NAZA KIA MALAYSIA, the official distributor of KIA vehicles in Malaysia, introduces a new variant SUV Two-Wheel Drive, the Sportage 2WD. For those who followed kensomuse since its inception back in 2012, the Sportage was the second media unit entrusted to us for review. Last year, the Sportage Facelift was introduced and today, we see the 2WD expanding the Sportage range as a new variant entrant into the C-segment of the market. It is the second model to be introduced by Naza Kia Malaysia this year following the launch of the Rio 5-Door in May.
Building on the success of its predecessor, the Sportage 2WD specification is one to be marvelled. An aerodynamic body, superior cabin quality and spread of safety features put the Sportage 2WD in a class of its own.
“Sleek, exceptionally functional and packed with safety features, the Sportage 2WD promises to deliver the style and performance to match modern, hectic lifestyles. The powerful yet efficient car has been designed and engineered predominantly for buyers with families and active lifestyles,” said Roshdy Hassan, Acting Head of Naza Kia Malaysia Sdn Bhd.
Design
Over the years since its global launch in 2010, the Kia Sportage has won numerous awards including the Red Dot Design Award, the iF Product Design Award, the Good Design Award, the Automotive Brand Contest Award and more recently the JD Power Award for Quality.
The Sportage 2WD successfully incorporates the key features of an SUV in a more urban-friendly, more athletic and more muscular package. The ‘tiger nose’ radiator grille and piercing front projector headlamps with LED light guide and fog lamp sit beneath the front end of a clamshell bonnet that runs into the raised shoulder line, giving the car a sense of strength and solidity while also making it easier for the driver to place the car on the road.
Mirroring the large headlamps up front are prominent rear combination lamps which offer enhanced illumination and, therefore improved visibility to other road users. The ribbed roof, chunky door handles, large wing mirrors and 17-inch sport rim designed alloy wheels are as much signs of the Sportage 2WD’s street-wise urban toughness as its capability in difficult conditions.
Performance
The Sportage 2WD’s multi-point injection (MPI) 2.0-litre Nu engine develops 154 PS @ 6,200 RPM and 191 Nm @ 4,700 RPM of torque with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Ride and Handling
A leather trimmed steering wheel boosted by Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS), rear seat back recliner, auto cruise control and rear parking assist system are just a few of the Sportage 2WD’s standard features which ensures best-in-class levels of comfort for all occupants.
Cabin Convenience
The Sportage 2WD has always been exceptionally practical as well as stylish, with a host of storage areas dotted around the cabin. It also comes with glove box cooling.
Other features available include an Infinity sound system with seven speakers including subwoofer, escort light system, tilt and telescopic steering column, rear view camera and Radio/CD/MP3 audio that is easily controlled by audio remote control on the steering-wheel.
Safety
The Sportage 2WD is fitted with twin front, side and curtain airbags. The six airbags in total give complete peace of mind. It also comes with Electronic Stability Program (ESP) which consists of Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Brake Control (DBC) for top-notch security.
Ownership and Maintenance
As always, the Sportage comes with a 5-years unlimited mileage warranty and is available in Clear White, Bright Silver and Mineral Silver. The price? RM118,888 (on-the-road inclusive of insurance and GST). FYI, the regular 4WD variant is sold for RM138,888 so it’s excellent value for money for those seeking an inexpensive SUV, undercutting the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5.
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