Naza-Kia launches Sportage facelift
At the Naza-Kia Family Fiesta held in Shah Alam last weekend, Naza-Kia Sdn Bhd held a small ceremony to unveil a facelifted version of the Kia Sportage SUV. Launched in Malaysia in 2004, this facelift gives the Sportage a much-needed refit before the all-new model arrives at our shores.
“The compact crossover SUV market has been one of the fastest growing segments in the market over the past few years and the Sportage has done remarkably well over the past few years.
“Last year, our sales of the Sportage more than doubled and we know there will certainly be demand for it this year,” said SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin, joint executive chairman of the Naza Group of Companies.
New stuff in the facelifted Sportage starts with the cosmetic, with a new rear garnish, rear combination lamp and dual tailpipes at the tail end. Side blinkers have been moved to the wing mirrors, while the front fascia features a revised radiator and fog lamp design. The windshield now comes with a heating feature, and the rear tailgate is now usefully equipped with a flip-up glass.
Inside, the seats are now finished in a fabric/leather combination. Changes under the skin, if any, are minimal. The existing 2.0-litre four-pot with CVVT continues service with outputs unchanged at 140hp @ 6,000rpm and 188Nm @ 4,500rpm for power and torque respectively. Ditto the 4-speed auto with H-Matic manual override. Dual airbages, ABS and EBD remain par for the course.
Prices for the facelifted Sportage are maintained at existing levels. For private registration, prices on the road with insurance are as follows:
* Peninsula – RM112,000.00
* Sabah – RM114,489.30
* Miri – RM113,959.00
* Kuching – RM113,459.00
Picture: Official Naza-Kia release.
