2011 All-New Kia Sportage Launched In Malaysia

Naza Kia, the official distributor of Kia cars in Malaysia, has officially launched the 2011 all-new Kia Sportage for RM 138,888 on-the-road price inclusive of insurance and a five-year warranty. Kia claims that the all-new Sportage retains the practicality and versatility of the previous Kia Sportage, while offering style, performance, efficiency and equipment that will give the Honda CR-V a run for the money.

Longer, lower and wider than the previous Sportage, the 2011 Kia Sportage looks much like a smaller version of the 2011 Kia Sorento, featuring Kia's signature grille, an athletic stance with 18" alloys and pronounced wheel arches, and a coupe-like profile with a high beltline, small window area and thick C-pillars.

No modern car penned by Kia's Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, can be considered complete without LED lighting units for the daytime running lights and indicator lights on the side mirrors. Five exterior colours—Techno Orange, Clear White, Bright Silver, Sand Track and Mineral Silver—are available for selection with the fully-imported Sportage.

Powering the all-new Sportage, which sits on front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link setup, is a 2.0-litre Theta II petrol engine with dual CVVT (continuous variable valve timing) that generates 166 hp at 6200 rpm and 197 Nm at 4600 rpm. Linked to the engine is a six-speed automatic transmission and an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system that monitors driving conditions at all times.

The AWD system directs 100 percent of the torque to the front wheels under normal conditions, and diverts a percentage of the torque to the rear wheels when road conditions get slippery. A four-wheel-drive (4WD) lock mode maintains the torque at 50:50 front/rear for use on extreme low-traction surfaces.

The increased wheelbase, coupled with the longer, wider body, means that the cabin is more spacious than before. The standard panoramic sunroof, which is partially retractable, lifts the interior ambience, one that already benefits from the use of leather for the seats, steering wheel and gear shift knob.

Other standard items include automatic headlamps, dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way electronically-adjustable driver's seat, cruise control, rear view camera display on the rear view electrochromic mirror, push-start ignition button, and six-disc CD-changer with seven speakers and AUX/USB/iPod/Bluetooth connectivity.

The five-star Euro NCAP rated Sportage comes with a host of safety features that comprises six airbags, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Downhill Brake Control, Hill-Start Assist Control, Cornering Brake Control, Traction Control and Electronic Stability Control. Enjoy the 2011 Kia Sportage official gallery below!