Kia Malaysia drops Sportage, Carnival prices, Sportage now from RM128,800

KUALA LUMPUR: Kia Sales Malaysia Sdn Bhd (KSM), Kia’s new standalone National Sales Company in Malaysia, says it is starting 2026 with a reset plan aimed at rebuilding confidence in the brand, beginning with revised pricing for its current model line-up.

The company says the updated pricing applies to the Kia Sportage and Kia Carnival model lines effective 1 January 2026, positioning both models more aggressively in their respective SUV and MPV segments.

Also Read: Kia hits reset in Malaysia: New bosses, new strategy, and a serious attempt at a comeback

KSM is using the Sportage as the headline example for its “right pricing” reset, with the SUV now starting at RM128,800, which is RM18,200 lower than before. Under the previous management, the Kia Sportage range opened at RM147,000 at launch.

The bigger drop is on the Carnival. Prices now start at RM193,000 for the Carnival 2.2D 8-seater, down RM52,888 from its previous launch starting price of RM245,888. There was an 11 seater Carnival priced from RM200k, but that variant was dropped and remains left out it seems for now. 

“The new year marks a new beginning for Kia. We are proud to officially begin our journey of rebuilding the Kia brand through a standalone National Sales Company in Malaysia. We wish to assure fans that Kia is here to stay, and our priority is taking care of customers and inspiring progress through our innovative mobility solutions,” pledged Kia Sales Malaysia Sdn Bhd President and CEO, Hyung Ho Kim.

KSM managing director Emily Lek said the pricing move is meant to answer a basic question that has followed Kia locally through distributor changes and shifting product plans.

“These first steps, which are to revamp our pricing strategy, recognise loyal Kia customers and incentivise corporate purchases, are all part of a concerted effort to answer the question, ‘Why Kia?’. Kia Sales Malaysia believes in right pricing our products. Buyers across Malaysia will now be able to enjoy the best vehicles suited for the market with the most appropriate specifications and features, offered at competitive prices. We welcome both legacy and new Kia fans to our showrooms to appreciate our range of vehicles, test drive them and be immersed in the new Kia experience,” explained Managing Director, Emily Lek.

Warranty stays at 5 years, 150,000 km

Alongside the repricing, KSM says newly purchased Kia vehicles in Malaysia will continue to be covered by a five-year, 150,000 km warranty, whichever comes first, in line with Kia global standards.

That warranty statement matters because, in practice, a price reset only goes so far if ownership anxiety is still the real barrier. KSM is clearly trying to put “what happens after you buy” front and centre this time.

15% average cut on genuine spare parts, warehouse in Shah Alam

On the after-sales side, KSM says it is implementing a 15% average price reduction on Kia genuine spare parts.

To support that, the company highlights a dedicated parts warehouse in Shah Alam, Selangor, which it says is meant to shorten waiting times and improve parts availability, one of the most common pain points for owners when a brand’s local operations change hands.

Kia Circle loyalty programme, up to RM6,000 rebate for existing owners upgrading

KSM is also launching a loyalty programme called Kia Circle, aimed at current Kia owners who want to trade up within the brand. The company says Kia Circle offers cash rebates of up to RM6,000 when existing owners upgrade to a new Kia.

Notably, KSM says the benefit can extend beyond the owner alone, covering immediate family members including parents, children, and spouse.

Kia Professional for corporate and professional buyers, up to 3% concessions

For business users, KSM is introducing Kia Professional, described as a corporate fleet and professional programme.

The headline incentive is up to 3% concessions for members of professional bodies and major corporations buying a vehicle individually, with the company also mentioning customisable incentives for larger fleet purchases.

Kia Cares insurance goes live with multiple underwriters, includes long list of add-ons

KSM is also moving into branded insurance through Kia Cares, which it says will be offered for purchases through authorised Kia dealerships. The programme is stated to be underwritten by Berjaya Sompo, Zurich and Zurich Takaful.

KSM claims the coverage includes protection for accidental loss or damage plus optional add-ons, which it lists as:

• all-driver coverage

• allowances for accidental inconvenience and total loss

• agreed value for up to 15 years

• waiver of betterment for up to 10 years

• unlimited towing

• full special perils coverage

• personal accident coverage of up to RM100,000

In short, KSM is trying to keep more of the ownership experience “in the Kia ecosystem”, from purchase incentives to insurance, instead of leaving buyers to stitch it all together themselves.

Website and customer support details

KSM says customers can visit the Kia Sales Malaysia official website (www.kia.com/my) from 8 January 2026 onwards for more information, or visit authorised Kia showrooms to view, test drive or book a vehicle from KSM’s current product range, which it lists as the Kia Sportage, Kia Carnival and Kia EV9.

For sales and servicing enquiries, or 24-hour roadside assistance, KSM’s customer support line is 1300 88 0133, and the email listed is customersupport@kia-my.com.

Also Read: Kia begins a new chapter in Malaysia, shifts to direct principal-led model