Earlier this month, Kia Malaysia announced that it will introduce the fifth-generation Sportage as a locally-assembled (CKD) model in 2023, which will be available with standard and electrified powertrains.
However, a RHB Investment Bank report suggests the C-segment SUV will arrive sooner, with a launch said to take place in the third or fourth quarter of 2022. That’s well ahead of what was mentioned during the December 10 media briefing, although it suggests that the model will be fully imported (CBU) initially before the start of CKD production – this is seemingly confirmed by another investor report by Kenanga Research.
Local assembly of Kia models will take place at the Inokom plant in Kulim, Kedah for domestic and export markets, with Kia Malaysia aiming to produce 100,000 units of four models – including the Sportage, Carnival, Sorento and Niro – in the next five years.
The latest Sportage was first revealed back in June this year and boasts a bold new look following the Korean carmaker’s Opposites United design philosophy. It is offered with a choice of two internal combustion engines (a 1.6 litre turbo petrol and 2.0 litre turbodiesel) as well as hybrid and plug-in hybrid options.
GALLERY: 2021 Kia Sportage Hybrid (Korea market)
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Nice, something different
(Like) 2022 Kia Sportage.
(Dislike) Proton X70 Premium
Yeah the LONGER 4.675m version please – instead of the shorter 4.5m long version
Bring it in sooner Bermaz. Why the delay when other countries around the globe already have the Sportage on sale?
Here everything late but corruption no one
A year and a half later…take your time.
Hope we get the sole 4.6x metre longer body version instead of the shorter iteration
Who is the dealer in kuching?
I will take this over CRV.Please bring the hybrid version in.
it’s middle of sept. 2022 already.. is it still coming or what?
Any idea what’s the estimated price when launched? And it’s already October now, hopefully it will be announced soon
Rented & drove this car for 2 weeks in NZ recently. Totally changed my perception against KIA. Impressed with the totally new KIA in comparison with my 2019 Merc C300 (albeit diff class of vehicle).
Wow u have staged it against a Mrec & say it’s better! That’s a very high standard. Thank you for your remarks. I am seriously considering this SUV. Your feedback provides major confidence! Tqvm sir!
Thank you for the review.
May I ask when will it be launched? Fyi, its already Q2 2023.
1.5 years later, still no progress or update when it will be officially launch
Korean car has really impressed me a lot. I am the 1st hand owner of Hyundai Sonata 2011 and whom previously was a Toyota owner, and after a while, I don’t mind if my next or 2nd car will be a Korean car. Kudos to these Korean for their tech and also their car design.