Juniper
Into its 5th generation, the Kia Sportage 1.6T 2WD Hi form is an SUV that gets many of the fundamentals right. Its frontal visage looks distinctive, flamboyant even, a daring departure from the usual suspects in the same segment. Steeping inside, it offers a spacious, well-finished cabin with properly sized seats for all occupants. Rear cabin space is generous, benefitting from a lengthy 2755mm wheelbase. This Korean SUV feels solidly built the moment you drive it, with an assuring sense of quality, making it an easy car to live with on a daily basis.
The 1.6-litre direct injected turbo petrol provides respectable performance, offering a strong mid-range punch of 265 Nm from 1500 rpm – 4500 rpm, which enables smoother overtaking. A maximum power output of 177 hp makes for a more relaxed highway cruising. Along with a smooth operating 7-DCT, 0 – 100 km/h is dusted in a claimed 8.8 seconds. Yet, the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is also the latest 2026 Sportage’s undeniable bugbear.
It is surprisingly vocal under acceleration, producing a distinctive groaning protest, with plenty of hollow noise of air intake as the engine tachometer climbs towards mid-revs circa 3000 rpm, and all the way to redline. Rather than a satisfying and discreet turbocharged solid growl, it sounds “windy” and rather unrefined when pushed, which detracts from the otherwise punchy and responsive drive character of the SUV. Ride quality is generally firm yet pliant. The Sportage 1.6T 2WD Hi stays composed at higher speeds, while its spacious interior makes it a practical family SUV.
At a list price of RM159,000, this Sportage variant is more competitive than before under its new custodian, Kia Sales Malaysia (KSM) which is a directly controlled subsidiary of Kia Corporation. Overall, the Sportage 1.6T 2WD Hi is a well-rounded and solid SUV which feels different from its competitors.
Kia Sales Malaysia (KSM) is currently running Unity Rewards promotions through August 2026:
● Cash rebates include high-value savings packages up to RM25,000 total value (including select model-specific rebates).
● 8-Year Free Service: Long-term complimentary scheduled servicing.
● 7-Year Warranty: Extended manufacturer warranty coverage.
● Complimentary first-year motor insurance coverage.
Kuala Lumpur-based Dr. Long See Pin is a certified car enthusiast who has previously spent some two decades testing and writing about new cars. He is currently motoring correspondent at Juniper’s Journal, MotoAuto.com and can be found online @drlongspcars on Insta, FB, YouTube and TikTok.
He is also on the judging panel of the Malaysia Car of the Year (COTY) 2026.
As a medical doctor, he specialises in skin, wellness, anti-ageing & aesthetics
@drlongdermatology
@drlongskinclinic.com
Images courtesy of KSM.
