Malaysia-bound Kia Sportage launched in Indonesia, CBU Korea, 9% more expensive than CR-V!
CY Foong Β· Aug 15, 2022 04:30 PM
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Only one variant is offered in Indonesia
IDR 66.6 million more expensive than the top CR-V variant
Loaded with ADAS features and leather upholstery
Besides the Sorento Hybrid, another Kia SUV planned for launch (and local assembly) in Malaysia is unveiled at the ongoing Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) 2022. Unlike its bigger brother, the all-new 2022 Kia Sportage had already been seen in Indonesia at this year’s Jakarta Auto Week back in March.
This time though, more details have been announced for the Indo-spec Sportage including its price. According to our sister site, AutoFun ID, only one variant is offered, a 1.6-litre turbo petrol unit with prices starting from IDR 735 million (~RM 222k).
Imported from Korea (CBU), the Sportage is more expensive than even the highest variant of the Honda CR-V in the archipelago, the CR-V Turbo Prestige Black Edition which starts from IDR 668.4 million (~RM 202k).
Compared to the CR-V though, the Sportage might be a winner for being bold and divisive. Dubbed “Digital Tiger Nose” by Kia, the all-new Sportage shows off a stance that might be scary to some and sporty to others. Whichever camp you lie on, this is definitely a brave effort for Kia’s most popular model.
Inside, the Indo-spec Sportage seems to be worth the extra price. Features include leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a 12.3-inch instrument panel, and a touchscreen infotainment screen of equal dimensions.
Upping the luxuriousness of the Kia, not that it’s an adjective worth describing one from 15 years ago, is a panoramic sunroof and a rotary gear selector.
In terms of powertrain, only the 1.6-litre T-GDI is offered for now though Indonesian media were expecting a 2.0-litre turbodiesel to also be available. The oil burner Sportage was listed in the Indonesian tax office’s Motor Vehicles Sales Value (NJKB, Nilai Jual Kenderaan Bermotor) but it might be unveiled later.
The petrol unit produces 180 PS/265 Nm and is paired with a 7-speed DCT automatic. Besides the petrol and diesel powertrains, the Sportage is also available with hybrid, mild-hybrid, and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) systems.
Further justifying the Sportage’s higher price than its Japanese rivals is the Advanced Driving Assist System (ADAS) suite which features Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Smart Cruise Control, Lane-Keep Assist, Lane-Following Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, as well as Blind Spot View Monitor.
While prices for the fifth-generation Sportage have been announced, Kia’s Indonesian distributor, PT Kreta Indo Artha said that deliveries will only commence in early 2023.
Meanwhile, the Sportage isn’t ruled out for Malaysia as Dinamikjaya Motors plans to not only launch the SUV as early as 2023 but the Malaysian-spec model will be locally assembled (CKD) at Inokom’s Kulim plant. As for what engines will the Malaysian units receive, keep an eye out for the petrol and hybrid variants though the greener variant might only be launched at least a year after the Sportage’s local debut.
Traded advertising for a career that fits his passion for cars. Enjoys spotting cars during his free time and has a soft spot for Japanese Kei cars but drives a thirsty manual sedan.