Malaysia-bound Kia Sportage launched in Indonesia, CBU Korea, 9% more expensive than CR-V!

• 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).

Also read: 2021 Honda CR-V Black Edition launched in Malaysia, priced at RM 162k

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.

Also read: SUVs rule the world: Sportage and Seltos led Kia's global sales in March 2022

At least we can probably agree on the rear looking very futuristic with hints of the Kia EV6 in its design.

Also read: See it nowhere else, Kia EV6 glitzes the WapCar Auto Show 2022

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.

Also read: Malaysia-bound Kia Sportage was sold 364k times in 2021, Kia’s global best-seller

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.

Also read: ADAS for dummies, Kia explains why you need it and what it does

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.

Also read: The CKD Kia Sportage is bound for Malaysia in 2023, here's what you can expect