Berjaya Auto plans a 2022 launch for CKD Kia Seltos in Malaysia

The Kia Seltos was a victim of Naza Kia Malaysia’s limbo last year during the transition of distributorship. It was previewed in early-2020 and wasn’t launched until nearly a year later.

The model is imported (CBU) from India with two variants available, priced from RM 116,088 to RM 134,088 (with SST discount). Both variants are powered by a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder engine that makes 123 PS/151 Nm, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Also read: 2021 Kia Seltos launched in Malaysia: 1.6L NA, CBU India, 2 variants, from RM 116k

At that time however, the future of Kia was still uncertain in Malaysia as talks between Berjaya/Bermaz and Kia was on-going. 

By April this year, we had confirmation that Kia has appointed Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn. Bhd. (a subsidiary of Bermaz Auto) as its new distributor for Malaysia, replacing Naza Kia Malaysia.

Also read: Kia has been rescued by Bermaz – CKD Seltos and Carnival to be launched in Malaysia

One of the first order of business for Kia Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (the manufacturing side) to kick-start the brand’s revival is by introducing several competitively priced locally-assembled (CKD) models, including the Kia Seltos.

Also read: Bermaz: CKD Kia Seltos and Carnival not until 2022, priority is to rebuild after-sales

Dinamikjaya also said that it takes between 12 to 18 months to setup a CKD project. This means we won’t be seeing any CKD models introduced this year.

According to a Maybank Investment Bank (Maybank IB) report, Bermaz Auto plans to introduce 3 CKD models in 2022 - the Kia Seltos, Kia Carnival, and all-new Kia Sportage. The plan, however, still hinges on the progression of the Covid-19 situation in Malaysia.

Details on the CKD Kia Seltos such as prices and specifications are still scarce at the moment, but you’ll be the first to know as soon as we have new updates on it, so do watch this space.

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