Kia Sales Malaysia Sdn Bhd (KSM), bersedia untuk mencipta pengalaman serba baharu kepada peminat yang mendekati jenama Kia di seluruh Malaysia. Kia bersedia menangani sebarang persoalan yang timbul dengan menjawab soalan yang mungkin bermain dalam fikiran orang ramai, ‘ Kenapa Pilih Kia?’
“Di peringkat global, Kia ialah pengeluar automotif ke-9 terbesar di dunia. Fokus kami ialah bergerak ke hadapan pada kadar yang mapan untuk jangka panjang. Matlamat kami bukan sekadar menjadi jenama terpantas berkembang, tetapi jenama yang memberi perhatian kepada pelanggan, pengedar dan industri automotif Malaysia,” kata Presiden dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif (CEO) Kia Sales Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Hyung Ho Kim.
Malaysia Memainkan Peranan Penting Dalam Pertumbuhan Rantau APAC
Berkongsi wawasan Kia bagi Malaysia, Pengarah Urusan Kia Sales Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Emily Lek, berkata, “Ini merupakan masa yang penting bagi kami memulakan langkah kembali ke pasaran Malaysia sebagai entiti tersendiri. Jenama ini tidak lagi diwakili oleh pengedar, tetapi diterajui oleh syarikat induk yang mengawal sepenuhnya suara, nilai dan wawasan kami. Dengan sistem yang kukuh dan rancangan yang jelas, kami bersedia untuk mengembalikan pengalaman jenama Kia yang sebenar.”
Malaysia menempatkan ibu pejabat Kia Asia Pacific, yang berperanan sebagai pusat pemikiran strategik bagi rantau Asia. Kia APAC memantau enam anak syarikat yang termasuk Kia Sales Malaysia (KSM) dan unit pengeluarannya, Kia Malaysia.
Kia APAC menguruskan operasi di 33 pasaran termasuk negara-negara ASEAN, Australia dan New Zealand. Di rantau APAC, Kia menguasai 3.4% bahagian pasaran, hasil jualan lebih 165,000 unit pada 2024. Disokong oleh lebih 100 orang kakitangan, ibu pejabat Kia APAC telah mewujudkan peluang pekerjaan sambil memanfaatkan bakat tempatan.
Kia is preparing for a significant new chapter in Malaysia as Kia Sales Malaysia Sdn Bhd (KSM) steps forward as a fully principal-led entity, aiming to reintroduce the brand with clearer direction, stronger support and a far more polished customer experience. The company is taking on local scepticism directly, encouraging Malaysians to reassess the brand with a simple question in mind: why Kia?
KSM’s President and CEO, Hyung Ho Kim, has stressed that the company is not racing to be the fastest-growing name in the industry. Instead, the mission is to build steady, long-term progress while prioritising the needs of customers, dealers and the broader Malaysian market. The shift to a direct model, effective from 1 January 2026, means KSM now commands all aspects of the brand locally—from marketing and sales to after-sales and training—allowing it to present Kia’s identity without the limitations of a third-party distributor.
Managing Director Emily Lek explained that operating as a standalone entity gives the brand full control over its messaging and direction. She described this as an exciting return, noting that Kia now has the systems, strategy and freedom to deliver what she considers the brand’s true experience.
Malaysia remains a vital hub for the region, with the Kia Asia Pacific headquarters based here. The APAC office functions as the strategic centre for operations across 33 markets including ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand, overseeing six subsidiaries—among them Kia Sales Malaysia and the manufacturing arm, Kia Malaysia.
In 2024, the APAC region accounted for retail sales exceeding 165,000 vehicles, representing a 3.4% market share. With more than 100 staff, the headquarters continues to generate skilled job opportunities, drawing on Malaysia’s talent pool.
Kia Corporation dan Bermaz Auto secara rasmi menamatkan kerjasama yang telah berlangsung sejak empat tahun lalu. Sepanjang tempoh itu, Dinamikjaya Motors — anak syarikat Bermaz — bertanggungjawab sepenuhnya ke atas pengedaran kenderaan, alat ganti dan perkhidmatan berkaitan Kia di Malaysia. Dengan berakhirnya perjanjian tersebut, Kia kini bersedia mengambil kembali kawalan penuh dan menguruskan operasinya sendiri di negara ini.
Presiden Asia Pasifik Kia, Ki Seok Ahn, menjelaskan bahawa keputusan ini dibuat sebagai langkah untuk mengukuhkan semula kehadiran jenama tersebut di Malaysia. Beliau berkata Kia mahu memberi tumpuan kepada inovasi, kepuasan pelanggan dan hala tuju global syarikat di bawah slogan “Movement That Inspires”, termasuk komitmen terhadap mobiliti lebih bersih serta pengalaman jenama yang lebih konsisten.
Mulai 1 Januari 2026, Kia akan beroperasi di Malaysia melalui model perniagaan yang dipimpin secara langsung oleh prinsipal. Ini bermaksud semua aspek operasi — pemasaran, jualan, perkhidmatan pelanggan dan latihan — akan dikendalikan sepenuhnya oleh pihak Kia sendiri. Syarikat percaya kaedah ini akan membantunya membina semula jenama dengan lebih kukuh di Malaysia dan menyokong rancangan pengembangan di pasaran ASEAN.
Kia Corporation and Bermaz Auto Berhad have formally concluded their four-year strategic partnership, bringing an end to the arrangement under which Bermaz, through Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd, served as the sole distributor of Kia vehicles and parts in Malaysia. The agreement signed between Kia and Dinamikjaya Motors confirms that Kia will resume full control of its Malaysian operations, marking the start of a new phase for the brand in the country.
Kia Asia Pacific President and CEO, Ki Seok Ahn, said the company is ready to rebuild its presence in Malaysia with a renewed focus on innovation and customer engagement. He stated that Kia intends to strengthen how customers experience the brand while supporting Malaysia’s automotive sector and broader economy. According to him, Kia’s long-term commitment remains aligned with its “Movement That Inspires” vision, with an emphasis on driving sustainable mobility and creating new forms of interaction with the brand.
From 1 January 2026, Kia will adopt a direct principal-led business model in Malaysia. This change shifts responsibility for brand representation, marketing, sales, customer experience and training directly to Kia. The company views this structural move as an opportunity not only to refine its position in Malaysia but also to influence its broader growth strategy within the ASEAN region.
When thinking of an angle for this review, there was one song that kept coming to mind, the classic “anything you can do (I can do better)”. A song that was composed by Irving Berlin for the 1946 Broadway Musical – Annie Get Your Gun.
If you have never heard of it, you can click here to watch it and that should set the tone for the rest of this article.
Over the years, there have been many iterations of the song, and it was popularised in car culture nearly two decades ago in a Mercedes-Benz video advertisement. The video featuring Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and Mika Hakkinen showcased the three Formula One legends duelling against each other in a series of challenges.
Fast forward to today and the song once again comes to mind to describe the current automotive scenario, particularly the electric vehicle (EV) segment.
Trump himself would not deny that the segment is dominated by Chinese marques. And while the world argues over how the Americans, Japanese and Europeans are going to keep up, the South Koreans have been silently churning out cars that not only impress with their technology but also offer stunning designs.
The KIA EV9 you see sprawled on this page is one such stunner from South Korea. It may not look like it when seen in photos, but it is a massive car, about the size of the latest generation Range Rover. And it is quite imposing as well, with a neck cramming presence everywhere it goes since not many have seen one on our roads.
We love it, sort of.
In terms of design, it will not look out of place in a Star Wars movie. In fact, while Chinese cars and Tesla’s have started to look the same with their front and rear lightbars and gigantic infotainment systems inside, there is nothing else quite like the KIA EV9.
But you have to wonder why it has not become an instant sensation among the wealthy.
Yes, the wealthy. Because the EV9 is priced at RM370,000 for the seven-seater variant and RM375,000 for the six-seater. So, you can’t expect regular folks to be flocking to it.
It’s price is one of the few thorns on its side because when it comes to spending over a quarter million Ringgit, most Malaysians would still pick a European brand over a Korean. You know, to make a statement at the next family gathering that you have “arrived in life”, and nothing makes a statement better than a European marque.
So, this means then that the KIA EV9 sits in a very peculiar spot. It is way too expensive for the regular joe, and for those who can afford it, well they either do not want to spend that much on a KIA or would rather spend it on a luxury marque. Except for a few oddballs to whom I am grateful to for if it wasn’t for them we wouldn’t be having such cars in Malaysia.
So, what is it about the EV9 that we love?
Apologies for getting distracted, but the EV9 is a stylish machine and that’s the first thing we like about it. In fact it makes you go wow the first time you see it. It makes the cooks in a Chinese restaurant come out just to look at it. I can personally testify to that.
There’s a saying that goes, “if you don’t look back at your car after you have parked it, you bought the wrong car,” and I just could not stop staring at it though I am far from buying one.
How KIA has made seemingly straight lines and vast empty spaces look this good may be beyond most of us non-designers, but we can collectively breathe a sigh of relief that the automotive world can still churn out such good-looking cars.
Then there is the interior. KIA has again shown that they are not followers of the herd. There are no gargantuan infotainment screens inside, just one that measures in at a regular 12.3-inch and another of equal proportions for the instrument cluster.
And thankfully there are still physical controls for everything from the air-conditioning to the radio. You can even adjust the air-conditioner blowers manually, just as you always could before some brands started over engineering them.
The rear passengers get their own set of air-conditioning controls but not only that they also get their own sunroof as well.
The interior space and seats deserve their own special mention
Considering the size of the car, it should come as no surprise that interior living space is vast.
It is also comfortable for the kids and shorter adults in the third row, which positions the EV9 as a capable option for large families.
The seats themselves could put more expensive cars to shame in terms of comfort. They are so good that there’s an entire section dedicated to the seats in the EV9’s specification sheet.
The driver’s side seat gets a massage function which turns on after an hour of driving while the seat itself is adjustable in multiple ways. Both driver and passenger seat also have a feature called Premium Relaxation, this is where the seat can recline in such a way that it almost feels like you’re in a hammock.
So, what are the other thorns you may ask?
After raving about the seats, I must say that the mesh headrests for the front two seats are unbecoming for a car of this price range, like they were taken from the office chairs of KIA’s design centre.
The other thing that I am particularly concerned about are the digital side view monitors. Instead of using regular mirrors, KIA has chosen to use cameras instead. They protrude out awkwardly and look weird.
On top of that, monitoring the sides of the car can take some getting used to as well because you can never gauge the distance. It is already difficult to tell the distance with a mirror, what more a monitor. And what more, we have thousands of motorcyclists to share the road with daily and the occasional swipe with a handlebar does happen. One must wonder how much it costs to replace the camera.
But what about the powertrain?
That responsibility falls on dual motors, one for each axle, which effectively makes the EV9 an all-wheel-drive SUV.
Providing juice to the motors is a 99.8kWh battery pack and that gives the car 380hp, 700Nm of torque as well as a WLTP range of 505km. But after spending a couple of days with the EV9, we returned the car with an average energy usage of 21.4kWh, and that gave the car a real-world range of 466km.
Energy usage gets higher on the highway and that drops the range like an anchor, which is typical of EV’s. So, to sustain a decent range, driving between 90-100km/h was the only way, which is a shame.
As for charging, the EV9 supports an 800V electrical architecture which allows for ultra-fast charging. To recharge, the car can take 350kW of DC charging which lets the car hit 80% state of charge from 10% in just 24 minutes.
While that may be impressive, the EV9 is only capable of 11kW of AC charging, and that is the real stick in an otherwise great show because it will need 10 hours and 30 minutes to hit 100% from near zero.
So why do we like it so much?
While the car may not be able to go very far and in all honesty would have greatly benefited from 22kW AC charging, it is still a great car to drive.
Refinement levels are arguably at near Rolls-Royce levels at regular speeds. The car does not come with adaptive suspension which is available in some other markets, but the MacPherson struts and Multi-Links do a fantastic job nonetheless.
The fact that it does not come with the more expensive adaptive suspensions means that long term ownership may be easier on the pocket, so that may just be a good thing.
We also like its versatility as a family car, offering space and comfort for all three rows. And ensuring the car remains safe in all situations are multiple levels of technologies ranging from everything to Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist systems to Smart Cruise Control.
But the real star is of course the one thing that we have been harping about all along, its design which particularly stands out in the colour you see here, Ocean Blue.
Is it worth it?
Well, that would depend on which side of the divide you stand on. If you like nice cars and don’t mind the badge they come with then for sure the EV9 is worth it. But if you are the type that is concerned about making a statement, just keep in mind that the KIA badge has come a long way from its Spectra days.
Kia baru saja mengumumkan facelift sederhana untuk sedan K5, sebelumnya dikenali sebagai Optima. Walaupun SUV menguasai pasaran, Kia tetap berazam untuk mengemaskini sedan mereka, walaupun gila SUV masih melanda.
Kemaskini ini khas untuk versi domestik yang kini terdapat di Korea Selatan, tetapi model global dijangkakan hampir serupa. K5 telah menerima perubahan sederhana, dengan lampu depan dan belakang yang direka semula mengikut trend yang dilihat dalam EV Kia terkini. Bumper depan baru dengan alur-alur udara tiruan yang lebih besar menambah sentuhan sukan.
Bagian belakang K5 mendapat penamat ekzos baru, perubahan yang ketara pada model bukan GT-Line. K5 yang dikemaskini ini juga menawarkan reka bentuk rim aloi baru, dalam pelbagai saiz dari 16 hingga 19 inci, termasuk versi hitam dengan aksen logam yang tidak biasa. Dua warna badan baru, Wolf Gray dan Moonscape Matte Gray, turut bergabung dalam palet sedia ada.
Bilik duduk mengalami perubahan yang lebih ketara, dengan dashboard yang diubah suai untuk menampung dua skrin lengkung. Pemilih gear telah digantikan dengan pemilih putar kecil, dan sensor cap jari telah ditambahkan ke konsol tengah bawah. K5 2025 juga dilengkapi dengan kamera hadapan dan belakang berkeupayaan resolusi tinggi untuk merakam dan menyimpan rakaman. Perubahan lain termasuk paparan kepala yang diperkemaskan, bahan peredam bunyi tambahan, dan sokongan yang ditingkatkan untuk kemaskini atas talian.
Kia K5 menawarkan beberapa pilihan enjin, termasuk enjin petrol 2.0-liter semulajadi menghasilkan 160hp, enjin turbo 1.6-liter dengan 180hp, enjin LPI (Liquid Propane Injection) 2.0-liter yang dinilai pada 146hp, dan enjin hibrid 2.0-liter dengan 152hp dari enjin pembakaran dan tambahan 52hp dari motor elektrik.
Harga bagi K5 yang dikemaskini bermula dari 27,840,000 won, yang kira-kira RM98,000. Walaupun SUV menguasai pasaran, Kia tetap komited kepada sedan mereka, dengan K5 yang menerima penyegaran sederhana untuk menjadikannya bersaing dalam segmen sedan sederhana.
The first-generation Niro was introduced in 2016 and was based on the same platform as the Hyundai Ioniq, followed by a plug-in version in 2017, an electric version in 2018 and a facelift variant in 2019.
On November 25 during the 2021 Seoul Mobility Show, the second-generation Niro was unveiled. The model was officially launched on January 25, 2022, and the second-generation Niro EV made its premiere in April later that year.
Finally, Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor for the Kia brand in Malaysia has introduced the second-generation all-new Kia Niro EV for the Malaysian market.
Exterior
The exterior of the Niro EV is heavily influenced by the 2019 Kia HabaNiro concept car. The front still features Kia’s signature “Tiger Face” that extends from the hood to the fender below.
It features daytime running lights (DRLs) known as the “heartbeat” along with a bold skid plate that enhances the ruggedness of the Niro EV.
The side profile comprises a high-tech two-tone body with a wide Aero C-Pillar at the rear, enhancing air flow to improve aerodynamics that blends into the boomerang-shaped rear taillights. Also found on the exterior design is the Active Air Flap within the grille which contributes to the new Niro’s competitive 0.29 co-efficient (Cd) achievement.
The Kia EV6 is one of those rare cars that seem to have it all, and by have it all we mean great looks, a spacious interior and technology that would make a Tesla seem outdated. So why don’t we see more of them on the road?
These days, you cannot take a short trip to the store without being bombarded with something or other about electric vehicles. Either your neighbour would have bought a new EV or someone on the radio will be talking about it.
But whether you believe in them or not, EV’s are all the rage these days, and it is going to be that way for some time.
So which EV is the best? Since EV’s are not exactly cheap, which should you be spending your money on in case you are interested in getting one.
The company has officially opened its first flagship 3S Centre in the Temasya Industrial Park at Glenmarie, Shah Alam, Selangor. It provides the full range of services, ie sales, service and sale of spare parts, at one location for the convenience of customers and owners.
The flagship outlet features Kia’s new brand identity which was introduced last year as part of its brand transformation to a new image. The new brand identity aims to shift the customers’ mindset and provide them with a meaningful experience with Kia. Dinamikjaya Motors, like the other subsidiaries in the Bermaz Automotive Group, is committed in providing the best ownership experience to customers.
Kia Store concept
Adopting the Kia Store concept, the spaces in the showroom are separated by red loop across the store that connects the display area and customer area. The wood tone radiates an earthy coziness with a minimalistic and natural sensibility that gives the customer a warm space. The point of this space initiates a whole new customer experience in the journey of purchasing a car.
With a built-up area of 39,240 sq ft, the showroom can display up to 4 vehicles. In the display zone, an achromatic colour theme infuses a futuristic tone on the metallic surfaces and reflections, offering tranquillity that ensures the display vehicles receive undivided attention.
Aftersales support
The service centre with state-of-the-art facilities has 20 bays and a team of trained and skilled technicians to look after Kia vehicles, including the fully electric EV6. It is equipped with the latest manufacturer’s diagnostic system equipment and maintenance tools. Customers who wait can use the comfortable waiting lounge which has refreshments and a working space (with complimentary wifi).
The showroom is open seven days a week while the service centre operates from Mondays to Saturdays. Kia owners who have vehicle problems or an accident can obtain support from the 24/7 roadside assistance service by calling 1800-22-2228.
As the new distributor, Dinamikjaya Motors would like to establish contact with all Kia owners in Malaysia. If you are a Kia owner, you should provide them with your contact details so that they can keep you informed of any technical updates, recall notifications or other matters related to your ownership of a Kia vehicle. Click here to obtain a form to submit your details which will be kept and protected in accordance with the law of the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) of Malaysia.
Kia vehicles have been sold in Malaysia since the 1990s but the Korean carmaker has kept its involvement in local activities at arms-length. Although its models were assembled locally, the activities were largely left to their local distributor (the NAZA Group at that time). Kia did have a regional office here and too and interest in what was going on but didn’t want to make investments itself.
That changed last year when the local partner changed and Bermaz Auto took over the brand from Naza (along with Peugeot as well). Perhaps the Korean carmaker decided that it was time to control its destiny and for that, it would have to become directly involved. It formed a joint-venture company with Bermaz Auto called Kia Malaysia which will manage the brand’s activities in the country.
The Inokom manufacturing complex in Kulim, Kedah, where Kia vehicles are being assembled.
More significantly, Kia Malaysia’s operations include local assembly, the first time the carmaker is making a direct investment for assembly operations. It is vital to assemble locally to be able to grow volumes more quickly and be competitive. Kia has set a target of 100,000 units in total from 2022 to 2026, for the Malaysian market as well as export. The export plans are ambitious and will account for more than 50% of annual production each year. By 2026, the company expects to export up to 19,000 units from the 30,000 units targeted for that year.
Four models to be assembled locally
When Kia Malaysia announced its formation, it also provided an insight into its 5-year plan with 4 models to be produced, including battery-electric vehicles. The models, in launch sequence, will be the Carnival, Sportage, Sorento and Niro, the latter to be offered as a BEV.
The first product has started rolling out on schedule from the Inokom plant in Kedah and it’s the Carnival MPV. The model was already on sale at the beginning of the year as a CBU (completely built-up) import from Korea and from our driving impressions, it was certainly a very different MPV from the original Carnival which was also cloned into the Naza Ria. It’s a premium product, which is in line with Kia’s aim of raising the image of its products.
The locally-assembled Carnival is a 7/8-seater (above) whereas the CBU imported model is an 11-seater (below).
8-seater instead of 11-seater
While having the same appearance, the locally-assembled Carnival is not an 11-seater but a 7-seater or 8-seater. There was no shortage of buyers for the CBU 11-seater but having less seats might also work better to sell in greater numbers.
The powertrain is the same Smartstream 2.2-litre turbodiesel CRDI engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Though it is a large vehicle, the 199 bhp/440 Nm provides respectable performance, as we experienced on our drive at the beginning of this year.
Bermaz Auto (its retail arm for Kia vehicles is Dinamikjaya Motors) is known for being generous with equipment and features and the locally-assembled Carnival will come with a list that maintains the premium positioning for the MPV. There will be ambient lighting, heated/ventilated seats, Premium Relaxion Seats (second row), 12-speaker Bose audio system, powered sliding doors, ‘smart’ powered tailgate and a complete suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.
New beginning for brand
“The roll-out of the Kia Carnival in CKD [locally assembled] form is an important milestone in the marque’s renaissance in Malaysia. We are delighted to welcome the first Kia model produced here at Inokom for the Malaysian and ASEAN markets. The Kia Carnival marks a new beginning for the Kia brand and showcases all the hallmarks of our products, superior design, smart technology and an impressive driving experience,” said Ted Lee, Kia Asia Pacific President & CEO.
“The consumer’s response to the fully imported Kia Carnival 11-seater variant launched in January has been very encouraging and we are confident that the consumers will be equally enthusiastic about the CKD Kia Carnival. We believe these CKD variations will serve the differing needs and expectations of those in the market for a modern and luxurious multi-purpose vehicle,” added Dato’ Wong Kin Foo, Managing Director of Dinamikjaya Motors.
The prices have not been officially announced but it is known that there will be 3 versions with prices (excluding insurance) starting from RM231,299. PISTON.MY will be joining a media drive of the Carnival to Penang later this week and we’ll let you know what it’s like although we expect that we will be equally impressed as we were with the CBU model.
