Besides the barrage of new and upcoming Mazda SUVs, Bermaz Auto Berhad (BAuto) also took the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS) 2024 stage to launch its latest SUV model, the 2024 Kia Sportage. This locally-assembled (CKD) C-segment SUV will be available in four variants, with prices estimatedly starting from RM150,000 onwards.
Based on the pre-facelift fifth-gen model (codenamed NQ5), the Malaysian-spec Sportage CKD lineup starts with the baseline 2.0 variant, which is powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cyl N/A SmartStream petrol mill rated at 154 HP and 192 NM. Said power is sent exclusively to the front wheels (FWD) via a six-speed automatic transmission, allowing the Sportage 2.0 to hit its V-Max of 181 KM/H, as well as a decent fuel economy rate of 7.5 litres per 100 KM.
Some standard equipment primed to the baseline Sportage 2.0 includes auto LED headlights, LED combination taillights, 17-inch alloy wheels, an 8-inch central infotainment system with wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, a small 4.2-inch TFT metre display, six speakers, two USB ports, a dual-zone auto climate control, manual-adjustable fabric front seats, and many more. Unfortunately, no ADAS functions are primed in this baseline model.
Moving one level up, the mid-spec Sportage 2.0 High uses the same 2.0-litre SmartStream engine as the baseline variant. Differentiating the 2.0 High variant from the baseline model are several additional pieces of equipment, including LED front fog lights, piano black-hued bumpers and side skirts with satin chrome garnishes, while rolling on the same 17-inch alloy wheels.
On board, the Sportage 2.0 High variant gains some key features such as leatherette upholstery, an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, four USB charging ports, and a slew of ADAS functions such as High Beam Assist (HBA), Blind Spot Collision Warning (BCW), Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA), Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), Lane-Keeping Assist (LKA), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), and Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop & Go.
Up next are the two 1.6T variants, which use a peppier 1.6-litre 4-cyl turbocharged Gamma II engine rated at 177 HP and 265 NM. Depending on the variant, power is sent to either the front (FWD) or all wheels (AWD) via a seven-speed DCT automatic gearbox, granting this car a higher claimed V-Max of up to 201 KM/H.
For the Sportage 1.6T High variant, the model uses fancier LED projector headlights and full LED taillights, a piano black-hued bodykit with satin chrome accents and garnishes, as well as riding on 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels. Meanwhile, the top-spec Sportage 1.6T High AWD ups the ante by getting built-in roof rails as standard.
Inside, the two 1.6T variants get the most comprehensive cabin amenities of the lot, featuring a larger 12.3-inch central infotainment display with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM), a digital A/C control panel, and many more. Predictably, only the top-spec 1.6T High AWD variant is offered with an exclusive 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
Proudly assembled at Inokom’s Kulim plant in Kedah, the 2024 Kia Sportage CKD is tagged with an estimated price tag of RM150,000 for the baseline 2.0L variant, RM160,000 for the 2.0L High, RM180,000 for the 1.6T High, and RM190,000 for the range-topping 1.6T High AWD. Regardless of variants, the Sportage CKD will come standard with a 5-year or 100,000 KM vehicle warranty and a separate 5-year or 100,000 KM free scheduled maintenance package.
So folks, what do you think of the all-new 2024 Kia Sportage CKD? Could this Korean-badged, locally-assembled SUV put on a good fight against the usual Japanese suspects, as well as several other Chinese newcomers? As always, don’t forget to leave your thoughts in the comments down below…