The fourth-generation (QL) Kia Sportage was launched in Malaysia nearly a month ago, bringing with it a completely new design compared to the previous third-generation (SL) model. Just how radical are these changes? Well, we’ve prepared an extensive gallery of both for you to get a closer look.
Here we have the Sportage QL in the top-of-the-range 2.0 GT Line variant (the red car), while the SL is the 2.0 2WD version (the white car). As you can tell, the new Sportage’s looks are nothing short of striking. Visual highlights on the exterior include automatic HID projector headlamps (with auto levelling), “ice cube” LED fog lights, 19-inch alloys, circular tri-LED DRLs and LED rear combination lamps.
While it may appear that the new car stands taller next to the old one, the figures reveal that both cars actually have the same 1,635 mm height. The width remains the same as well at 1,855 mm, but the QL is slightly longer by 40 mm, at 4,480 mm.
Stepping inside, the Sportage 2.0 GT Line’s cabin echoes the same radical overhaul as the exterior. The new dashboard sports a cleaner and more upright design than before, with a touchscreen multimedia headunit taking centre stage, flanked by new air-con vents. Soft-touch material is also applied on the top dash, accompanied by piano black accents.
Moving downwards, you’ll find new switchgear for the dual-zone automatic air-con, followed by a pair of power outlets (now rated at 12V/180 W each). For the driver, the centre console has been redesigned to accommodate not just a new gear selector, but also buttons to operate the car’s Drive Mode function, hill descent control and parking sensors. Other niceties available include a flat-bottomed steering wheel as well as paddle shifters.
All occupants will have their posteriors resting on leather seats, with those at the front each having eight-way powered ones. Rear passengers meanwhile, now benefit from rear air-con vents, with the convenience of a USB charging port and power outlet located just below it. The rear bench and also be folded down (60:40 split) if needed, expanding the available boot space from 466 litres to 1,455 litres.
For power, the Sportage soldiers on with a 2.0 litre Nu MPI four-cylinder petrol unit that outputs 155 PS at 6,200 rpm and 192 Nm at 4,000 rpm. A six-speed automatic transmission handles the power delivery to the front wheels.
As for pricing, a retail price of RM141,888 on-the-road with insurance is set for the 2.0 GT Line. The SUV comes with a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty, and comes in a choice of five colours – Mercury Blue, Fiery Red, Snow White Pearl and Mineral Silver. The lower-spec 2.0 KX Line can be had for RM121,888, with a few equipment differences that you can find out in our launch report, here.
What do you think of the new Kia Sportage? Are you a big fan of its looks, or do you think the third-generation model is the better looker? As they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Kia Sportage QL 2.0 GT Line
Kia Sportage SL 2.0 2WD
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“..The lower-spec 2.0 KX Line can be had for RM121,888, with a few equipment differences that you can find out in our launch report, here…”
The link for “here” is not there.
Sorry about that. Thanks for pointing it out.
Kimchi no RV, Proton no quality. Every Malaysian knows it.
However, for a RM138k Perdana, this Sportage is a better choice.
And Toyota only gud for afterlife.
Those safer Proton models (Iriz, Preve, Suprima S), no one buy.
Those popular Proton models (Saga, Persona, Exora), everyday got ppl die in the cars.
When john said Proton cars are safer, he meant the cars are safe when no one buy it, no one drive it. This point I agree with him!
Different segment, bub. Not all customers prefer sedans and not all customers prefer SUVs
Brand new
Kia RM141k
Nissan X trail RM125k (OTR)
Mazda CX5 RM126k (OTR)
2 Years Later
Kia RM60k
Nissan X Trail RM100k
Mazda CX5 RM100k
When you sell the car, you will cry and cry like a newborn baby when the Bank ask you to top up the loan by RM30k
You will ask this, “But two whole years, ie 24 months, what did I really pay huh?”
Are you sure Nissan X trail (RM125K?)and CX5 (RM126k?) RV = RM100k after 2 years?
By the way, since you’re comparing base model then it should be,
Kia Sportage = RM121,888 OTR with insurance
Nissan X-trail = RM142,800 OTR with insurance
Mazda CX-5 = RM132272,63 OTR with insurance
Lol this guy really doesnt have any idea of what he’s talking about haha. Sportage is cheaper than its rival but still want to talk about RV after 2 years lol
Now nobody is buying kimchi. 10 years ago, Hyundai and Kia was sold cheaper, so, people thought it was a good deal.
But in Malaysia, the bodoh distributors of Hyundai (GLC Sime Darby) and Kia (Naza GLC) got arrogant and decided to price their cars either SAME or higher than Japanese cars. This is how our BODOHs think. Typical Proton mentality who thinks they build Rolls Royce quality and prestige.
So now, 10 years later, buyers are keeping away from kimchi because they cost more than cars like HRV, CRV, X Trail and CX5.
bro, i think it’s thier world wide strategy, thier pricing is no longer on the cheaper side but similar range with japs which normally with better specs, so i am really disappointed with them being not giving any better specs for their lately launch model which is kind of sad. even mazda and honda started better specs as in better and more advanced active safety system for example.
Low pricing was the key to success for both hyundai and kia in Malaysia.
Kia had several magic tricks with the original Spectra in 2002 at 84k, then naza citra at 86k and naza ria at 103k in 2003. Hyundai success was at the same time with the low slung Sonata, selling at 120k when altis and civic were selling at 110k. Now though the prices have been pushed up to make believe Korean products have achieved the same level of sophistication, looks and engineering reliability of Japanese counterparts.
Some people doesnt bother to do their own research, nuff said. Kia is well known for their better specs than its rival, cheaper as well. That one u dont want to complaint?
Only in Malaysia the mindset still cannot be changed. Kia is highly appreciated in Europe because of their quality.
Is it just me, or does the front scream too much wanna-be-Porsche Cayenne/Macan….
Yes, the Macan from Orient.
At least the Sportage gives a better look and sportier than its rival! Continental touch, i like!
No comparison of side profile? Cos I think the general shape looks almost identical from the side.
When the SL came out, it was a breath of fresh air. A very good looking SUV. Made the CRV looked ugly. But fast forward now, the evolutionary changes from SL to QL, while still a handsome car, is no longer turning heads. The sexy thing now is the CX-5, and the class smaller, CX-3 (and soon the CX-9 as well). The competition, especially Mazda, has caught up, and Kia is slow to react. In fact, even the new Hyundai Tucson looks better (though I found its predecessor dull looking).
Try using these two links
old – http://paultan.org/2016/06/21/gallery-kia-sportage-fourth-gen-and-third-gen/kia_sportage_old_ext-10/
new – http://paultan.org/2016/06/21/gallery-kia-sportage-fourth-gen-and-third-gen/kia_sportage_new_ext-12/
CX5 is sexier? Are u kidding me? The price is also much expensive Sportage is better
i thought kia always fully loaded wit specs, but the 4″ touch screen just does not match the modern looks…why the sister Tucson can offer 8″ with gps and 3 years free service with just additional 3k? anyway, Tucson looks more handsome and manly
4″ touch screen (original from Korea) because of the stock JBL 8 speaker (including sub-woofer). Unlike Tucson’s after market 8 inch touch screen with 6 speakers, the sound quality of this sportage is extraordinary. Go feel the different in showroom for yourself.
Bro if u want to compare is has to be apple vs apple u cannot compare an apple with peach. Tucson rival is Kia Sorento.
Why buy RM 122K without a keyless system/sun roof and no signal light at the side mirror/2WD + high depreciation cost?
You have plenty of options like for honda HRV/CRV/Mazda CX5/Nissan Xtrail.
They will provide RM 20K discount later.
You may look at the Sportage GT now. Its has all the features u mentioned and even better than all of them!
the old one looks better, and cut the bmw broken-nosed bonnet style
ugly
Poor CRV, still low quality . Hahaha
I dont know why people still going for the low spec CRV. Branding over quality and features? *facepalm* Sportage and Sorento beat their rivals easily
No need to compare with CR-V, CX-5 and X-Trail, even the Forester will be selling better than this junk.
Comparing a GT with a 2WD version? Maybe you can’t compare with High Spec because the previous AWD version comes with Sun and Panaromic roof?
Owned 2 Kia, Forte and K5, am disappointed with what they finally offered with GT. Its 2016 model and they spec down this beast. All the best Kia.
Got the Porsche Macan shadow…
Isnt it? I love the new Sportage look!
Wonder why they left out cruise control in the new model. Useful for highway driving and I do use this feature almost all the time. Hope they put that back in for the mid cycle enhancement, or life cycle impulse or whatever they may call it.
U may find it in the new Sportage GT CRDi 2017. Lots of features!
Get a new Tucson instead. Forget about KIA as they cannot be traded in