Happy new year! It’s now 2026, which means Kia Sales Malaysia (KSM) – the new national sales company for the Korean marque – has now officially taken over operations here on our shores.
During its brand reveal last December, KSM announced that the company will be focusing its efforts on rebuilding trust and market confidence for the Kia brand here in Malaysia. As it officially takes the reins on 1 January 2026, we now know that the strategy includes revised price lists for the three models it will be selling for now: the Kia Sportage, Carnival, and EV9.
KSM says that the new pricing strategy means that its existing portfolio of SUV and MPV models are now “right priced”. The Kia Sportage C-segment SUV now starts at RM129,639 (on the road, without insurance), representing a significant price drop of nearly RM20k, while the diesel-powered Carnival MPV saw an even bigger price cut of over RM50k.
- Kia Sportage 2.0G 2WD – RM129,639
- Kia Sportage 2.0G 2WD HI – RM139,639
- Kia Sportage 1.6T 2WD HI – RM159,320
- Kia Sportage 1.6T AWD HI – RM179,320
- Kia Carnival 2.2D 8-Seater – RM193,961
- Kia Carnival 2.2D 7-Seater – RM219,761
It appears that the 11-seater variant of the Kia Carnival is being discontinued for the time being, although pricing wise, the 8-seater variant is now even more affordable than the previous 11-seater, which benefitted from a tax loophole. Both the Carnival and Sportage remain locally assembled in Malaysia, presumably still built at the Inokom plant in Kulim, Kedah.
Meanwhile, The fully electric Kia EV9, fully imported (CBU) from South Korea, saw a marginal increase in pricing, now starting from RM370,183 (on-the-road, without insurance), courtesy of the additional RM515/year road tax that is now applicable to EVs starting January 1, 2026.
- Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD 7-Seater – RM370,183
- Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD 6-Seater – RM375,183
CBU electric vehicles were previously exempted from import and excise duties, as well as road tax, until December 31, 2025. KSM’s new price list for the Kia EV9 does mention that the selling price “includes excise duties, sales tax, and standard accessories”, however it is not clarified if the cars on sale now are indeed taxed after the exemptions expired, or that the cars have already been imported into the country before December 28, 2025, which means these stocks would still have qualified for excise and import duty exemptions.
If the latter, there’s a possibility that the Kia EV9 would see another price revision, after its current inventory is depleted.
All newly-purchased Kia vehicles in Malaysia will now also be covered by a renewed warranty coverage and parts replacement policy, now valid for five years or 150,000 km (up from 100,000 km), whichever comes first. KSM says this change is in line with Kia global standards, although the previously-offered free scheduled maintenance programme is now not available any more.
That said, KSM says that it has also implemented a price reduction of 15% on average for all Kia genuine spare parts, and its after-sales network is now also supported by a new dedicated parts warehouse located in Shah Alam, Selangor, to ensure availability of its spare parts and thus, reducing after-sales lead times.
Additionally, KSM is also establishing a new loyalty programme, called the Kia Circle, which will offer cash rebates of up to RM6,000 when existing Kia owners or their family members (parents, children, spouse) upgrade to a new Kia model.
A new Kia Professional corporate fleet and professional programme also offers exclusive concessions of up to 3% for members of professional bodies and major corporations for individual vehicle purchases, and “customisable incentives” for fleet buyers.
KSM has also introduced a new Kia Cares insurance programme, available at authorised Kia Dealerships nationwide. Underwritten by Berjaya Sompo, Zurich, and Zurich Takaful, the new insurance programme provides comprehensive coverage for accidental loss or damage, alongside customisable add-on benefits – including all-driver coverage, agreed value for up to 15 years, unlimited towing, and full special perils coverage among others – to suit individual buyer preferences.
“The new year marks a new beginning for Kia. We are proud to officially begin our journey of rebuilding the Kia brand through a standalone National Sales Company in Malaysia. We wish to assure fans that Kia is here to stay, and our priority is taking care of customers and inspiring progress through our innovative mobility solutions,” pledged Kia Sales Malaysia President and CEO, Hyung Ho Kim.
READ MORE: Kia returns to Malaysia under new stand-alone national sales company
“These first steps, which are to revamp our pricing strategy, recognise loyal Kia customers and incentivise corporate purchases, are all part of a concerted effort to answer the question, ‘Why Kia?’. Kia Sales Malaysia believes in right pricing our products,” added Managing Director, Emily Lek.
“Buyers across Malaysia will now be able to enjoy the best vehicles suited for the market with the most appropriate specifications and features, offered at competitive prices. We welcome both legacy and new Kia fans to our showrooms to appreciate our range of vehicles, test drive them and be immersed in the new Kia experience,” she added.
The new Kia Sales Malaysia official website at www.kia.com/my will be operational starting January 8, 2026, although eager customers can already now visit their nearest authorised Kia showrooms to explore the revised Kia model lineup here in Malaysia.
For sales and servicing inquiries, or immediate 24-hour roadside assistance, customers can also contact KSM Customer Support at 1300 88 0133 or email [email protected].
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