2011 Naza-Kia Forte 2.0 tested

It has often been published that the Koreans are in a - vastly improved - league of their own with their newer generation automobiles for this new decade. Cheap (in relative terms, of course) doesn't mean nasty and low rent anymore. While some may loath at the very sight of a Korean automotive badge, there is no denying that the prime example that you see above has a lot more to offer under its sleeve. Especially in its upgraded form which has been available in our Malaysian market since early this year (2011).


I could still vividly remember how much likeable the Forte 1.6 EX/SX was in 2010 when I reviewed these lesser versions. Even the larger capacity 2.0SX paled quite miserably with its lifeless steering with a bubble-gummy feel just off-centre, being an electric-powered assisted rack. In the meantime, the 4-speed A/T was not geared to appreciably harness the added flexibility of a 2.0L lump.

Fast forward to the 2011 Forte 2.0 - with 6A/T - these bugbears are gone, especially the synthetic-feel steering. In fact, it's well weighted and tied down now, though a tad "artificially coloured" it may seem but heck, it's a vast improvement. It even hints you of that "Zoom Zoom" feedback or that premium "The Power of Dreams" feel.

At highway speed, tracking corners seem more brilliant with the suspension just nicely damped with incisive suspension rebound i.e. taut body control. No wallow, no pitching. Acceptable body roll should you gun it into bends. High speed stability around its tested Vmax of 200km/h was let's say, comforting, cosseting and confident. Wind noise and road noise level remained impressive for its class at that 'lofty' velocity as well.



Tractability going about in town or suburb traffic is much improved with the new 6-speeder while the implanted rear-view camera display proved more than just a gimmick. Though the display image was a wee bit constrained by the height of the central rear-view mirror dimension, it worked perfectly well for all the reversed parking I managed to execute.




However, all isn't rosy from this Korean camp C-segment offspring. For one, I fail to understand why there is the lack of external boot release handle/rubber-strip switch at the rear - usually recessed in the rear number plate upper frame/garnish. You simply must press the button on the remote fob, how so inconvenient for a key/fob-less entry enabled car! Or you must tug the boot release lever on the floor carpet below and to the right of the driver's seat. The other sore (eye) point is why their generic-looking engine cover(s) do not seem to greet you "Annyeonghaseyo" as friendly the others say "Konichiwa" or "Guten Tag", just to name a couple of established examples.

I do have to apologise for not observing its fuel economy (trip computer was displaying 12.0l to 13.0l/100km mostly!). In the new Forte 2.0, most of the time I was having fun stretching its legs on almost every trip out in this "budget" 2.0-litre sedan, which is convincingly far from looking, feeling or driving budget-y in nature.

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...

DRB-Hicom loses Chevrolet brand in Malaysia

Effective August 31, 2009, General Motors Corp (GM) has ended its agreement with DRB-HICOM Bhd for the exclusive distribution of Chevrolet vehicles in Malaysia. Diversified conglomerate DRB-HICOM also faces the risk of losing its role as the local Chevrolet importer as GM is said to be scouting for a replacement. The US carmaker, sources said, is now talking to the Naza group to handle the import, distribution and possibly local assembly of Chevrolet automobiles in the future.

In the interim, GM has turned to listed Permaju Industries Bhd's outfit Cergazam Sdn Bhd to manage the franchise from DRB-HICOM. Cergazam is already the largest Chevrolet dealer, operating four out of seven outlets nationwide.

Naza 206 Bestari Easy Ownership Promotion

Naza Corp Sdn Bhd has made the ownership of the Peugeot 206 - in its Bestari guise - easier for government staff, related govt agencies and Government Listed Companies (GLCs) in Malaysia.



The promo deal does not require downpayment or guarantor. H-P installments are free first 3-months along with free AUTOLIFE insurance. To make ownership even easier, repayment period can be stretched for up to 12 years! With monthly salary deduction of only RM390 per month, a fresh graduate can have a brand new Naza 206 Manual version. For the automatic model, the monthly installment is just RM425 per month, perhaps making it ideal for parents intending to buy a compact hatch for their children.

The campaign is valid while stocks last. Call Naza Corp's Client Liaison Interaction Centre today at its new toll free number: 1-800-88-6292 or log onto www.nazacorp.com.my for more information.

Naza Group of Companies Export Initiative for 2008-09

Naza Group of Companies today announced that their effort to export the Naza range of vehicles through subsidiary, Naza Corporation had seen positive response. Since early 2008, the Naza Group has been actively exporting the company’s range of supermini cars like the Naza Forza and the Peugeot 206 to countries like Singapore, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.



At a press conference today held at the PKT Container Freight Station (CFS) which is located in Klang, the Naza Group through Naza Corporation announced that they had received strong orders for the Naza Forza for the Thai market. To date, back orders for the Naza Forza - which was launched on 26 March 2008 during the Thai Motor Show - had already reached 1,100 units. The factory in Gurun, Kedah is increasing production to meet the demand for the Thai market. Naza Corporation is also in talks to export the Naza Forza to countries like Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Mauritius. The Kia Picanto and Peugeot 206 both have orders amounting to 600 units and 500 units respectively for the Thai market. All those units are expected to reach the Thai market before the end of 2008. The strong demand for Naza Corporation’s range of supermini cars can be attributed to the global move towards smaller and more economical and fuel efficient models. For the Indonesian market, Naza Corporation has received firm orders for 600 units of the Kia Pregio van. Malaysia is the only country in the world outside Korea that manufactures the Kia Pregio van in RHD.

The importers are bullish about the new Malaysian made imports due to the preferential tariff available with the Common Effective Preferential Tariff (CEPT) scheme for vehicle exports between ASEAN countries. With the tariff in place, importers enjoy an import duty for Malaysian made vehicles of only 10%. Vehicles exported from Malaysia however must comply with the 40% local content ruling to quality.

SM Nasarudin Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Utama SM Nasimuddin (seated at centre, above), Executive Chairman and CEO of Naza Corporation Sdn Bhd said that the company is firmly behind the export drive and is aggressively sourcing for new markets to enter into. This is to ensure that there is a continuous source for business which will guarantee that the production facility in Gurun, Kedah stays at its optimum capacity. At the moment, the export effort is mainly contained within the Asian region, especially to Thailand and Indonesia which are the more prominent vehicle consuming nations within ASEAN. However, there are definite plans to expand the Group’s export activities even further and the African continent has been targeted as one of the potential new markets. The export drive brings about obvious benefits to both the factory in Gurun and also the vendor base through optimization of capacity.

To further support the export initiative, Naza Corporation has also been endorsed by their Korean and French principals, KIA Motors and Automobiles Peugeot to manufacture and export relevant new models for the region. With the new models and also a strong order bank, Naza Corporation targets an export potential of 8,000 units for 2009.

To ensure that the export initiative is sustained, Naza Corporation has recently set up a dedicated export team to support all export markets. The export team not only handles sales but also all after-sales issues pertaining to the exported models. For faster response time and feedback to any form of enquiry that may be received from their foreign partners, Naza Corporation has also set up a special Technical Hotline which will offer assistance.

New Naza 2S Centre in Shah Alam for Naza Forza and Sutera

Naza Forza and Sutera owners can now rejoice with the opening of the new Naza Corporation Service Centre which caters specifically to the Forza and Sutera.

The new Naza Corporation Service Centre which is based at 43, Jalan Pentadbir U1/30, HICOM Glenmarie Industrial Park, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor will officially be accepting the Naza Forza and Sutera models from Monday, 12 May onwards.

The new facility is fully equipped with spare parts, special tools and diagnostic equipment. It will also be handling all warranty jobs with regards to the Forza and Sutera. The new facility is staffed with eight fully trained personnel who are able to keep the Forza and Sutera properly maintained. Eight service bays are also available to ensure that all Forza and Sutera owners receive prompt and efficient service at all times.

Naza Forza and Sutera owners who would like to make appointments for service at the new Naza Corporation Service centre are advised to call 03-5569 0886 / 887 / 889. Opening hours for the new facility are as follows:

Monday – Friday : 9:00am – 5:30pm
Saturday : 9:00am – 1:00pm
Sunday : Closed

SM Nasarudin Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Utama SM Nasimuddin, Director of Naza Corporation Sdn Bhd said that the company is firmly behind the Forza and Sutera and the opening of this new service centre exemplifies the company’s full backing and commitment for the Forza and Sutera. Owners of the two models can be assured of competitive pricing as well as professional and prompt services when servicing their cars at the new service centre at Shah Alam. He adds that this is not the only new Naza Corporation Service Centre and that there are plans to open at least another four such centres in Johor, Penang, Kelantan and Terengganu. He mentioned that the other new centres will be opened before the end of 2008.

At present, the Naza Forza is also exported to countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, Thailand and Singapore. Exports to Thailand and Singapore which only began earlier this year are also said to be very encouraging with strong acceptance for supermini cars from Malaysia. Export sales amount to about 30% of total Naza Forza sales. Orders for the Naza Forza from the Thailand distributor have reached almost 600 units. Naza Corporation is also in talks to export the Forza to countries like Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Mauritius.

Naza Group founder dies of cancer

Founder, chairman and CEO of the Naza Group Tan Sri S.M. Nasimuddin S.M. Amin passed away today (Thursday in the U.S) at 1.15am Malaysian time in Los Angeles, California. He was 53 and had received treatment for lung cancer.

The Naza Group, formed in 1974, has diverse interests which encompasses motor trading, motorbikes, manufacturing, transport services, machine tools and parts, engineering, plantation, cigarette distribution, credit and leasing, water crafts, properties, hotel operation and insurance. Naza Group is the franchise holder for Kia, Peugeot, Brabus, Hamann and Ducati bikes in Malaysia. It was recently appointed sole distributor and importer of Ferrari in Malaysia via establishment of Naza Italia. It also holds the import permits (A.P.) for Mercedes-Benz and Mazda automobiles.

My heartfelt condolence to the family members of Tan Sri, in the trying times of their bereavement.

Naza Corp to increase Forza production in Malaysia

Following the successful launch of the Naza Forza into the Thai auto market recently, Naza Corporation Sdn Bhd has announced that the production of the Naza Forza cars will be increased to meet demand of the Thai market.

The 1.1L Naza Forza which recently made its debut into the highly competitive Thailand automotive market during the recent 10-day Thai Motor Show has managed to secure 524 orders. Yontrakit Motor Sales Co, the official importer of the Naza Forza into Thailand has urged Naza Corporation to increase productivity of the car to meet demand in the Thai market. At 349,000 Baht, the Naza Forza is currently the most affordable new car in the hotly contested Thai auto market.

At present, the Naza Forza is also exported to countries like Nepal, Bangladesh and Singapore. Exports to Singapore which only began earlier this year are also said to be very encouraging with strong acceptance of supermini cars from Malaysia. Export sales amount to about 30% of total Naza Forza sales. Naza Corporation is also in talks to export the Forza to countries like Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Mauritius.

En SM Nasarudin Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Utama SM Nasimuddin, CEO of Naza Corporation Sdn Bhd said that the company is indeed pleasantly surprised by the warm reception that the Forza has received in both Singapore and Thailand, markets that the Forza had only just entered in 2008. He adds that it is the company’s objective to offer the Naza Forza as an affordable mode of transport to ASEAN countries. Also of equal importance is the development of strong after sales back up, a factor which he said will add to the attraction of the Naza Forza.

In Malaysia, Naza Corporation Sdn Bhd has informed that sales of the Naza Forza and its Naza 206 Bestari cars have seen improved bookings due to their on-going Forza 199 and Bestari 399 promotions. The company maintains that even though the demand for the Forza is strong in both Thailand and Singapore, there will be enough cars to satisfy the local demand for the car.

To support local enquiries, Naza Corporation Sdn Bhd advises those who are interested in the Forza 199 promotion to call the Client Liaison Interaction Centre at its new toll free number 1-800-88-NAZA (6292) or log onto www.nazacorp.com.my for more information.

Win a Sutera Sportivo at Naza Corp outlets

Naza Corporation Sdn Bhd will be organizing a contest for buyers of the Naza Sutera where buyers can win a Sutera Sportivo. Those who buy a Sutera during the promotion period will also be able to bring home a 29 inch “Slim Fit” television set upon successful registration of their new car.

The promotion will run from 14th March 2008 to 23rd March 2008. Twenty three Naza Corporation dealers are participating in this promotion and interested buyers are advised to check out the nearest Naza Corporation dealer. Alternatively, interested customers may also call the Customer Careline at 03-2617 7777 for more information pertaining to this offer and the whereabouts of the participating dealers.

Selected dealers will also be having open houses for customers on the 14th to 16th March and 21st to 23rd March 2008.

Naza Sutera December '07 promo in Malaysia

Click on image for detailed view

Naza Bestari 206 year-end promo ad in Malaysia

Click on image for details
Related post:
http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/12/naza-bestari-206-with-porsche-tiptronic.html

Naza Bestari 206 with Porsche Tiptronic 'box

NAZA Corporation is offering a 32” LCD TV or a lap top computer with every NAZA 206 Bestari, in addition to the 3 year free service and 5 year warranty package.
This promotion starts on 8 December 2007 and ends on 31 December 2007.

Please call the NAZA Corp customer hotline at 03-2617 7777 for more information.

New Kia Spectra5 hatchback to replace liftback predecessor?

Sole distributor and franchise-holder for Kia vehicles in Malaysia, Naza-Kia Sdn Bhd will be launching the Spectra liftback (facelift of first gen Sephia) replacement model soon in hatchback form, badged as Spectra5.

Pictured below is the true 2nd generation Kia Cerato hatchback, albeit in USDM form. The new Cerato has been available since 2005 but has undergone a facelift this year.

While understandably sleeker and more up-to-date than the older Spectra 1.6 (pictured below), it is still somewhat baffling as to why the hatch is picked over the booted Spectra, as seen in the last image.



Watch this space for more details as local distributor Naza-Kia officially unveil this budget C-segment vehicle soon...

Note: The Cerato is no longer on sale in the UK as the Kia Cee´d has replaced it.

New Kia Spectra5 spotted on PLUS N-S highway:
http://paultan.org/archives/2007/08/06/kia-spectra5-on-the-north-south-highway/

Kia Sportage Relaunched in Malaysia

Originally launched worldwide in September 2004 and in March 2005 for the Malaysian market, local franchise holder and distributor for KIA vehicles, Naza-KIA has relaunched a locally assembled version of this compact SUV recently. However, it is eye-opening to see this ‘rebadged’ KIA not wearing the “Licensed by KIA” plaque and/or "NAZA" emblem but the real McCoy Korean nameplate!

Originally priced RM121,888 as a CBU model from Korea, this locally-assembled version from Gurun, Kedah now wears a lower sticker price of RM112,000. Naza-Kia believes the model will be the best-buy SUV in town as it features active safety features like Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), and Electronic Stability Program (ESP). The 'new' Kia Sportage is powered by a 2.0L DOHC 16-valve engine with CVVT (Continously Variable Valve Timing) churning out 142PS at 6,000rpm and 184Nm at 4,500rpm. Torque is transmitted through a 4-speed Shiftronic (Korean version of Tiptronic) automatic gearbox, to a 4WD system dubbed Active Torque Transfer 4WD. It also comes standard fitted with a six-speaker sound system, trip computer and fog lights, among other things.

On another note, Naza-Kia also announced that the company will introduce two more models by mid-August, a Kia hatchback and sedan, both new and not seen in Malaysia yet. Upbeat on its sales performance, Naza-Kia revealed that it has sold over 11,000 units in the first five months of this year.

Naza-Kia Sdn Bhd expects sales of the enhanced Kia Sportage to reach 1,500 cars this year as it aims to sell 250 units monthly, although the market for the 2.0L SUV is small.

Kia Motors Corp managing director for Asia, Moon Je Ho said although the automotive industry is competitive, he expects 10% growth in sales by 2008 driven by more models to be launched next year.