that separate the grille from the main headlights.
This boomerang element is also mirrored in the rear lights, though with a smaller opening.
The SUV’s side profile is enhanced by an elongated chrome strip that adorns the lower edge of the glass housing, as well as black finishes at each wheel arch.
This aggressive design could be a ‘plus point’ for owners seeking something different on the road, and may particularly appeal to those weary of the ubiquitous Chinese SUVs.
Nonetheless, it’s wise to introspect and consider personal tastes before making a decision.
2. Driver-Oriented Cockpit Design
I am quite fond of the layout of the all-new Kia Sportage dashboard.
It is neat and, most importantly, designed with the driver in mind, as the central screen and control panel at the base of the air conditioning vents are angled towards the driver.
With an optimal driving posture, there’s no difficulty in reaching the aforementioned components to adjust settings while driving.
Although there are no physical buttons for the air conditioning system, the touch-based panel is user-friendly, allowing drivers to avoid digging through settings embedded in the main display.
What makes the front row seem more spacious is the presence of a rotary PRND knob in the central console.
Additionally, physical buttons remain in that area for essential functions like drive mode selection, Auto Hold, and the surround camera.
For fans of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rest assured that these features are indeed available in the Kia Sportage.
3. Comfortable and Practical Cabin
Positioned as a C-segment SUV, the Kia Sportage serves as an alternative for those who aren’t fond of larger SUVs like the Kia Sorento.
With dimensions close to those of a Honda CR-V, space is certainly not an issue for the Kia Sportage.
Importantly, rear passengers can enjoy a more generous recline angle, whether they prefer a more upright position or a comfier angle during their journey.
One feature that I appreciate about the Kia Sportage is the presence of a large hook on the headrest structure that can be used to hang jackets, shopping bags, or scarves.
The cargo space measures a generous 543 liters as standard, and can expand to 1,829 liters when the second-row seats are folded.
4. Driving Performance
To be honest, the driving experience offered by the Kia Sportage meets expectations.
With precise and responsive steering, I encountered no issues while handling this C-segment SUV, whether on the highway, at the Karak Circuit, or on winding rural roads.
Moreover, the steering correction system operates in a driver-friendly manner, not too aggressively to the point of annoyance, unlike some competitors’ models.
The Kia Sportage 1.6T can generate a power output of up to 177 hp and 265 Nm, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
Starting with the 1.6T AWD unit, the acceleration response felt somewhat less spirited compared to the 2WD variant we tested after lunch.
However, this isn’t a significant downside if you’re not a heavy-footed driver.
You should also know the next advantage of the Kia Sportage: a quiet cabin at normal speeds.
With a suspension setup effective for varying road conditions in Malaysia, it is also challenging to perceive significant vibrations and harshness in the cabin, unless driven more aggressively.
5. Price
The Kia Sportage 2025 for the Malaysian market is sold starting at RM149,781.78 for the 2.0G variant, while the unit we test drove starts at RM179,599 for the 1.6T 2WD variant, and from RM189,599 for the AWD variant.
What are the differences between the 1.6T 2WD and 1.6T AWD variants?
Only three aspects differentiate these two variants: the all-wheel drive system with a differential lock, roof rails, and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
Therefore, choosing the 1.6T 2WD model is perfectly valid as it is also equipped with comprehensive safety features, including six airbags, a blind-spot collision warning (BCW), high beam assist (HBA), blind-spot monitoring (BVM), and intelligent cruise control (SCC).
We will share more information in a more comprehensive test drive article coming soon.
The Kia EV9 has successfully clinched two awards at the recently held Star Carsifu Editors’ Choice Awards 2024.
The electric SUV, featuring three rows of seating, won the award for Electric Car of the Year and Best Electric Luxury 3-Row Seating Vehicle.
According to Dato Wong Kin Foo, Managing Director of Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd, “We remain committed to closely collaborating with Kia to select the models that best suit the Malaysian market.”
The Kia EV9 officially debuted in the Malaysian market in May 2024, showcasing features such as a dual electric motor setup with 380 hp and 700 Nm of torque, as well as a 99.8 kWh battery pack that offers a driving range of up to 505 km.
This electric SUV is built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) and follows the Opposites United design philosophy, which integrates elements such as the Digital Tiger Face, Digital Pattern Lighting Grille, vertical lighting units, and the LED Star Map lighting system.
The cabin of the Kia EV9 offers a spacious and comfortable configuration for either six or seven passengers, complemented by a minimalist dashboard layout featuring dual 12.3-inch touchscreen displays and sustainable materials.
The starting price for the Kia EV9 is RM368,888 for the 7-seater version and RM373,888 for the 6-seater variant.
Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd (DJM), the official distributor of the Kia brand in Malaysia, has launched the fifth generation Kia Sportage in the local market.
This locally assembled C-segment SUV, produced in Kulim, Kedah, is now open for bookings. It is available in four variants with two engine options as follows:
2.0G 2WD – RM149,781.78
2.0G 2WD High – RM159,781.78
1.6T 2WD High – RM179,599
1.6T AWD High – RM189,599
As you can see, the launched Sportage is the pre-facelift version, not the recently introduced facelift variant.
DJM stated that, for now, the facelifted Sportage is only available in South Korea; however, the SUV is expected to arrive in the local market within the next two years.
The 2.0G variants are powered by a Smartstream 2.0-litre engine that produces 156 hp and 192 Nm, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Meanwhile, the 1.6T variants feature a Gamma II 1.6-litre turbo engine with a power output of 177 hp and 265 Nm. Power is transmitted to the wheels via a seven-speed DCT gearbox.
In terms of equipment, the SUV is fitted with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as ambient lighting. Higher variants will also feature a dual-zone climate control system and Harman Kardon audio system.
Safety features include Forward-Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance (BCA), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance (RCCA), among others.
For the Malaysian market, the Sportage is offered in four colours: Astra Blue, Meteor Grey, Jet Black and Snowflake White Pearl.
Finally, DJM will provide a five-year warranty and a complimentary five-year service package.
Dynamikjaya Motors (DJM), the official distributor of Kia vehicles in Malaysia, has confirmed that the fifth generation Kia Sportage will make its debut at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS) 2024 this December.
According to the company, the C-segment SUV is locally assembled (CKD) in Kulim, Kedah. Bookings have already opened at all authorised Kia dealerships nationwide, although the pricing has yet to be announced.
As can be seen, the soon-to-be-launched Sportage is the pre-facelift model and not the recently introduced facelift version.
In a FAQ, DJM stated that currently, the facelifted Sportage is only available in South Korea but the SUV is expected to arrive in the local market within the next two years.
The Sportage will be offered with two engine options: the Smartstream 2.0-litre petrol engine (156 hp/192 Nm) paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and the Gamma II 1.5-litre turbocharged engine (177 hp/265 Nm) with a seven-speed DCT.
Features-wise, it will come equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, and a Harman Kardon audio system for the higher variants.
Safety systems will include Forward-Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance (BCA), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance (RCCA), and more.
Finally, DJM will offer a five-year warranty and a complimentary five-year service package.
BATIK Air has announced the launch of a new private terminal transfer service designed exclusively for its Business Class passengers.
In partnership with Kia through their sole distributor, Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn. Bhd., Batik Air will enhance the travel experience for both Business Class Promo and Flexi passengers by offering a seamless and premium transfer between the Main Terminal Building and the Satellite Building of KLIA Terminal 1.
Passengers will be chauffeured between the pick-up point at Gate G1 of the Main Terminal Building and the Satellite Building in the all-electric Kia EV9 and the new Carnival.
The airline company said the exclusive offering supplements the existing bus transfer provided by Malaysia Airports (MAHB) due to the temporary suspension of the aerotrain service.
Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy, Chief Executive Officer of Batik Air said the company is taking proactive steps to reduce the environmental impact while ensuring our Business Class passengers enjoy unparalleled comfort and luxury.
“This initiative aligns perfectly with our long-term vision of achieving a more sustainable future in aviation,” he added, emphasising the airline’s ongoing efforts to integrate environmentally conscious practices into its operations and its dedication to sustainability.
Kevin Ahn, President and Chief Executive Officer of Kia Asia Pacific said that partnership with Batik Air aligned with Kia corporate vision of Plan S and their commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045.
The official distributor of Kia, Dinamikjaya Motors, has launched its third electric vehicle for the Malaysian market, the Kia EV9.
The fully electric SUV is available in two variants, namely the GT-Line AWD 6-seater and the GT-Line AWD 7-seater, priced at RM369,668 and RM374,668, respectively.
Both variants feature a twin electric motor configuration producing a total system output 380 hp and 700 Nm, allowing it to reach a maximum speed of 200 km/h.
The battery specifications are also the same, with both variatns utilising a 99.8 kWh lithium-ion battery that offers a driving range of up to 505 km on a full charge.
For charging, the EV9 is equipped with DC fast charging that can handle up to 350 kW, enabling the battery to be charged from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes. It also supports 11 kW AC charging, which requires 10.5 hours for a full charge.
The EV9 is the second Kia model built using the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) after the EV6. It measures 5,015 mm in length, 1,980 mm in width, 1,780 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,100 mm.
Its exterior design is highlighted by the Digital Tiger Face, featuring the Digital Pattern Lighting Grille, vertical LED headlights with two clusters of small cube lamps, and Star Map daytime running lights at the rear. Both variants come with 21-inch wheels.
Inside, there is a floating panoramic dashboard housing two 12.3-inch screens and an additional 5-inch segment display that gives the driver access to all vehicle functionalities. There are also two small displays on the door panels that display video feed from the exterior cameras.
Other features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging, USB-C charging ports in the front, middle, and rear, ambient lighting, and a Meridian audio system with 14 speakers.
Thanks to the flexible Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) charging system, the EV9 also has Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, supplying up to 3.6 kWh of power to charge various electronic devices.
There’s also Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), consisting features such as High Beam Assist (HBA), Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (PCA), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Assist (RCCA), Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA2), Lane Following Assist (LFA2), and Smart Cruise Control (SCC).
The EV9 is fully imported from South Korea and is available in five colours – Ocean Blue, Snow White Pearl, Pebble Grey, Aurora Black Pearl, and Iceberg Green. It comes with a manufacturer’s warranty for five years/150,000 km and a battery warranty for eight years/160,000 km.
DINAMIKJAYA Motors Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of the Kia brand in Malaysia, has introduced the 2024 Kia Carnival, which brings a slew of upgrades.
As before, the Carnival is locally assembled and is available in configurations of seven-, eight- and 11-seat configurations. However, the number of offered variants has been reduced from four to three, namely:
2.2L 11-seater – RM198,500
2.2L 8-seater – RM245,888
2.2L 7-seater – RM259,888
All three variants are powered by a 2.2-liter turbodiesel engine producing 199 hp at 3,800 rpm and 440 Nm from 1,750 to 2,750 rpm.
The engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission tasked with delivering power to the front wheels.
What’s new with the 2024 model? According to Dinamikjaya, the appearance of the seven and eight-seater Carnival models has been enhanced with black 19-inch alloy wheels, as well as black and gray leatherette upholstery.
Both variants retain the premium features offered previously, which include LED daytime running lights, twin sunroof, Smart Power Sliding Door, and Smart Power Tailgate.
Additionally, niceties such as heated and ventilated seats, LED interior lighting, and Surround View Monitor are also carried over. However, the Premium Relaxation seats with its centre walkthrough configuration are only available in the seven-seater variant.
Meanwhile, the 11-seater Carnival continues to offer four rows of seating with a 2-3-3-3 configuration, suitable for those with large families.
For entertainment, the Carnival comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside creature comforts such as wireless charging, Bluetooth, and seven USB charging ports.
The safety system for the seven and eight-seater variants has been upgraded with the addition of a new feature, the Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM).
In case you didn’t know, the Carnival is locally assembled at the Inokom assembly plant in Kulim, Kedah. For the 2024 model, there are four exterior colours to choose from – Astra Blue, Snow White Pearl, Meteor Gray, and Jet Black.
Bookings for the MPV are now open, and each purchase comes with a manufacturer’s warranty for five years/100,000 km and a free scheduled maintenance package for five years/100,000 km.
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