Kia Brings A New Line-up Never Before Seen In Malaysia

Before Kia became known as the automotive powerhouse that it is today, it started out in 1944 as Kyungsung Precision Industry, a manufacturer for bicycle components. In 1952, the company rebranded as Kia Industries after debuting the Samchully, South Korea’s first domestically made bicycle, followed by three-wheelers such as the Kia-Mazda K-360, and then its first passenger car, the Brisa. It wasn’t until 2021 that it was renamed to Kia Corporation, repositioning itself from a traditional automaker into a mobility company that also offers sustainable transport solutions.

Throughout these 82 years, the global automotive giant has earned a strong reputation for its brand image, quality, and design. Among its recent accomplishments, Kia has been recognised as the Best Manufacturer during the TopGear.com EV Awards 2026, as well as receiving multiple accolades from the iF and Red Dot Design Awards.

At the upcoming Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS) 2026, Kia will present a variety of models selected for diversity of powertrains and body styles. These displays will highlight the brand’s bold and progressive direction, demonstrating the best of its technology, engineering capabilities, design language, and overall user experience. The KLIMS 2026 showcase will also feature a visual performance and interactive installation by visual artist Max Jala, crafted in collaboration with Kia.

K4

First launched at the New York International Auto Show in 2024, the K4 was introduced as the brand’s fourth-generation compact sedan, boasting one of the widest and largest footprints in its class, measuring 185.4 inches in length and 72.8 inches in width. This model comes in five trim levels. Its Standard variant sports a 2.0-litre engine with 147hp, whereas the exclusive GT-Line Turbo uses a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine producing 190hp and has an 8-speed automatic transmission.

With up to 29 advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) features, the K4 stands as a safe family vehicle, backed by the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and MotorWeek’s 2026 Drivers’ Choice Award for Best Family Car. Alongside the sedan, the line-up has also recently expanded to include a hatchback configuration.

EV4

The EV4 is offered in two body styles, comprising an electric hatchback and Kia’s first electric compact sedan. Rather than a single system, each model presents two drivetrain options: the Standard version paired with a 58.3kWh battery that delivers up to 430km as a sedan and 410km as a hatchback, while the Long-Range version has an 81.4kWh battery with a range of up to 630km for the sedan and 590km for the hatchback. Powered by a 150kW front-wheel-drive motor, the EV4’s emphasis on efficient energy use reflects Kia’s broader sustainability efforts, which are also evident in its vehicle design.

EV5

Compared to the EV4, the EV5 is an electric SUV, offering a more spacious interior and flexible storage solutions—ideal for families. Available in both two-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive forms, this electric car excels in long-distance usability with an 81.4kWh battery and 160 kW motor that extends to 530km of WLTP range. The same sustainability philosophy remains a focus in its design, driven by Kia’s three key measures: reducing the use of natural leather, integrating recycled materials, and leveraging biofabrication technology to create new materials.

PV5

As part of Kia’s Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) strategy to support multiple mobility solutions, the brand presents the PV5, its first modular electric van, which is engineered for adaptability and versatility. Its Flexible Body System functions a bit like ‘do-it-yourself model kit’, allowing for 16 different variants that can be converted into a passenger transport, a cargo, or a chassis cab. As a result, it can support a wide spectrum of uses, from premium passenger mobility and outdoor leisure to on-site service operations and mobile office setups. Equipped with a connected fleet management software ecosystem, a range of up to 416km, and a 30-minute fast charging capability, it comes as no surprise that the PV5 was honoured as the 2026 International Van of the Year.

In addition, the latest models of the Kia Sportage and Carnival will also be showcased at the KLIMS 2026, the latter representing Kia’s first launch in Malaysia through Kia Corporation.

The Malaysian artist draws from a unique medium of computing and programming in his works, reinterpreting numbers and equations into art. “Programming allows different forms of information to interact with each other in real time: movement, sound, camera input, sensors, generated images, and other live data can all affect how an artwork behaves,” Jala explains. “That is what makes the work feel alive to me.”

In his visual performance art with Kia, Jala introduces an AI-driven piece created in response to Kia’s idea of ‘Movement that Inspires’. “Think of it like a moving painting where the car acts as the paintbrush. The motion of the car becomes the starting point for the artwork, generating visuals that shift between cinematic, dreamlike, and abstract imagery,” he says. “The Kia team spoke a lot about the idea of being ‘Bold and Progressive’, and I took that as a reason to not make something too safe.”

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