Dinamikjaya Motors, the official distributor of Kia automobiles in Malaysia, has formally introduced the beginning of order taking for the Kia Sportage. It has been a lengthy wait for the C-segment SUV, and as beforehand reported, it should arrive as a locally-assembled (CKD) mannequin from the Inokom plant in Kulim, Kedah.
Set to make its public debut on the upcoming Kuala Lumpur Worldwide Mobility Present (KLIMS) in December, we’re getting the fifth-generation (NQ5) Sportage in pre-facelift type, which was first unveiled again in June 2021. Why? In accordance with Dinamikjaya Motors, the brand new facelifted mannequin, which made its debut earlier this month, has been launched solely in South Korea for now.
“We anticipate that its (the facelifted Sportage) introduction to our native market could take roughly two extra years. Moreover, a possible value enhance could accompany the facelift launch, affecting not solely Malaysia however different markets as effectively,” the corporate mentioned in a FAQ issued to the media. On the point out of different markets, neighbouring Thailand and Indonesia have but to welcome the NQ5 Sportage.
By way of specs, the Sportage can be provided with two petrol powertrains in Malaysia. The primary is a 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated inline-four unit that produces 156 hp and 192 of torque, paired with a six-speed automated transmission.
The choice is a 1.6 litre turbocharged inline-four engine making 177 hp and 265 Nm that’s linked to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. It isn’t clear what number of variants can be made obtainable and which of them will include front- or all-wheel drive.
As for options, the Sportage can be obtainable with Ahead Collision-Avoidance Help (FCA; autonomous emergency braking), Lane Preserving Help (LKA), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance (BCA), Rear Cross-Site visitors Collision Avoidance (RCCA) and extra.
Different gadgets on the package record embody a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an infotainment system that helps Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Larger-spec variants will include creature comforts corresponding to ambient lighting, dual-zone local weather management in addition to a Harman Kardon sound system.
We’re not getting any pricing particulars for now, however just like the also-CKD Sorento, the Sportage will include a five-year, 100,000-km guarantee and repair package deal. The Sportage will compete in a phase that has no scarcity of choices, together with fashionable nameplates such because the Honda CR-V, Proton X70 and Mazda CX-5, plus these from Chinese language manufacturers. Would you decide the Sportage over different C-segment SUVs obtainable right here?
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