Kia Sales Malaysia (KSM) has officially announced the “Kia Maintenance Plan” for Kia Sportage and Kia Carnival, with prices starting as low as RM2,980.
The plan is designed to provide enhanced convenience, structured servicing costs, and long-term peace of mind for owners. Notably, the plan allows customers to lock in fixed service costs for the duration of the coverage, protecting them from potential price hikes in labor, spare parts, and engine oil.
The Kia Maintenance Plan covers the following:
Full-synthetic engine oil and oil filter replacements
Engine air filter replacements
Cabin air filter replacements
Brake fluid services
Spark plug replacements
Comprehensive multi-point vehicle inspections
KSM is offering the following packages based on specific vehicle models:
Model
Price
Coverage Period
Service Interval
Kia Sportage 1.6T
RM2,980
5 years / 50,000 km
1 year / 10,000 km
Kia Sportage 2.0
RM3,680
5 years / 75,000 km
1 year / 15,000 km
Kia Carnival 2.2D (7, 8 & 11-seater)
RM3,580
5 years / 50,000 km
1 year / 10,000 km
Kia Ownership Experience @ Glenmarie
In conjunction with the launch, KSM is hosting the Kia Ownership Experience program at the Kia Glenmarie Flagship 3S Centre. Running for one week from May 7 to May 11, 2026, this initiative highlights KSM’s ongoing commitment to strengthening after-sales operations, service standards, and long-term customer care to provide a premium ownership experience for Malaysian customers.
The event features technical demonstrations led by Hyung Gyu Choi, Senior Technical Manager for Kia Ownership Operations. Having joined Kia in 1993, Choi brings over 34 years of global experience in after-sales and technical services.
Choi, alongside the KSM technical team, will conduct thorough inspections on over 100 Kia vehicles, including models such as the Forte, Cerato, Optima, Picanto, Sorento, Grand Carnival, Sportage, and Sephia. The goal is to help owners better understand their vehicle’s condition while addressing specific maintenance concerns and technical inquiries.
Participating customers will receive complimentary engine oil, new windshield wipers, and a car wash following their inspection. The initiative is supported by industry partners including TotalEnergies, Goodyear, TRAPO, and EV Connection (EVC). Visitors can also enjoy exclusive promotions, special offers, and giveaways throughout the event.
Glenmarie 3S Centre now operated by Cycle & Carriage
The Kia Glenmarie 3S Centre is now managed by the newly appointed dealer group, Cycle & Carriage. Spanning 39,240 square feet, the facility features a showroom capable of displaying eight vehicles simultaneously.
The after-sales wing is equipped with:
20 dedicated service bays
The latest diagnostic systems
Specialized maintenance tools and technical equipment
With these advanced facilities, Kia Sales Malaysia aims to maintain the highest standards of service quality and customer care.
Kia Sales Malaysia Sdn Bhd (KSM) has officially launched its operations in Malaysia, announcing a restructuring of the pricing for its existing product portfolio.
Effective January 1, 2026, Malaysians can acquire Kia models at new prices as follows:
Kia Sportage
2.0G 2WD – RM128,800
2.0G 2WD Hi – RM138,800
1.6T 2WD Hi – RM158,800
1.6T 4WD Hi – RM178,800
Kia Carnival
2.2D 8-Seater – RM193,000
2.2D 7-Seater – RM218,000
Kia EV9
GT-Line AWD 7-Seater – RM368,888
GT-Line AWD 6-Seater – RM373,888
All new Kia vehicles in Malaysia come with a valid warranty of five years or a mileage limit of 150,000 km, whichever comes first.
To enhance owner confidence, KSM has also implemented the following measures:
A 15 percent reduction in the average price of genuine Kia spare parts.
The establishment of a dedicated spare parts warehouse in Shah Alam.
Additionally, KSM has established the Kia Circle customer loyalty program, which offers a cash rebate of RM6,000 to existing Kia owners for upgrading to a new Kia vehicle.
This program also extends to immediate family members, including parents, spouses, and children.
Additionally, KSM will be introducing Kia Professional, a corporate fleet and professional programme which offers exclusive concessions of up to 3 percent to members of professional bodies and major companies for individual vehicle purchases, along with tailored incentives for larger fleet purchases.
As a complement, KSM offers comprehensive protection through Kia Cares, an insurance program backed by Berjaya Sompo, Zurich, and Zurich Takaful.
The SUV segment in Malaysia is truly vibrant, featuring a variety of models and brands, both local and foreign.
It can be overwhelming if you are unsure of the criteria to consider.
If you are looking for something that stands out from the typical SUVs on the roads, we recommend the Kia Sportage 1.6T AWD as a solid choice.
It has everything you need for a daily-use vehicle, and most importantly, the driving satisfaction you crave.
What’s the point of buying an expensive car if you’re not satisfied with the driving experience, right?
Below is our opinion after borrowing this Kia Sportage from Kia Malaysia for a week.
Exterior Design: too striking?
For your information, the Kia Sportage marketed here is the pre-facelift version that has been around since 2021.
The more aggressive facelift version was launched in South Korea at the end of 2024; however, to say that the design of the Sportage is outdated would be inaccurate.
Even in its pre-facelift version, the Kia Sportage remains eye-catching when cruising on the road.
With boomerang LED graphics both at the front and rear, as well as a low roofline at the back, the Sportage exudes the sporty image it aims for.
At the very least, it is an original design that can make owners satisfied when they look at it, rather than resembling any other model.
If you don’t turn back to admire your car after parking, you might have bought the wrong vehicle.
Dimensions
The AWD version of the Kia Sportage measures 4,660 mm in length, 1,865 mm in width, and 1,665 mm in height, offering a wheelbase of 2,755 mm.
As a C-segment SUV, the Kia Sportage provides a comfortable cabin space for the whole family.
The absence of a panoramic sunroof is not a major issue, as headroom in this cabin is sufficiently spacious.
Rear passengers can also adjust the angle of their seatbacks for a more comfortable sitting posture, so they don’t have to remain upright all the time.
The Kia Sportage offers a standard cargo space of 543 liters, which can expand to a remarkable 1,829 liters with the second-row seats folded down.
Pleasant Features
One of the aspects I appreciated about the Kia Sportage is its driver-friendly dashboard layout.
In addition to the dual 12.3-inch curved screens, the Sportage dashboard features a touch-based control panel complete with physical knobs.
You can adjust the cabin temperature or change the media content playing through the eight speakers of the Harman Kardon audio system from this panel.
For me, this is a user-friendly feature that is highly welcome.
This is because most manufacturers tend to crowd the central screen with various functional buttons, requiring a search and potentially distracting the driver.
The center console also houses several important function buttons that are clear and easy to reach.
The PRND shift-by-wire dial certainly gives the cockpit a more spacious feel; however, there are times when I found the unconventional gear shifting somewhat awkward.
The digital cluster display in the Sportage continues to offer analog meter graphics with several themes that can be selected according to the driving mode (Eco, Normal, Sport, Smart).
Don’t worry— the infotainment screen also provides standard support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You won’t have to wait for over-the-air (OTA) updates.
If you notice, the back of the front passenger headrest features a large hook that is perfect for hanging bags or shawls.
Additionally, there are a few “teh tarik” hooks provided, making the Kia Sportage more user-friendly for Malaysians than some Malaysian-branded SUVs available on the market.
What About the Driving Experience?
The unit we tested is equipped with a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four Gamma II T-GDI engine that produces 177 hp at 5,500 rpm and 265 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm.
This power is transmitted to an all-wheel drive (AWD) system via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
As experienced during the media test drive, the Kia Sportage 1.6T AWD offers somewhat sluggish response at low rpm ranges.
This presents some challenges when maneuvering in low-speed situations, such as in parking areas, where the Sportage hesitates to deliver power.
However, once this SUV reaches normal cruising speeds, the cabin feels quieter, with minimal vibration and roughness.
This is attributed to the MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, which work effectively to absorb road imperfections.
It also allows the SUV to feel stable in corners with body roll that isn’t overly pronounced, making the driving experience more enjoyable.
However, if driven aggressively, these advantages can disappear. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand the limits and constraints of the Kia Sportage.
I have no comments regarding the handling of this SUV, as it meets what one would expect from a Kia vehicle.
The precise and responsive steering assist keeps me focused on the winding roads ahead, allowing the vehicle to comply with every direction given by the driver’s hands.
There are times when the steering correction system engages to ensure the SUV stays on course, but its operation never feels tiring or annoying.
Safety Features
The Kia Sportage offers a comprehensive range of safety features, including six airbags, ABS, ESC, and an extensive list of advanced safety technologies.
What I want to emphasize here is the Blind-Spot Monitoring (BVM) system, which displays what is in the blind spots to the left and right of the vehicle when the turn signal is activated.
This system, found in any Kia model (including Hyundai), significantly aids in detecting objects (cars, motorcyclists) that are typically obscured in the blind spot.
Other manufacturers offer more advanced 360-degree cameras that provide a bird’s-eye view.
However, most of the time, these are more for show, as they display images of the car being driven rather than what is concealed in the blind spot.
Sportage for Weekend Getaways
Another feature I appreciate about the Kia Sportage is the rear seats that can fold flat.
There’s no need to spend money on a tent; you can transform the back of the Kia Sportage into a ‘temporary tent’ for relaxing weekend activities.
In the cargo area, there is a 12V power outlet that can be used for charging smart devices or powering light equipment.
Additionally, there is a ‘Sound of Nature’ feature available in the Sportage’s infotainment screen to accompany your activities.
While enjoying leisure time, don’t forget your obligations as a Muslim.
If you wish to fulfill your prayer duties while camping, the Kia Sportage also features a qibla direction compass to serve as a guide.
Conclusion
Is the Kia Sportage 1.6T AWD the best SUV in its class?
Undeniably, the Kia Sportage has its unique advantages compared to competing models in the market.
It has a striking design, a practical package, spacious and comfortable cabin space, and nearly comprehensive safety features.
However, if you’re willing to compromise on the weaknesses mentioned, we believe that the Kia Sportage can be a worthwhile purchase.
Specifications of the Kia Sportage 1.6T AWD (RM186,899)
Engine: Gamma II 1.6-liter turbo, four-cylinder inline
The new generation of the Kia Sportage was officially launched at the end of last year as a locally assembled unit (CKD), although it actually arrived somewhat late compared to other markets.
With a competitively priced package accompanied by appealing specifications, the Kia Sportage has the potential to be an alternative in a market dominated by Japanese SUVs such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota Corolla Cross.
Based on a short test drive recently, the writer was generally satisfied with what the Kia Sportage offers.
Not all vehicles are perfect in their offerings; there are a few minor weaknesses present in this C-segment SUV.
However, for us, these are minor issues if you can tolerate the shortcomings and prioritize driving satisfaction.
Not Everyone is Fond of the Rotary PRND Dial
The variant we tested is equipped with a 1.6-liter turbo engine paired with a dual-clutch transmission (DCT) and e-shift functionality.
This means it does not come with the conventional gear lever commonly found in other SUV models.
The benefit of using a rotary dial is that it creates a more spacious cockpit appearance, but not everyone appreciates this feature.
Personally, I prefer a physical PRND gear lever, which is easier to control and aligns better with the muscle movements we are accustomed to.
Empty Function Buttons on the Center Console
Kia Sportage Euro spec
Located next to the rotary PRND dial, you will notice a cluster of empty function buttons on the center console.
It is unfortunate that these function buttons are not assigned any features, unlike international specifications that offer features like heated steering wheels and heated or ventilated seats.
It appears empty and gives the impression that the Sportage 1.6T is a lower variant.
Climate Control Panel May Be Difficult to Use
Another interesting feature of the Kia Sportage 1.6T is the touch-based climate control panel and infotainment system located below the central air vents.
Essentially, the driver no longer needs to dig through control menus typically embedded in the infotainment screen.
However, it operates using a touch system, and at times it can be a bit difficult to control, especially for drivers with larger fingers.
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