Kia Sportage 2024

2025 Kia Sportage CKD launched in Malaysia – four variants; 2.0L NA, 1.6L turbo; from RM147k-RM187k

In Cars, Kia, Local News / By Gerard Lye / 4 December 2024 2:21 pm / 13 comments
The fifth-generation (NQ5) Kia Sportage is now open for booking and is currently on display at the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS). Four variants of the C-segment SUV are offered to customers here, all of which are locally assembled (CKD) at the Inokom plant in Kulim, Kedah.

UPDATE: Official pricing for the Kia Sportage has been revealed shortly after the SUV’s debut at KLIMS. This post has been updated.

Keep in mind that we’re getting the NQ5 in pre-facelift form, which was first unveiled back in June 2021. According to Dinamikjaya Motors, the newer facelifted model, which made its debut earlier in November, has been launched exclusively in South Korea for now. Also worth pointing out that neighbouring markets such as Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia have yet to welcome the NQ5 Sportage.

The line-up for our market consists of two naturally-aspirated and two turbocharged variants, and the pricing (on-the-road without insurance) is actually less than estimates given earlier in the day (RM151,219.60 to RM190,900). Here’s how much each variant retails for:
- 2.0G 2WD – RM147,218.60
- 2.0G 2WD High – RM157,218.60
- 1.6T 2WD High – RM176,899
- 1.6T AWD High – RM186,899
The ‘2.0G’ variants feature a Smartstream 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated inline-four petrol engine making 154 hp at 6,200 rpm and 192 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm. The MPI mill drives the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission, with the top speed being 181 km/h.

As for the ‘1.6T’ options, both get a 1.6 litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine developing 177 hp at 5,500 rpm and 265 Nm from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is paired with the Gamma II powerplant, which gets either front- or all-wheel drive, and enables a top speed of 201 km/h.

In terms of equipment, the base 2.0G 2WD comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels (235/65 profile tyres), automatic LED headlamps, LED DRLs, LED and bulb-type combination taillights, bulb-type rear fog lamps, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry and start, a manual tailgate, four rear parking sensors as well as black and silver exterior trim and bumper finishes.

Inside, there’s an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a 4.2-inch TFT-LCD instrument cluster display, a urethane steering wheel, black dashboard trim, a drive mode selector, dual-zone climate control (with rear vents), manual front seats, a 60:40 split-folding rear bench seat, fabric upholstery, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, six speakers and a reverse camera.

2025 Kia Sportage spec sheet; click to enlarge

As for safety, the entry-level option gets six airbags (front, side, curtain), the usual array of passive systems (ABS, ESC, hill start assist), an electronic parking brake (with auto hold), a tyre pressure monitoring system, rear occupant alert, front and rear seatbelt warning and ISOFIX child seat anchors. Driver assistance is limited to just downhill brake control and passive cruise control, with remote engine start being a convenience feature.

Stepping up to the 2.0G 2WD High adds on things like LED front fog lamps, a welcome lamp function, a powered tailgate, four front parking sensors, piano black and satin chrome exterior trim and bumper finishes, a leather steering wheel, piano black dashboard trim, leatherette seat upholstery and an eight-way powered driver’s seat.

More importantly, this variant gets a host of active safety features such as high beam assist, blind-spot collision warning, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, driver attention warning, forward collision-avoidance assist (with autonomous emergency braking), lane following assist as well as adaptive cruise control with stop and go.

Paying the premium for the first of the turbocharged variants nets you roughly the same kit as the 2.0G 2WD High, with the addition of larger 18-inch alloys (235/60 profile tyres), projector LED headlamps, full-LED taillights, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a digital control panel for the climate system, a larger 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a blind-spot view monitor (displayed in the instrument cluster).

2025 Kia Sportage price list; click to enlarge

The range-topper builds upon the 1.6T 2WD High by adding all-wheel drive with a differential lock, roof rails and a Harman Kardon eight-speaker sound system.

Four body colours are offered for the Sportage, namely Astra Blue, Meteor Gray, Jet Black and Snowflake White Pearl. A five-year, 100,000-km manufacturer warranty and free scheduled maintenance package comes standard with every purchase. As an option, buyers can add on V-Zion window tint film for RM2,300.

The Sportage will enter a space that isn’t short of rivals, with the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson, Proton X70, Chery Tiggo 7 Pro being a few examples. With this pricing, will you pick the Kia SUV over the competition?

GALLERY: 2025 Kia Sportage Malaysia brochure
13 comments | Leave a comment?
2025 Kia Sportage CKD estimated pricing in Malaysia – RM150k to RM190k; four variants; 2.0L NA, 1.6L turbo

In Cars, Kia, Local News / By Gerard Lye / 20 November 2024 4:01 pm / 16 comments

Kia dealers in Malaysia have revealed estimated pricing for the fifth-generation (NQ5) Sportage (pre-facelift), which is currently open for booking and will make its debut at next month’s Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS).

Based on postings on Facebook, the Sportage, which is a locally-assembled (CKD) SUV, will be offered in four variants. The starting point is the 2.0G 2WD at an estimated RM150,000, followed by the 2.0G 2WD High at RM160,000. Both will feature a 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated inline-four petrol engine that produces 156 hp and 192 of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission to drive the front wheels.

Moving up the variant tree, there is the 1.6T 2WD at RM180,000, which is followed by the range-topping 1.6T AWD High at RM190,000. These options come with a 1.6 litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine making 177 hp and 265 Nm that is linked to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, with one being front-wheel drive while the other is all-wheel drive.

All variants of the Sportage will be available in four colours, namely Astra Blue, Meteor Grey, Snowflake White Pearl as well as Jet Black. Additionally, a five-year, 100,000-km warranty and service package will come as standard.

Features that have already been confirmed include a suite of active safety features like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA; autonomous emergency braking), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance (BCA), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance (RCCA). Other bits of kit are a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Higher-spec variants will come with creature comforts such as ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control as well as a Harman Kardon sound system.

What do you think of the Sportage’s estimated pricing and specifications? Are they competitive against the many other C-segment SUVs in the market such as the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson, Proton X70, Chery Tiggo 7 Pro and more? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

GALLERY: 2024 Kia Sportage X-line 4WD in Taiwan

16 comments | Leave a comment?
2025 Kia Sportage bookings open in Malaysia – CKD; 1.6T, 7DCT or 2.0L NA, 6AT; active safety; KLIMS debut

In Cars, Kia, Local News / By Gerard Lye / 20 November 2024 10:00 am / 16 comments

Dinamikjaya Motors, the official distributor of Kia vehicles in Malaysia, has officially announced the start of order taking for the Kia Sportage. It has been a long wait for the C-segment SUV, and as previously reported, it will arrive as a locally-assembled (CKD) model from the Inokom plant in Kulim, Kedah.

Set to make its public debut at the upcoming Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS) in December, we’re getting the fifth-generation (NQ5) Sportage in pre-facelift form, which was first unveiled back in June 2021. Why? According to Dinamikjaya Motors, the new facelifted model, which made its debut earlier this month, has been launched exclusively in South Korea for now.

“We anticipate that its (the facelifted Sportage) introduction to our local market may take approximately two more years. Additionally, a potential price increase may accompany the facelift release, affecting not only Malaysia but other markets as well,” the company said in a FAQ issued to the media. On the mention of other markets, neighbouring Thailand and Indonesia have yet to welcome the NQ5 Sportage.

In terms of specifications, the Sportage will be offered with two petrol powertrains in Malaysia. The first is a 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated inline-four unit that produces 156 hp and 192 of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The alternative is a 1.6 litre turbocharged inline-four engine making 177 hp and 265 Nm that is linked to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. It isn’t clear how many variants will be made available and which ones will come with front- or all-wheel drive.

As for features, the Sportage will be available with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA; autonomous emergency braking), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance (BCA), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance (RCCA) and more.

Other items on the kit list include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Higher-spec variants will come with creature comforts such as ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control as well as a Harman Kardon sound system.

We’re not getting any pricing details for now, but like the also-CKD Sorento, the Sportage will come with a five-year, 100,000-km warranty and service package. The Sportage will compete in a segment that has no shortage of options, including popular nameplates such as the Honda CR-V, Proton X70 and Mazda CX-5, plus those from Chinese brands. Would you pick the Sportage over other C-segment SUVs available here?

GALLERY: 2024 Kia Sportage X-line 4WD in Taiwan

16 comments | Leave a comment?
2025 Kia Sportage facelift teased – significant redesign brings more conventional front end, new taillights

In Cars, International News, Kia / By Jonathan Lee / 24 October 2024 6:41 pm / 7 comments

Us Malaysians may still be awaiting the latest Kia Sportage, but in Korea the fifth-generation C-segment SUV is already getting a facelift. It’s quite a timely one, coming three years after it was revealed globally, and as far as revisions go, this is quite a big one.

The Sportage’s outlandish design has certainly divided opinion, with the most controversial part being its front end with its diamond-shaped headlights, large arrow-shaped daytime running lights and massive grille. Even through these shadowy teaser images, it’s clear that Kia is attempting to walk back on some of the more radical design cues, bringing the car more in line with the rest of its lineup.

The most evident of these changes are the headlights, which are vertical and incorporate Kia’s constellation-inspired Star Map DRLs, similar to the EV9 and K4. This redesign should make the still-enormous grille (with the “tiger nose” insert up top) a little easier to swallow.

At the rear, the tweaks are more subtle, with the revised taillight graphics being the only observable change, although a redesigned rear bumper should also feature. This being a modern Kia facelift, you can also expect far-reaching updates to the interior – including perhaps a new dashboard, as was also fitted to the new Sorento – to keep things fresh.

The facelifted Sportage should carry over the same powertrain options as before, albeit with a few tweaks. The car is currently offered with 1.6 litre petrol and 2.0 litre diesel turbocharged engines, along with hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants.

The fifth-gen Sportage has long been earmarked for the Malaysian market – news of its impending arrival surfaced as early as late 2021 with an expected 2023 launch. In July, it was reported that the car was still coming, and in CKD form too, but nothing has come out of that since.

It remains to be seen whether the car will be offered here in pre-facelift form first – hopefully distributor Bermaz will instead go straight to the facelift version from the get-go, given that it’s supposed to be the brand’s volume seller here.

GALLERY: Fifth-generation Kia Sportage, pre-facelift

7 comments | Leave a comment?
2024 Kia Sportage CKD SUV confirmed for Malaysia – volume rival to Honda CR-V; petrol first, hybrid later

In Cars, Kia, Local News / By Danny Tan / 3 July 2024 5:54 pm / 5 comments

The Kia Sportage is one of those cars that are perpetually ‘coming soon’ – some said that the fifth-generation SUV would be launched in 2022, but here we are in 2024 and there’s no sign of the C-segment Honda CR-V fighter. Yet, because it is coming, confirmed by Bermaz group CEO Datuk Francis Lee Kok Chuan in an interview with The Edge.

Lee told the business paper that the Sportage will be the next volume key driver for Bermaz, with the group aiming to sell 4,000 to 5,000 units of the SUV a year. It will be CKD locally assembled at the Inokom plant in Kulim, Kedah, alongside Kia’s bigger Sorento SUV and Carnival MPV.

If that sounds like a healthy volume for a Kia model, it’s because Kia will soon assume responsibility as Bermaz’s ‘volume generator’, a role that Mazda plays now. However, Mazda is set to go upmarket in Malaysia with its next-generation models that will arrive over the next two to three years, Lee said.

“Kia’s Asia-Pacific office is based in KL and they want to make the ASEAN project work because they are already good everywhere, except in ASEAN and China. So, now, they are putting a lot of emphasis on the ASEAN market,” Lee said.

“The Sportage is selling very well worldwide; in fact, they don’t have CBU (imported) cars for us to bring in,” the Bermaz CEO added, revealing that the company will market the internal combustion engine variant of the Sportage first before introducing they hybrid.

First revealed in mid 2021, the latest Sportage wears a bold new look that follows the Korean carmaker’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy. Big in Europe, it was launched with a choice of two ICE options (a 1.6L turbo petrol and a 2.0L turbodiesel) as well as hybrid and plug-in hybrid options.

GALLERY: Kia Sportage Hybrid (Korea market)

5 comments | Leave a comment?
New Kia Sportage to be launched in Malaysia in Q3/Q4 2022 – CBU first before CKD production starts in 2023?

In Cars, Kia, Local News / By Gerard Lye / 23 December 2021 11:28 am / 16 comments

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)

16 comments | Leave a comment?
2022 Kia Sportage debuts in Europe: first Euro-specific model with bespoke chassis tuning, shorter wheelbase

In Cars, International News, Kia / By Matthew H Tong / 3 September 2021 1:30 pm / 17 comments

The fifth-generation Kia Sportage has officially landed in Europe, but it’s a slightly different SUV compared to the global version. According to Kia, the Euro-specific Sportage is optimised specifically for the region, making it the first model to receive such a treatment in its 28-year history.

It’s underpinned by the same N3 platform from Hyundai Motor Group, but the 2,680-mm wheelbase is 75 mm shorter compared to its global counterpart. Overall length is down 145 mm to 4,515 mm, and it’s slightly shorter too at 1,645 mm (-15 mm). That makes it more or less the same size as the previous generation Sportage, but with a 10 mm longer wheelbase and 30 mm increase in overall length.

The stark difference in length necessitates an extensive rework to the side profile, bringing obvious revisions to rear doors and C-pillar design. The rearmost windows from the longer wheelbase variant have been completely removed, and are instead replaced with thicker sheet metal. Wheel sizes range from 17 to 19 inches, and the GT Line gets a contrasting black roof .

The cockpit remains pretty much unchanged. It’s dominated by a huge curved display panel that’s comprised of two 12.3-inch LCD displays. The infotainment system supports over-the-air software updates, and is hooked up to an industry-leading Harman Kardon premium sound system.

As a result of the shorter wheelbase, rear legroom is down from 1,050 mm to 996 mm (-54 mm), and boot space reduced from 637 litres to 591 litres. The rear seatbacks have a 40:40:40 split configuration, providing 1,780 litres cargo space.

Kia Europe also claimed to implement bespoke regional tuning for the chassis, steering and ride comfort, although it didn’t lay out the specifics just yet. On the other hand, a range of petrol, diesel and hybrid powertrains have been confirmed, but let’s start with the 1.6 T-GDI plug-in hybrid option.

The 1.6 litre petrol mill develops 180 PS on its own, but gets assisted with a 66.9 kW permanent magnet traction electric motor that offers a total system output of 265 PS. This is paired with a 13.8 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack, capable of providing up to 45 km of pure electric range.

Other engines include a 1.6 T-GDI mild-hybrid with 230 PS, featuring a 44.2 kW electric motor and a 1.49 kWh LiPo battery. Also included is a 1.6L clean diesel mill with an output of 115 PS, or 136 PS for the MHEV variant. Gearbox options include a seven-speed DCT and six-speed intelligent manual transmission. Curiously, there’s no mention of an eight-speed auto, which the global version gets.

All European Sportage models are fitted with Kia’s Idle Stop-and-Go technology as standard. This ISG function works in tandem with the automaker’s ADAS technology, which scans the environment ahead to determine whether the ISG should be activated or not. This helps avoid unnecessary stop and start operations, Kia says.

The new Terrain Mode is offered as well, allowing drivers to choose between snow, mud and sand mode. The usual comfort, eco and sport drive modes are also available. It’s unclear if the hybrid models get the new E-Handling system, but more premium variants will be equipped with adaptive suspension and electronically-controlled AWD system.

Kia says the Sportage is one of the safest vehicles in its class, with safety being a top priority during development. Its DriveWise suite of advanced driver assistance system offers Level 2 semi-autonomous driving, with features including Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control, Highway Driving Assist, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist System with Junction Turning, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist.

GALLERY: 2022 Kia Sportage (standard wheelbase model)

17 comments | Leave a comment?
2021 Kia Sportage Hybrid debuts in South Korea – 1.6L turbo engine and e-motor; 230 PS, 350 Nm; 16.7 km/l

In Cars, International News, Kia / By Gerard Lye / 22 July 2021 4:56 pm / 4 comments

Kia has revealed the hybrid version of the fifth-generation Sportage in South Korea, which joins the existing petrol and diesel options offered there. The new Sportage Hybrid gets the same setup used in the Tucson Hybrid, where an electric motor is sandwiched between a 1.6 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels.

The engine alone makes 180 PS (178 hp) at 5,500 rpm and 265 Nm of torque from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm, while the e-motor is rated at 60 PS (59 hp or 44.2 kW) and 264 Nm. Together, they provide a total system output of 230 PS (227 hp) and 350 Nm – the same as the Tucson Hybrid. In terms of fuel consumption, the Korean carmaker quotes 16.7 km/l, or about six litres per 100 km.

Other technologies include Hyundai’s E-Ride, which uses the e-motor to generate an inertial force in the opposite direction of the vehicle’s movement when passing over speed bumps to increase comfort. Meanwhile, E-Handling sees the e-motor apply regenerative braking to increase agility and stability on corner entry and exit.

Available features include LED lighting all around (headlamps, taillights, fog lamps), leather upholstery, a 4.2- or 12.3-inch instrument cluster display, an eight-inch or 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, a Krell sound system, a panoramic sunroof, a powered tailgate, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, and a suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

The Sportage Hybrid is identified by its “HEV” badging on the tailgate, unique 17- and 18-inch wheels as well as model-specific displays for the infotainment system and digital instrument cluster. Prices start from 31.09 million won (RM114,294) after local tax benefits are factored in.

4 comments | Leave a comment?
2022 Kia Sportage new details – 180 PS 1.6 TGDI and 186 PS 2.0 diesel at launch, hybrid and PHEV later on

In Cars, International News, Kia / By Jonathan Lee / 6 July 2021 7:55 pm / 11 comments

Last month marked the introduction of the new fifth-generation Kia Sportage, debuting a highly radical design direction for the brand. At the time, there were just a few photos and a smattering of details regarding the aesthetics, but since then, the Korean carmaker has revealed the engines and technologies that will feature in the SUV, as pre-orders begin in the republic.

At launch, the Sportage will be available with a choice of two internal combustion engines, both mildly updated versions of those found in the outgoing model. The 1.6 litre TGDI turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine is now more fuel efficient, thanks to optimised combustion, improved cooling and reduced friction, with measures that include a new integrated thermal management system and low-friction ball bearings.

The result is a slight increase of power to 180 PS, although peak torque holds station at 265 Nm. Fitted with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (a six-speed manual is also available), the engine is capable of producing a combined fuel consumption figure of 12.5 km per litre.

Also available is a 2.0 litre diesel, featuring a variable geometry turbocharger, solenoid valve control a variable-capacity oil pump, an electric thermostat and optimised lubrication and cooling. Power has again marginally increased to 186 PS, while torque has gone up 17 Nm to 417 Nm. Fuel consumption is rated at 14.6 km per litre when fitted with standard front-wheel drive.

An eight-speed automatic gearbox is fitted as standard here, featuring a damper-controlled multi-disc torque converter for a wider lock-up range, plus a new structure that reduces oil leaks and improves control stability and shift response. The diesel is also the only one to offer the option of a variable all-wheel-drive system, which comes with a new Terrain Mode with auto, snow, mud and sand settings. Later on, there will be a hybrid model utilising the 1.6 litre turbo engine, as well as a plug-in hybrid variant.

Riding on the Hyundai’s third-generation N3 architecture, the Sportage is claimed to marry a comfortable and stable ride with agile handling. It continues to be fitted with MacPherson strut front suspension and a four-link rear axle and is now available with optional adaptive dampers. Hybrid models will also get Kia’s new E-Handling system to further increase agility and stability on corner entry and exit.

Measuring 4,660 mm long, 1,865 mm wide and 1,660 mm tall, the new Sportage is much larger than before – 180 mm longer, 10 mm wider and 25 mm taller to be exact, plus an 85 mm longer wheelbase at 2,755 mm. This makes the car far more competitive against rivals like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, although, like the Hyundai Tucson, there will also be a short-wheelbase variant for those used to the old car’s size.

Kia says that the increase in size has enabled to Sportage to now offer class-leading rear legroom (1,050 mm), headroom (1,000 mm) and luggage space, the boot now able to fit an impressive 637 litres according to the VDA’s measuring standards. Still a five-seater, the Sportage has one-touch folding rear seats to make loading larger items a cinch.

The design of the Sportage was a major talking point during the car’s unveiling, and a month on, it still looks like nothing else on the road. Sporting Kia’s new Opposites United design language – first seen on the electric EV6 – the new model has a very distinctive front end with a gaping full-width grille, as is seemingly becoming the norm in the automotive industry today.

Sitting either side of the massive opening are the boomerang daytime running lights that form the boundaries of the diamond-shaped matrix LED headlights; they are joined together by a slim silver “tiger nose” graphic along the upper edge of the grille. The sides of the car are much simpler, with subtle front wheel arch bulges and prominent rear haunches adding a hint of muscle to the design.

The upswept chrome window strip, meanwhile, kicks up at the rear and takes up the entire width of the D-pillars, stopping just below the tops of the windows to create an in-vogue “floating roof” look. This is accentuated by the large rear spoiler and, for the first time on a Sportage, a black roof option.

Moving to the back, the fast windscreen rake leads onto a short deck, under which sit trapezoidal taillights with “tails” that extend into the sides, reminiscent of the Stinger. Available options include 17-, 18- and 19-inch wheels, plus a sporty GT-Line model and a new X-Line package that adds rugged front and rear bumper designs, silver skid plates and roof rails.

Inside, the Sportage’s modern cabin is dominated by a huge curved display panel, framed by the bracket-shaped full-width air vents. Both instrument and infotainment screens measure 12 inches across and feature the latest TFT LCD technology for precise and clear graphics. Kia is boasting an intuitive, easy-to-use interface and over-the-air software and map updates.

The company also says that the centre console has been optimally positioned for both driver and front passenger, offering storage, touch-sensitive switches and cupholders. A raised platform also holds some soft-touch buttons and a rotary gear selector, while a high-speed Qi wireless charger is also offered.

Kia claims that it used the highest-quality materials throughout and is offering some daring colour options, including a sage green for the X-Line that is matched to quilted seats and “black metal wood” trim. There are also slimline front seats that “combine innovation and comfort” as well as an eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system (badged as Krell in Korea).

Safety-wise, the Sportage comes with new safety restraints (including the airbags) and a light yet stiff body structure, said to offer high levels of torsional rigidity. It also comes with all the latest driver assistance systems, including autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection and Highway Driving Assist (HDA) Level 2 semi-autonomous driving functionality – the latter utilising a new adaptive cruise control system that adjusts the speed based on navigation data.

Other safety features include blind spot monitoring and collision avoidance, blind spot cameras and Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) that allows you to remotely park into or exit a spot from outside the vehicle. Pricing in Korea ranges from 24.42 million won (RM89,500) to 31.85 million won (RM124,100).

11 comments | Leave a comment?
2022 Kia Sportage vs Hyundai Tucson – comparing the polarising designs of Korea’s latest C-segment SUVs

In Cars, Hyundai, International News, Kia / By Jonathan Lee / 9 June 2021 8:19 pm / 6 comments

2022 Kia Sportage (left) and Hyundai Tucson (right)

Yesterday, Kia pulled the wraps off the new fifth-generation Sportage, which is quite a departure from its handsome Cayenne-lite predecessor to say the least. Naturally, we were quite curious to see how the new car stacks up against its sibling, the Hyundai Tucson, which has also been recently redesigned and will likely be the Kia’s main rival in the marketplace.

Both ride on the Hyundai Motor Group’s latest third-generation platform and feature rather polarising designs, with gaping full-width grilles that take their respective companies’ design languages to new heights. On the Sportage, the black opening is topped by a chrome Tiger Nose graphic that joins the boomerang-shaped daytime running lights, which serve as bookends for the diamond-shaped headlights.

The Tucson, on the other hand, features a tapered design for its Parametric Grille, which incorporates several triangular inserts that are styled to look like jewels. These inserts hide the DRLs that are only visible when they are switched on, with the main headlights now cast off into the corners of the front bumper, forming a cross shape when viewed head-on. Ornate it may have looked when it was first revealed, but next to the Kia, the Hyundai has the cleaner, less fussy front end.

It’s the reverse for the side profiles. Here, the Tucson looks far busier, with a litany of slashes and creases – a styling cue lifted from the Elantra sedan – and angular wheel arches. As for the Sportage, there’s just a single shoulder line running along the doors, plus prominent bulges surrounding the round wheel arches and taut rear haunches that add a bit of muscle.

Both cars also have different approaches to chrome – the Kia has an L-shaped trim piece that wraps around the lower edge of the window graphic, whereas the Hyundai’s brightwork runs along the top of the windows before terminating at the rear windscreen.

Kia and Hyundai’s contrasting design directions continue at the rear. Both the Sportage and Tucson come with full-width taillights that are de rigueur these days, but the former’s lamps appear to be inspired by the Stinger‘s, with “tails” that stretch into the rear fender. The Hyundai’s taillights carry a sharp fang-like design, framing the rear number plate recess. The Kia’s number plate is positioned lower down in the bumper, sitting above an aggressive silver skid plate design.

Inside, the Sportage and Tucson’s futuristic designs again come to the fore, with divergent strategies for each. In the Kia, the dashboard is built around the massive curved display panel, framed by the air vents that stretch the entire width of the cabin. Below them sits a slim touch panel for the climate controls and a tall centre console, on which you’ll find the rotary gear selector and a selection of buttons.

The Hyundai sports a wraparound interior design, with silver lines that flow towards the waterfall centre console. The usual buttons and switches have been dispensed in favour of touch controls and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, while another 10.25-inch digital instrument display faces the driver. Instead of a dial, the Tucson uses buttons for the gear selector.

Being that the Tucson has been out for longer (it has already gone on sale in certain markets), we know rather more about the toys the Hyundai has on offer. These include an eight-speaker Bose sound system, an upgraded climate control system with an air purifier and a Multi Air mode for diffused airflow, a smartphone digital key and smart home compatibility for controlling appliances remotely.

The Tucson is also packed with the latest driving assistance systems, including autonomous emergency braking, Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring and automatic high beam. Expect the Sportage to get all the same functions (and maybe even a few new ones), given that Hyundai and Kia share safety technologies with each other.

No technical details have been revealed for the Sportage just yet, but expect it to also come with the same engines as the Tucson. The Hyundai is offered with a 190 PS/260 Nm 2.5 litre Smartstream naturally-aspirated four-cylinder and a 180 PS/264 Nm 1.6 litre turbocharged mill, the latter also due to be fitted to hybrid and plug-in hybrid models that will produce up to 230 PS and 350 Nm of torque.

So there you have it, the new Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson side-by-side. We’ll have more news on the former as we get it, but in the meantime, which one do you prefer? Sound off in the comments after the jump.

GALLERY: 2022 Kia Sportage

GALLERY: 2022 Hyundai Tucson

6 comments | Leave a comment?
2022 Kia Sportage – fifth-gen SUV with Opposites United design philosophy, integrated curved display

In Cars, International News, Kia / By Mick Chan / 8 June 2021 10:35 am / 5 comments

Kia has released the first full images of its fifth-generation Sportage SUV, which now wears the automaker’s latest Opposites United design philosophy.

Here on the Sportage, the front end of the SUV features the latest iteration of the brand’s Tiger Nose grille design, now bookended by “boomerang-shaped” LED DRLs which serve has boundary lines for the headlamps, says Kia. At the top, the option of a contrasting black-painted roof is available on the Sportage for the first time, joined by black roof rails.

Further down the glasshouse, a chrome stripe runs the length of the base of the glasshouse, kicking up towards the rear end and forming part of its D-pillar. At its rear end, the Sportage wears tail lamps featuring main graphics that echo those of the boomerang-shaped design of the front LED DRLs, and the tail lamp assembly is joined across the tailgate near the base of the rear windscreen.

The rear end of the fifth-generation Sportage wears a rear bumper that aims to complement the design of the front bumper, with the contrasting lower section that continues from the lower edge of the front bumper, through the upwards-sloping darkened lower sill sections and continuing the incline along the rear bumper.

Inside, the interior of the fifth-generation Sportage gets redesigned to become a more driver-oriented space, says Kia, with the integrated curved display taking centrestage on the dashboard. This is located between air-conditioning vents that almost enclose the height of the display housing, which can be accessed via the touchscreen as well as with the integrated controller on the centre console.

The centre console also offers a storage compartment at the front, while a pair of cupholders are located on the passenger side of the console alongside the shift-by-wire transmission dial. For added convenience, the slim-shell design driver and front passenger seats feature integrated hangers within their headrests, which will enable items such as clothing and handbags to be hooked into place, says Kia.

There will be an X-Line trim variant for the fifth-generation Sportage line-up, which will sport a unique bumper, side sill and curve roof rack, according to the manufacturer. Interior for this variant can be specified seat upholstery in black or sage green, along with quilting and “black metal wood” to set it apart from its rangemates.

Technical details have yet to be revealed with unveiling of the fifth-generation Sportage, although Kia has previously described its forthcoming range of engines as “highly efficient powertrains”, which are likely to be comprised of hybrid as well as plug-in hybrid configurations.

Drawing upon the 2022 Tucson from sister brand Hyundai for comparison, these powertrain options could be the 1.6 litre turbo petrol engine paired to a six-speed automatic transmission, where outputs are 226 hp and 350 Nm of torque in hybrid guise which employs a 1.49 kWh battery for a total range of up to 800 km, while the plug-in hybrid version enlists a 13.8 kWh battery pack for a pure EV range of 45 km.

The fifth-generation Kia Sportage will see its global market launch later year, according to the manufacturer, and more information of the new SUV will be made available in due course, says Kia.

5 comments | Leave a comment?