Kia Cerato KX - RM89,888!

While our first national car manufacturer came out with 'SV' variant for its models, indicating them as the base line models, Kia has came out with 'KX' for its Cerato. When the C-segment Cerato was launched, the base 1.6 litre variant is priced just slightly below the RM100k mark. However, the price is a huge leap compared to its predecessor, the Forte, which started from RM75k. By introducing the Cerato KX will pull the gap closer, which is a good thing.

It is inevitable that some features are omitted along the way of the reduction of price. Now priced at RM89,888 OTR with insurance, few changes are noticeable from the outside. The largest change must be the taillights, now with a simpler design with bulbs rather than LEDs. The chrome window strip found in the regular Cerato is replaced with a black strip. Other than those and a 'KX' emblem on the tailgate, it is largely identical to the regular Cerato.  

Interior wise is a different story. Auto dimming rear view mirrors, auto dual-zone air-cond (replaced with a manual single-zone unit), auto levelling headlights, shift paddle, electric seats and aluminium pedals are omitted. Soft touch upper door trim has been replaced with hard material. It gained a 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and reverse camera (the reverse screen is incorporated in the rear view mirror previously), which replaces the previous 4.3-inch unit. 

Airbags count is down from 7 to 2 and Electronic Stability Programme has been removed. Front and rear parking sensors retained, but I would prefer some comfort creatures to be omitted to compensate for more safety features. 

So it's a little bit here and there which helped to lower down the price, but the Cerato KX has still a pretty impressive equipment list. Keyless entry with start-stop button, cruise control, rear air-cond vents, auto headlights and wipers, pocket lights in the door handle area, puddle lights on the wing mirrors and Flex Steer system (which enables three choices of setting for the steering feel) are still available! 

The same 1.6 litre GAMMA powerplant with 130PS @ 6000rpm and 157Nm of torque @ 4850rpm is fitted for the Cerato KX. Moreover, 5-year unlimited mileage warranty is provided. So will you consider a C-segment Korean sedan priced in the usual B-segment sedans price range? I would!

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FIRST IMPRESSION: 2013 Kia Picanto !

Good news for compact car lovers! Naza Kia announced the official pricing for the upcoming 2013 Kia Picanto - RM54,888 for manual transmission and RM59,888 for automatic transmission, both on the road with insurance. It's a surprise that the generously loaded Kia Picanto is priced under RM60k, well below the estimated price of RM59k for the manual and RM64k for the auto previously. 

Mentioned in my previous blog post, the attractive looking Picanto is equipped with a 1.25 litre Kappa powerplant which can also be found in the Hyundai i10 1.25. The Kappa engine produces 87PS at 6000rpm and 120Nm of torque at 4000rpm. The difference between automatic and manual transmission is that automatic transmission get extras such as 15-inch alloy opposed to 14-inch for the manual, front fog lights, chrome door handles, keyless entry with push-start button, 6 speakers (4 in the manual), supervision meter cluster, LED illuminated vanity mirror, sunglasses case, cupholder illumination, Bluetooth and leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio buttons.

For an A-segment compact hatchback, the built quality is surprisingly good! Everything from the top of the dashboard to the door panel doesn't incur the word 'budget' in people's mind. The patterned seat cover is a good addition in heightening the vibe of the cabin too. Space is acceptable at the front, but leaving passengers wanting more at the back. Rear headroom is ok for me but legroom is tight if the front seat is adjusted to fit my tall frame. The boot space is comparable with Perodua Viva, nice for a short weekend grocery trip.

Safety wise, six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill-start Assist are standard for both automatic and manual transmission. Since many auto journalists praised the Picanto after tried and tested it, I'm sure the Picanto will make Perodua Myvi 1.5 and Mitsubishi Mirage's potential buyers think twice before purchasing one of the models. 

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2013 Kia Picanto in Malaysia !

No doubt that the Kia Picanto is a head turner, thanks to Peter Schreyer, Kia's CEO and Chief Design Officer. Halogen projector headlights with daytime running LEDs, sloping beltline, protruding shoulder line and LED taillights give the Picanto a contemporary and upmarket design. This is to make a statement that the Picanto is not an average A-segment hatchback.

Two variants have been offered by Naza Kia - a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic transmission. Both are coupled with a 1.25 litre Kappa powerplant which can also be found in the Hyundai i10 1.25. The Kappa engine produces 87PS at 6000rpm and 120Nm of torque at 4000rpm, should be nippy enough for daily city driving.

The difference between automatic and manual transmission is that automatic transmission get more goodies. For instance, 15-inch alloy opposed to 14-inch for the manual, front fog lights, chrome door handles, keyless entry with push-start button, 6 speakers (4 in the manual), supervision meter cluster, LED illuminated vanity mirror, sunglasses case, cupholder illumination (wow!), Bluetooth and leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio buttons.

Safety wise, it'll take your breath away. Six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill-start Assist are standard for both automatic and manual transmission. This would put some D-segment sedan (ahem, Japanese) to shame!

Yes, the Kia Picanto might be loaded with a long list of equipment and features, but with indicative price of below RM60k for the manual and below RM64k for the automatic, it's a little pricey to be considered as an affordable A-segment hatchback. However, this will give the Mitsubishi Mirage in the similar price range a run for its money. Hopefully in the future, a lower spec variant will be introduce to bring the price further down to near RM50k.

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2nd-gen Kia Soul ad - Hamster, Peter Schreyer, Applause !

Take a look at Kia's latest advertisment for its 2nd gen Kia Soul! Something to relax your mind off after the hectic Monday and cheer up your Monday's blue! 

 Video, featuring the latest single from Lady Gaga - Applause:

With few cute, gym-motivated hamster; President of Kia Motors, Peter Schreyer; uptempo song and a funky looking Kia Soul, this ad is truly entertaining!

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Kia Cerato launched - From RM99,888 !

 The highly anticipated Kia Cerato has been officially launched in Malaysia, it will serve as the replacement model of the aging (but still with attractive design) Kia Forte. Following the Forte's footstep, Kia loaded the Cerato with more features while still making its Japanese competitors shiver by offering attractive price. The price on-the-road including insurance start from RM99,888 for the 1.6 litre Cerato to RM118,888 for the 2.0 litre.

Like the Forte, the C-segment Cerato is available in 1.6 litre and 2.0 litre engine options. The 1.6 litre Gamma II MPI engine produces 130PS and 157Nm of torque, close to the performance figure produced by common 1.8 litre engines. The 2.0 litre Nu MPI engine, on the other hand, produces 161PS and 194Nm. 1.6 litre engine promises a 6.8 litre/100km fuel consumption while the latter is rated at 7.0 litre/100km. Both engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

 The cabin design is improved, albeit looks gloomy with the monotone colour scheme. The water ripple-inspired dashboard surface on the front passenger side is creative. The 1.6 litre Cerato is loaded with a long list of equipment: Cruise control, 10-way electrically adjustable driver seat with two memory setting, daytime running LED light, exterior welcome light, fog lights, keyless entry with push-start button, park assist with reverse camera, auto demister, FlexSteer (Comfort, Normal and Sport, all 3 for different steering feel) and Bluetooth hands-free control.

2.0 litre Cerato gains HID Xenon (Halogen in the 1.6) headlights, leather seats with air ventilation for the driver seat (fabric with no ventilation in 1.6), supervision cluster, sunroof and rear spoiler.

With a generous 2700mm wheelbase (50mm more than Forte), rear passenger enjoy more legroom than before. Features such as rear air vent and dual-zone climate control with cluster ioniser will make the ride more comfortable.

Kia is not skimpy in the safety department too. 6 airbags even for the 1.6 Cerato! There are also Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), TSC, ESC and ISOFIX. Pretty amazing for a 1.6 C-segment car!

Available for the Cerato is a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, adding more value to the Cerato. 

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Kia Cerato is launching in Malaysia on 2nd July !

  Project C has been revealed as the upcoming C-segment Kia Cerato, also known as the replacement model of Kia's best selling sedan in Malaysia, Forte, and it is coming to Malaysia on 2nd of July 2013. Two engine variants will be available, a 1.6 litre and 2.0 litre.

Naza Kia's website has revealed several features of Cerato, including a first in the C-segment sedan - Air ventilated seats. It should provide a comfy ride during long distance driving.

 Other features include HID Xenon headlamps (only for 2.0), LED daytime running lights, Smart Welcome Lights and LED rear combination lamps.

 The Smart Welcome Lights' feature is very fascinating! When you are approaching the Cerato with your key fob, it senses the key fob and automatically illuminate the welcome lights. Imagine doing it at night with your peers around!

Price is not announced yet, but it is expected to be priced in the B-segment region for the 1.6 litre Cerato, just like the current Forte.

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What To Expect in 2013 !

2013 is set to be an exciting year for the automotive sector (so does past years!). Below are some of the models that will be launched in 2013 (in no particular order).

1. Proton Preve Hatchback:

Proton Preve is no longer a stranger in Malaysia now and its hatchback sibling is going to be launched soon! Since Preve Sedan is already a pretty good car in terms of handling, we can expect same (if not better) level of handling offer by the hatchback! This is imperative since its close competitors will be the Lancer Hatchback and Ford Focus, where both are pretty capable in performance and handling.


 2. 3rd gen. Toyota Vios:

The aging Vios is in need of a replacement - and it's getting one! Spotted in Thailand earlier this month, the 3rd generation Toyota Vios carries a much better styling and looks slightly bigger than the outgoing model it replaces. Hopefully it is priced competitively against the likes of B-segment sedan and also equipped with more features.


3. Kia Forte K3:

The outgoing Kia Forte shocked the market with its revolutionary styling and long list of equipment, something which we didn't expect to see in a Korean car. The latest generation Forte K3 will take things further to be more competitive in the tough C-segment sedan market, with even better design and might be laden with more features!


4. Volkwagen Golf MK7:

Volkswagen Golf Mk6 has been selling well all over the world, and Malaysia is no exception. In a blink of an eye, Volkswagen rolled out the Golf Mk7, promises even better performance, handling and comfort than its predecessor. Golf Mk7 received positive feedback of most of the automotive journalists who had driven the Mk7, proving that it's a capable car in many aspect.


Last but no least number 5. Mitsubishi i-MiEV from the 'green' sector:

Mitsubishi had announced that the i-MiEV, which is an all-electric car, will be launched in Malaysia in the form of CKD in 2013. It's a peppy little city car with spacious cabin for four and a range of 160km with full charge. Check out my driving impression of the i-MiEV here. Unfortunately, there is still no news on subsidy for electric car and this might set the pricing around RM150k to own an i-MiEV.

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FIRST IMPRESSION: 2013 Kia Rio !

Kia Rio's designer Peter Schreyer has successfully in making the simple looking Rio into a cheeky and attractive urban roundabout B-segment hatchback. The design of the latest Rio doesn't appeal much to me at first, but it slowly grow in me after seeing the real thing in person. It's a small B-segment hatchback which is cute and easy to drive for girls, but guys like me might like it too due to its contemporary styling.

Daytime running LED lights, LED taillights and indicator integrated wing mirror give the Rio an image that it's not your ordinary hatchback. With the 1.4SX, you'll get 5-spoke 17-inch wheels that will grab the attention of passerby. Stylish indeed, but changing tyres might cost a bomb. The 1.4EX however, comes with slightly less attention-getter 16-inch wheels. Swooping roofline and sculpted side profile give the Rio a sporty stance, but as a result the rear windows and rear windscreen are a bit smallish, not good for rearward visibility. For more specification of the car, please visit here.

Kia Rio 1.4EX with 16-inch wheels.

I literally wow-ed when I entered the cabin. Looks like Kia put in plenty of effort in making sure the Rio is good looking inside and out. Everything seems plush and upmarket, especially the points of touch such as the aircraft cabin-inspired air-cond buttons and leather-wrapped steering wheel. Material used for the cabin is so-so, but what to complain considering its affordable price tag that starts from RM73,888 for the EX to RM79,888 for the SX, where both trims come with a super long list of features.

While the Rio is small on the outside, it's the opposite in the inside. Legroom is adequate for me, a 1.8m tall person while there is headroom to spare. The 288 litres boot, it is larger than it looks in this picture! I would say it's adequate to accomodate the luggage of a small family's balik kampung trip. Full-sized spare tyre underneath.

I was very interested with the Rio but unfortunately, I was unable to get a test drive due to the unavailability of a test drive unit. Therefore, I can't check out whether the performance of the 1.4 litre CVVT Gamma engine is adequate for the Rio or not. Hopefully I'll get to try it out soon.

P.S. Today is the first day of Chinese New Year, therefore I wish everyone Happy Chinese New Year! Remember to drive safely!

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Kia Rio is launching on 30th Jan !

 "Through design, the Kia brand will become etched in customers' hearts" quoted from Peter Schreyer, the Chief Creative Designer of Kia and also the President of Kia. After the involvement of Peter Schreyer in the design of Kia's cars, we are able to see plenty of Kia's cars that are capable of inducing the head-turn syndrome when they pass by. He also transformed the dull looking 2nd generation Kia Rio into an attractive looking 3rd generation Rio!

 Launching in Malaysia on 30th of January, the Rio will be equipped with a 1.4 litres MPI Gamma engine which produces 109PS and 136Nm of torque, mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission. For a B-segment car, the Rio is considered as large with a wheelbase of 2570mm and a boot space of 288 litres. It's also 1720mm wide, 4045mm long and 1455mm tall.

 The Kia Rio will be available in two variants - EX and SX. Both will receive daytime LED running lights, tilt/telescopic steering column, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, Bluetooth, aluminium pedals, ISOFix, six airbags and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) as standard. The more expensive SX will get front fog lights, sunroof, Smart Key with push start button, 'Supervision cluster' instrument panel and auto air-con with ionizer.

Kia Rio is a very well equipped car and will be competitive if the pricing is right. Hopefully the pricing will falls around RM70k for the EX to make it more affordable to first time car buyer.

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COTY2U 2012 @ Matrade

COTY2U autoshow is back for 2012! Let's see what it had installed for the public.

Mercedes launched the SL350 in the COTY2U 2012 event! The SL350 is one of the best looking cars available in the event. Selling at RM890k!

With the help from Sultan of Johor, 5 generations of SL were successfully acquired and displayed in a row!

Green cars such as hybrids and electric vehicle (EV) were displayed near the entrance of the Matrade building.

Chevrolet Volt, an EV, returned to COTY2U autoshow for 2nd consecutive year.

Another EV, Nissan Leaf was displayed. If you are lucky, you'll get to see a Leaf on our road (not the green one) because few lucky ambassadors were chosen by Nissan Malaysia to own the Leaf for six weeks!

Every autoshow will surely have its pageant queens!

"Oh my, I'm sorry that your friend on the right has lost one of its foot in a crash!" It's my first encounter with crash test dummies!

Die-cast models of exotic cars and also Malaysia's Evo police car! Priced quite dearly, unfortunately...

COTY2U 2012 also featured some upcoming car models, for instance, the Chevrolet Sonic which is going to be launched anytime soon.

Chevrolet Orlando, a MPV.

Mitsubishi Mirage, launching at end of this month.

Finally the Kia Rio!

After all the great stuff, it's time for some bad ones. First of all, I noticed there were lesser choices of car models available for test drive compared to last year. Lastly, visitor had to park at the nearby mosque, court and Publika (but has free shutter bus to fetch visitors from these places to Matrade) because the huge parking space in Matrade's compound is closed for construction.

I parked at the court (because Publika charges parking fee and not familiar of where the entrance to the mosque is), but I don't know where to wait for the bus due to inadequate signage! Then I have no choice but to drive back into Matrade to look for a parking space (which took me half an hour to do so). I saw many parked on the road side just outside of Matrade compound though. Very inconvenient to the visitors...

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