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.
Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor of the Kia brand vehicles in Malaysia, has launched a special campaign for the Kia Carnival model.
The “Fuel-on-Us” campaign, which runs from October 1 to December 31, 2024, allows new Kia Carnival owners to enjoy subsidized diesel prices at RM1.05/liter for a period of five years without worrying about changes in fuel prices every week.
To participate in this campaign, customers must register their purchase of the Kia Carnival through any authorized Kia dealer during the campaign period.
Each purchase is eligible for only one application.
The Kia Carnival comes with a 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine producing 202 PS and 440 Nm of torque.
With a fuel tank capacity of 72 liters, the Kia Carnival offers a fuel consumption rate of 6.5 liters/100 km, providing a range of up to 850 km on a full tank of fuel.
In Malaysia, the Kia Carnival is offered in three main variants, with prices starting from RM198,500.
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