Kia Cerato 1.6 KX – new base model available, RM90k

Naza Kia has quietly introduced the Kia Cerato 1.6 KX, a new base trim for the sharply-designed C-segment sedan. The KX retains high equipment levels while dropping the price a full RM10,000 over the regular 1.6 model to RM89,888 on the road with insurance, but a fair few compromises have been made in the process.
Those compromises aren’t very noticeable when you look outside – the only changes to the exterior over the regular Cerato 1.6 are the removal of the chrome window strip and LED combination tail lights, the latter replaced by conventional bulb items.

Inside, the changes are a little more apparent. The dual-zone automatic climate control has been replaced by a manual single-zone unit, auto-levelling headlights have been replaced by manual controls and you can say goodbye to the aluminium pedals, electric seats with memory, gear shift paddles, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, leather-wrapped steering wheel and soft touch upper door trims.
What you do still get are keyless entry, push-button start, auto headlights, cruise control, rear air-con vents, Flex Steer adjustable weight for the steering, front and rear parking sensors and a reverse camera. The KX also receives a new eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, a feature the rest of the range should also be getting (the grey regular Cerato 1.6 you see in some of these pictures had it too).

Mechanicals remain unchanged from the regular 1.6, so the 130 PS/157 Nm Gamma 1.6 litre D-CVVT four-cylinder and six-speed automatic gearbox are retained.
Most affected by the bargain price tag, however, is the safety equipment. The KX loses curtain and side airbags, dropping the airbag count from six to just two, while traction and stability control have also been taken out. You do still get ABS with EBD and Brake Assist and ISOFIX child seat anchor points.

The KX is available in the same five colours as the rest of the Cerato range, and also comes with a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty.
So, do you think the changes in equipment are fair considering the drop in price? Give us your opinions in the comments section after the jump.

Kia K9 QUORIS 2013

 Kia K9 QUORIS 2013

http://youtu.be/hWa_5kNjAfk 
 

2013 Kia Rio To Launch In Malaysia In January—Still Priced Around RM70K?

Naza Kia Malaysia may have missed the fourth-quarter of 2012 launch date of the Kia Rio, but not by much if the latest rumoured launch date of January 2013 comes true. And the Kia Rio will come in the form of a five-door hatchback, powered by a 1.4-litre Gamma engine that pushes 109 HP and 136 Nm through a four-speed automatic gearbox to the front wheels. One of the main attractions of the Kia Rio would be its 2012 Reddot design award-wining looks, penned by none other than Peter Schreyer, the man behind the eye-catching duo of the Optima K5 and the Sportage. Yet another is the previously-announced price point in the range of RM70K, which would position it competitively against the Nissan Almera. Then again, that pricing, made public by CEO Datuk Hafiz Syed Abu Bakar last July, appears unlikely if the rumoured trim levels of EX and SX indeed arrive later this month. Six airbags, Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), LED daytime running lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, and Bluetooth connectivity as standard for RM70K plus? The added equipment on the SX trim—a sunroof, automatic air-conditioning with ionizer, and Smart Key with a push start button—throws that pricing into even more doubt. Affordable or expensive, we wouldn't have to wait long to find out. Until then, a very lucky Malaysian stands to win a new Rio by taking part in Naza Kia Malaysia's Rio Runabout contest. The format goes like this: solving weekly word puzzles earns the player pictures, and the first 10 players to collect six pictures will receive invites to the Rio's launch party, during which the winner of a final challenge will drive home a new car

2013 Hyundai Veloster Launched In Malaysia, Priced From RM117K To RM133K

The one-of-a-kind 2013 Hyundai Veloster has finally landed in Malaysia in three variants: the RM 116,888 Veloster 1.6 manual, the RM 121, 888 Veloster 1.6 and the RM 132,888 Veloster 1.6 Premium. The OTR with insurance prices include a five-year/300,000km extended warranty, and a 24-hour road assist service. Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors promised us the three-door coupe in the first quarter of 2012, but, like they say, it's better late than never.
As if the fluidic sculpture design is not striking enough, the Hyundai Veloster comes with a unique two-plus-one door layout that actually improves interior access rather than just novelty factor. Hyundai calls it the "style of a coupe and the functionality of a hatchback". The boot space of 440 litres and the option to split-fold the rear seats mean that the Veloster is practical when you have luggage to carry.

Standard across the Hyundai Veloster range is a smart key with an engine start/stop button, a 7-inch LCD touch screen, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, and an integrated six-speaker audio system with a built-in MP3 function and an auxiliary input. Hyundai's Blue Max application, once activated, monitors the driving style, and computes a score that hopefully encourages an eco-friendly manner of driving.
The cabin has seats for four, but none of the variants except the Premium trim have leather as standard. (It's a RM2000 option for the others) But the seats are wrapped with stitched leather, accompanied by matching coloured door linings in the Premium trim, which is also differentiated by exclusive items including a panoramic sunroof, a reverse camera, automatic climate control, built-in Bluetooth capability, and an enhanced loudspeaker system with a centre speaker, a sub woofer, and an external amplifier.

Outside, the Hyundai Veloster Premium variant is equipped with LED projection headlamps, one-inch-larger 18-inch alloys and ‘wing-type’ LED tail lamp. Safety wise, all variants come installed with dual airbags, ABS, EBD and Brake Assist, but the two automatic variants are the only to have VSM (vehicle stability management) and HAC (hill-start assist control) as standard.
The entire Hyundai Veloster range is powered by a naturally-aspirated 1.6-litre Gamma D-CVVT engine that produces peak power of 132 HP at 6300 rpm and maximum torque of 158 Nm at 4850 rpm. Turbocharging and direction injection, available on the same engine in other countries, are again not offered to Malaysians. Both the automatic and manual transmissions have six ratios to play with. Enjoy the 2013 Hyundai Veloster official gallery below!

2013 All-New Kia Forte Shows Up In Los Angeles With Segment-Leading Looks

The 2013 all-new Kia Forte has been unveiled in the U.S. for the first time, under the spot lights of the Los Angeles Auto Show. We are sounding like a very broken record now, but here goes again: Kia has penned a head-turning car that is likely the best-looking car in its segment. Designed at Kia's Design Center in Irvine, California, under the direction of Peter Schreyer, the Forte looks much like a compact but no less handsome version of the bigger, D-segment car, the Optima.
The upcoming Kia Forte is 30 mm longer, 5 mm wider and 25 mm lower than the current Forte, though the outstanding dimension could be the 51 mm lengthening in wheelbase to 2700 mm. Yet another highlight is the new electric power steering, which can be opted with the Flex Steer system that comes with three settings: Comfort, Normal and Sport.
The U.S. market does without the 140 HP, 167 Nm 1.6-litre GDI engine launched in the K3 in South Korea. On offer are instead a 1.8-litre engine producing 148 HP at 6500 rpm and 178 Nm at 4700 rpm, as well as a 2.0-litre GDI engine delivering a high output of 173 HP at 6500 rpm and 209 Nm at 4700 rpm. A six-speed automatic gearbox is paired to either engine, and is probably the sole choice for Malaysians when the Forte launches.

Kia Rio teased in Malaysia

The Kia Rio hatchback was teased by Kia Malaysia at an exhibition hall next to Asia Klasika 2012 last weekend. Dressed in psychedelic colours which pretty much hid a lot of the car’s lines, it took the centre stage of their floor space beside the rest of the current line-up.
We hear that the Rio hatchback is set to be launched in the first half of 2013, probably with a 1.4 litre engine and an automatic transmission. We’ve seen the Kia Rio hatchback being tested with a trade plate back in March this year.

 

 

Kia Cadenza 2013

Kia Cadenza 2013

The Kia Cadenza (known as the K7 in Korea) will get a new look and some enhancements for the next model year – the wraps have come off the updated front-wheel drive luxury sedan at an event in Korea. It will be available in its home market from next month, and go on sale in different parts of the world during the first half of next year.
Inheriting some of the design elements from the flagship Quoris (K9 in Korea) and bringing it visually in line with the rest of the current range, the 2013 Cadenza’s bonnet, boot lid, front and rear lamps and bumpers are new, while side air vents now adorn the front wings.

Kia Unmasks Batman Edition Optima

The first of Kia's Justice League-inspired customized cars has been unveiled in Gotham City.

 

The aim of the project is to raise awareness of DC's "We Can Be Heroes" campaign, a relief effort to fight hunger in Africa.Kia's range-topping Optima SX Limited has been kitted out with a range of unique Batman features. A matte-black paintjob with piano-black Batman logos adorn the exterior, which is complemented by custom 20-inch black alloys and a muscular ground-effects kit. A lowered coilover suspension, Ksport performance brakes and a performance exhaust system have also been fitted in an effort to bring the Optima up to Batmobile spec.

Other exterior enhancements include a Batwing-shaped front grille, which took 40 hours to make, yellow LED lighting and the Bat-signal etched into the HID lights.Inside, the Optima has been upholstered in custom black leather and suede with bold yellow accent stitching. Adding a sense of realism to the fantasy ride is a Bat-suit and cloak mounted in the trunk and throwing stars in the center console.

 

KIA Forte K3

The 2013 Kia Forte (also known as K3 or Cerato in other countries) exterior images has been officially released. This can give us a clear picture on how the 2013 Forte will look like when it arrives on our shore, perhaps with only minor difference such as different fog lamps design. The headlights bear some resemblance of the BMW3-Series, but it brings a refreshing feel to Kia's design language. The only thing is the front end, which is a bit too bubbly for me, perhaps it is to improve pedestrian protection.

Since the Forte K3 is based on the Hyundai Elantra, it's safe to say that the Forte K3 comes with a wheelbase of 2700mm, a well 50mm longer compared to the outgoing Forte. From the side, it is noticable that the Forte K3 has a more 'forward moving' design. Kia opted BMW's 'Hofmeister Kink' feature for its rear window design, and it blends well with the rest of the car. The taillights if seen from the side reminds me of its cousin, Elantra.

Kia Optima K5 ahead of its class

Kia has proved to us that it is just as impactful as other car manufacturers, especially with the Kia Optima K5. To ease my description, I'm going to list down the 5P which I think why is the Optima K5 ahead of its class:

1. Peter Schreyer
It's him who gave Kia an attractive signature face, it's him who gave the Optima K5 such irresistable design, it's him who is responsible for making our heads turn when an Optima K5 passes by! The stunning design of the Optima K5 enable itself to stands out from the crowd, and its close competitors too!


2. Prise quality
Precise fit and finishing, optimization of quality and expansive use of premium and leather materials to ensure we get the best of both worlds - the exterior and interior of the Optima K5.


3. Panoramic roof
No need for further elaboration. It's simply a beautiful piece of art that's unique on its own.


4. Protection prioritized
Safety is one of Kia's priorities. Other than the class leading 6 airbags, the Optima K5 also has Electronic Stability Programme , Traction Control (TCS) with Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA), Cornering Braking Control (CBC) and Hill Start Assist. Everything is equipped to give us a peace of mind! How often do you get to see so many safety features packed in one car?


5. Performance maximized
The Kia Optima K5 is fitted with a 2.0litre Theta II MPI engine which produces similar power as a 2.4litre engine! More power with lesser fuel consumption and lower road tax!

With all these innovations and commitment by Kia, I'm certain that the Kia Optima K5 is ahead of its class - by miles!

Kia Track'ster

These are the latest pictures of the new Kia Track'ster – a hot hatch concept car that was the star of Kia's Chicago Motor Show stand.

The new three-door coupe points towards a dramatic addition to the Soul range, packing dramatic looks and a 247bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that drives all four wheels. Kia says the car is designed for use on the road and on racing tracks, hence its name.

The Track'ster features a distinctive white and orange paint scheme and a dramatic bodykit which makes the car around 13cm wider than the standard Soul. It includes Kia’s signature grille with an air intake trimmed in lightweight carbon fibre, sleek headlights with LEDs and a large lower grille flanked by immense LED driving lights.

The roof, complete with spoiler, is accentuated in contrasting orange. Carbon fibre side skirts are also coloured orange and incorporate rear-brake cooling ducts. 

Inside, the Track'ster carries on the aggressive styling theme with deeply bolstered orange suede-covered racing seats, mixed with grey leather for the rest of the cabin. Grey suede is used for the sport steering wheel and door panels, while the dashboard has large red turbine-style dials. A touchscreen controls the sat-nav, stereo and air-con systems. 

In the back, the rear seats have been replaced by a tray and space for a spare tyre. The idea was to make the tools and equipment necessary to keep the car performing in top condition easily accessible.

Kia says there are panels for stowing race helmets, suits and gloves. There is also a rear strut brace which incorporates a quick-release handle to allow for fast wheel changes.

Other highlights include 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 245/40 section Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tyres at the front and enormous 285/35 tyres at the rear.

Kia says the Track'ster has a 2.5cm longer wheelbase than the regular Soul – which helps to make it look even more sporty. Large 14-inch Brembo vented and cross-drilled disc brakes with six-piston calipers do the stopping at the front, while the rear discs measure 13.6-inches and have four-piston calipers.

The Track'ster has the show to match its go. Under the bonnet is a 247bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged in-line-four cylinder which drives all four wheels through an electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system and a six-speed manual gearbox with a short-throw shift. 

The concept also gets sports suspension. There are no official figures, but expect the Track'ster to do 0-60mph in under six seconds with a top speed of 145mph. 

Kia says that it has no intention to put the Track'ster into production, but insiders have hinted that with the drop-top Soul'ster likely to join the new Soul range, a three-door hot hatch won't be far behind.

Kia Optima

Kia Optima