The first Kia Sportage SUV arrived under Cycle & Carriage In Malaysia
Yes, it was Cycle & Carriage that first introduced the Kia brand in Malaysia and only a while later did Naza Kia take over the brand and made it a household name.
Bet you didn’t know that the first ever Kia Sportage model was launched in Malaysia by Naza Kia in 1999 and since its inception in the Sportage has left an indelible mark on the automotive world. With an impressive seven million units sold across five generations, the Sportage has firmly established itself as Kia’s best-selling model worldwide since 2015, captivating drivers with its distinctive design and inspiring performance.
Meanwhile, in Malaysia, the Kia Sportage was available as early as its first generation model. The Kia Sportage continues as one of best compact SUVs.
Incidentally, today, the Sportage nameplate is almost 32 years old. Yes, it has been around 32 years and in a few weeks the latest Sportage will be launched in Malaysia.
Paying homage to its sports utility heritage, the side profile of the new Sportage creates a stirring road presence with taut lines cutting across clean but refined body surfaces that seamlessly blend the contrasting volumes together.
The addition of a chrome belt-line that kicks up onto the rear side of the new Sportage creates harmonious lines with the rear spoiler, further adding to the sporting pedigree of the car.
The European Sportage which you see above maintains its strong road presence right at the rear with a muscular swooping fastback design that flows into the rear lamps, which have been crafted to give the impression that they cut into the body with fine precision.
The razor rear lamps are connected by a slim horizontal design, giving the new Sportage a stunningly wide impression from the back.
So, the question many Malaysians will ask is this ….. how much will this latest Sportage be priced. Well, looking at the current range of Kia vehicles in Malaysia and their high quality build, safety equipment and technology, we guesstimate a price from RM158k upwards.
This latest Sportage will compete with mostly Chinese manufacturers like Chery Tiggo 7 PRO at RM123,800, the Jaecoo J7 at RM138,800, Haval H6 Hybrid at RM139,800 and not forgetting Geely (Proton).
Lets not forget the Sportage’s sibling, the Hyundai Tucson which has been on sale in Malaysia for a year plus and priced at a hefty RM195,888 due to it being fully imported and subjected to full import duties.
This latest Kia Sportage will be locally assembled and this is why we guesstimate its selling price to be much lower. Let’s wait and see.
