Driven: Naza (Kia) Forte 1.6SX

This is one car that's priced to sell for 2010 in Malaysia. Tagged at RM81,800 it is indeed a value buy for a C-segment saloon, priced even lower - but specified even higher! - than the popular B-segment sedan the ubiquitous Honda City 1.5. Indeed, it would have been even better if Naza-Kia had not crossed the psychological RM80,000 mark for this higher spec 'SX' version of their Forte 1.6.




My first interaction with the steering & throttle reminded me much of the new Mazda3 1.6. Not a bad thing since the handling and body control of that Mazda is much exemplary of its class. Ditto the interior, especially the Forte's instruments cluster. Nice. Without running through the extensive list of standard equipments, the two items that impressed me most is the electronic stability control/program which encompasses ABS + EBD, cornering brake control and traction control. The other feature being the rear view electro-chromatic mirror (auto-dimming) which is even a paying option for Porsche(s) the world over.

Of course, the metallic-rubber studded brake and gas pedals are a nice touch too. You can actually save a few bucks and hassle by not having to hop over to the nearest Brother's Car Accessories shop.






In the three days of testing, the Forte 1.6SX endears with its firm but pliant enough ride. Safe handling rules the day and the vehicle is very easy to live with, powering on with just adequate horses for a 1.6 family sedan.Rear passengers comfort are good, with a calm ride complemented by generous cabin space.

It's rather strange how a better spec version of a similar model can be more affable and convincing, even though the lesser 'sibling' 1.6EX have ABS, twin-airbags and a perfectly similar drivetrain. Perhaps it is the soft-touch inserts on the dashboard or the premium-looking 17" alloys. Or is it the chrome-plated door handles both inside and out? Whatever they may be, don't strike the Forte 1.6SX out prematurely from your car purchase shortlist - without a test drive - if you're in the market for a Nissan Latio sedan, Toyota Vios or Honda City. Yes, it's that good - surprisingly splendid for its class, size and price.

First Drive: Naza (KIA) Forte 1.6EX

The Koreans answer to the ever-popular B-segment - in Malaysia at least - is mighty impressive. And it's no less a C-segment sedan the dimensions of a Honda Civic!

Priced at a very competitive RM75,800 the base version, the new Naza Forte 1.6EX is unbeatable value-for-money. Of course, it has to wear the obligatory "NAZA" badges upfront and at the back, but it drives quite decently, has lots of space and even sports a very modern Teutonic design. It is after all, penned by Peter Shreyer, the very same guy who took Audi automotive designs to greater heights in the years before his migration over to Kia.

While I found it took time for me to settle down into the rather 'lumpy' seats at first, I guess the version most representative for the Forte range (for now at least, the 2.0 isn't available on Naza-Kia's media fleet yet) is the higher spec 1.6SX.

Excuse me for the many rather shabby pictures taken with my camera phone. I shall be writing in more details about the new Forte 1.6 after I have sampled the 'proper' 1.6SX version...

'New' Naza (KIA) Picanto: only for the fairer sex?

With an unorthodox tagline like "Guys love cars, girls love Picanto" I found myself warming up to the new Picanto facelift model a little warm and fuzzy inside, perhaps even a tad blushy....or have I even gotten myself in touch with my feminine side? I know, I shudder at that thought too.





But truth be told, this Naza reabged Kia is pretty (no pun intended) decent. Though having to make do with just a tiny 1.1 litre 4-pot with old-tech port fuel injection, common distributor coil-to-spark-plug-cables spark ignition system and regular throttle cable for fuel metering, this little hatch feels quite peppy on the move from the word go (till about 100km/h). Decent enough for town driving. The chassis also felt surprisingly solid, while the liquid-filled dampers gives very pliant ride around the city and suburbs, where it intended range of commuting are mostly destined for. Of course, like its i1o cousin, uphill task can be a bit of a chore, after slowing down to pick up pace again.





I can't give you the fuel consumption figure since I had hardly burned off past the fuel tank's half way mark. Sorry about that. But I reckon it would be as economical as the Hyundai i10 since both are 'blood' cousins in more ways than one. Supermini these days also feels more well screwed/bolted together. Such a feeling of solidity on the road can be appreciated by way of nicer planted agility (granted, the suspension setting is still on the soft side) and somewhat tighter body control. Even the steering feels okay with a nice weighting to it. Inside, you don't even feel cramped like you do in an old Perodua Kancil anymore. Shoulder room and elbow room are acceptable here in the Picanto and I am no horse-riding jockey.


The Koreans have indeed come a long way. This 'new' Picanto is a potentially viable alternative to the rather pricey (relatively speaking, of course) 'local' Perodua Viva. For a fact, that was mainly why the Hyundai i10 walked away with NST-Maybank Car of the Year 2009 Award in the entry-level car category.


Interestingly, my wife initially liked this car for its affordability, being a brand new car with manufacturer's warranty, less worry about costly unscheduled maintenance et al. For those with no hang-ups about Korean automotive brand or badge snobbery issues, imagine paying off for this car in four, maybe five years instead of seven. And for whatever the residual's worth after that hire-purchase period, the average damage in depreciation is say, a more manageable RM5k per year? Kinda makes great food-for-thought, financially speaking, yes?



Back to my better half again, she subsequently complained of lack of power after the few days of joint sampling of this tester, and also of bumpier ride than her Mitsu Colt Ralliart. Hmmm....so "Girls love Picanto"? Probably not all girls, especially women...



Related posts:
Perodua Viva Elite
Driven: Hyundai i10

Naza Rondo (Citra II) to spearhead Kia growth in Malaysia?

Naza Kia has had a stellar feedback on their recently introduced Rondo MPV, selling considerably well since its introduction in September this year.

"Sales results for the first two months of our Rondo introduction, more than 300 units, are in line with our objectives and confirm that more new customers are switching to Naza Kia products. I'm delighted to observe that this process is accelerating with each new model we introduce," commented SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin, CEO of Naza Group. "In this landmark year of change for Kia, the new Rondo and our other top models like the Optima, Sportage, Sorento and Spectra5 were both highly praised by members of the motoring media and our customers for having the best specifications for the prices offered in their respective segments. So far it looks like 2009 is already shaping up to be a great year for Kia in Malaysia."

Customer feedback thus far has gone beyond expectations, with many praising the Rondo's excellent fuel consumption which they can monitor thanks to the in-dash Trip Computer. Other features mentioned include the 6-speaker audio system with steering wheel mounted remote control*, automatic air-conditioning*, roof rack, folding door mirrors and attractive alloy wheels.

Journalists too, have come forward with nothing but praise for the Rondo. "Going uphill is again another starter for us as the Rondo, with seven adults, just cruised along without straining its engine. Seriously, it was such a refreshing experience as we never felt a Korean engine this good and this smooth," reported motoring news editor Hezeri Samsuri. "Sound insulation is good and on par with Japanese sedans in its price category. Bumps and holes are muted well, and so does the engine noise. The Rondo does have a good dashboard layout and the material used is also durable and does not look or feel cheap, which speaks of the improvement in quality noted over its predecessor.

* EXS Model only