There’s a new contender in the busy C-segment SUV market here in Malaysia, and it comes in the form of the all-new fifth-generation Kia Sportage that has been unveiled at the 2024 Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS 2024).
Locally assembled in Kulim, Kedah, the 2024 Kia Sportage is available in four variants, with prices starting from RM149,518 on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of pre-installed accessories.
While the Kia Sportage launched here in Malaysia is not the latest facelifted version that was just unveiled globally earlier this year (and still limited exclusively to Korea), it still looks completely futuristic thanks to its spaceship-like styling, particularly with the boomerang-looking daytime-running lights in front.
Standard equipment vary widely depending on variant, although you can expect to find things like 17- or 18-inch wheels, LED headlights (projectors on 1.6T variants), full LED tail lights on the two higher-end variants, as well as a powered tailgate that’s available on all variants except for the entry-level 2.0.
The futuristic design ethos continue inside, with a uniquely-styled dashboard layout characterised by the wraparound panel for the driver, bookended by two funky vertical air vents. Equipment, again, varies depending on the variant, and it’s the range-topping models that get all the goodies, including the twin 12.3-inch screens, a dual-zone air conditioning with digital control panel, as well as a rotary gear selector on the centre console.
Two powertrain options are available on the 2024 Kia Sportage here in Malaysia. The two lower variants are equipped with a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four engine making 154 hp and 192 Nm, paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox, while the higher-end variants get a 1.6-litre turbocharged mill for 177 hp and 265 Nm, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The more powerful engine can also be paired with an all-wheel drive system, exclusive to the range-topping 1.6T AWD High variant, but all other variants are front-wheel drive only.
