Kia Picanto Officially Priced from RM54,888

Naza Kia has officially put a price tag to its newest supermini, the Picanto. Lower than the priced expected earlier, Kia Picanto manual is priced at RM54,888 while the higher specification Kia Picanto AT is RM59,888. The car has been exhibited to the public earlier at Sunway Pyramid and has been launched to the world for quite long time so there's no secret on how it looks.

The all-new Kia Picanto is powered by sole engine option of 1.2L Kappa CVVT producing 87PS@6,000rpm and 120Nm@4,000rpm. The engine is sufficient to get the car to 100km/h in 11s for the 5 speed manual version, while the 4 speed automatic version takes 12.9s. Top speed is 171 and 163 km/h respectively for the manual and automatic. Kia Picanto is in the supermini categorization, measuring 3,595mm (10cm shorter than our beloved Perodua Myvi), 1,595mm wide, 1,480mm tall and sits on 2,385mm wheelbase. Boot volume is 200L which is mere 8L less than Perodua Myvi.

Kia Picanto is suspended McPherson strut for the front, while the rear end is class customary torsion beam while braking is disc all around. Picanto manual rides on smaller 14' wrapped by 165/60 R14 while the pricier automatic version rides on 175/50 R15. Kia Picanto is generously spesified, standard equipment covers 6 airbags, ABS with all host of ESC and TCS, ISOFIX anchor, 3 rear seatbelt with 3 points, rear parking assist, auto headlamp (halogen-projector), LED DRL and electric folding side mirror.

Opting for the highly spesified automatic version will gain additional exterior chrome finish, fog lamp, Supervision meter cluster, 6 speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, steering wheel mounted switches (leather trimmed instead of PU), starter button, keyless entry, sunglass holder and illumination for vanity mirror and cup holder.

How will Kia Picanto fare in Malaysia market? In terms of pricing, Kia Picanto is head to head with Perodua Myvi SE/Extreme which is priced from RM50,900 to RM61,700. Picanto is far superior when it comes to the equipment level especially in terms of convenience and safety.

Small gallery can be found after the jump. 

PETRONAS launch new Auto Transmission Fluid- ATF XP4 Tutela

PETRONAS today launched the PETRONAS Tutela Transmission ATF-XP4 (PETRONAS Tutela), a technologically advanced premium automatic transmission fluid (ATF) formulated for vehicles with SP-IV specification especially for six speed transmission and other vehicles that require low viscosity ATF. It is specifically developed in collaboration with one of PDB’s long-standing Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) partners, Malaysia’s leading automotive distributor Naza Kia Malaysia Sdn Bhd.

The new transmission fluid, which is an innovative offering of PETRONAS’ Fluid Technology Solutions™ (FTS™), is designed and developed to deliver outstanding fuel efficiency and excellent gear shift performance. Formulated with premium quality synthetic base fluids and high performance additives technology, the PETRONAS Tutela also provides superior results in anti-shudder performance and enhanced friction durability, oxidation stability and effectively stays in grades, low temperature fluidity and protection against wear, corrosion, sludge or other harmful deposits.

Independent third party laboratory tests have confirmed that the PETRONAS Tutela has enhanced friction durability as compared to other fluids, which translates to excellent gear shift performance. In addition, an on-site testing with Naza Kia Malaysia in an actual driving condition within Malaysia has received positive feedback in terms of the overall performance and gear shift.

Speaking at the launch, Mohd Shobri Abu Bakar, General Manager of Lubricants Business Division said, “As the leading retailer and marketer of downstream petroleum products, PDB is committed to deliver only the best in the industry for our partners.”

“Through our relationship with OEM partners, we are constantly a step ahead of the automotive trend – understand what the industry requires and deliver on this need. With this understanding, PDB has actively worked with our partners by introducing products that meet the demands of our partners and customers,” he added.

Mohd Shobri explained, “Our Fluid Technology Solutions™, which encapsulates the involvement of PETRONAS’ technical experts at the laboratory, right through the F1™ race track and well on to the road, allows us to design, develop and deliver high performing fluids to meet stringent quality demands.”

“With PETRONAS’ FTS™ capability, PDB has successfully developed a fluid of world-class quality that delivers excellence in gear shift performance and enhances fuel efficiency,” he added.

PDB is the first oil company in Malaysia to introduce this type of transmission fluid solution. The PETRONAS Tutela that comes in a pack of 1 Litre and 18 Litres, is now available at all Naza Kia outlets.

 

The new Kia Carens - technical details & gallery

The new 2013 Kia Carens finally bowed in at the Paris Motorshow. We have seen both the exterior and interior styling of Kia's final model to incorporate Schreyer's aesthetic overhaul, and now the we have all the technical  specification laid down.

The new Carens/Rondo measures 4,520mm long, 1,805mm wide and 1,610mm tall. The wheelbase is 2,750mm. Comparatively, the 2013 Kia Carens is 20mm shorter, 15mm narrower and significantly 40mm lower than the outgoing model. The more compact exterior volume however is accompanied by the improved interior space, thanks to 50mm increased in wheelbase, and a stretched A-pillar which the cowl top now is vertically above the front wheel centre line. The MPV will be offered in either 5 or 7 seater format, although both will share the same body shell.

For the 7 seater version, as depicted above, the second row seat will 3-split to an added versatility, while the rear most seat is 50/50 split. The cabin majors in comfort, with the second row gets their own car-like console mounted air vents. In Europe at least, 2013 Carens is highly spesified with electric parking brake, keyless entry with starter button, 4.2" LCD HD screen, 6 speaker setup with optional amps & sub-woofer, puddle lights for front door handles and large powered sunroof, of course, all of which depending on trim level.

 The engine option in Europe include a coupe of diesel and petrol respectively. The oil-burner is 1.7L mill, available in two states of tune. The lower output version cranks out 115PS and 260Nm of power and torque while the higher output model churns out 136PS and 330Nm of power and torque. The entry-level gasoline model is powered by the 1.6L gasoline direct injection, kicking some 135PS and 165Nm and the range topper is also a GDI unit, displacing 2.0L and pumping 177PS and 211Nm. All units can be paired with either 6 speed manual gerbox or 6 speed automatic.

The gallery of the new 2013 Kia Carens can be found below.

More photos after the jump.

2013 Kia Carens MPV - more detail photos of exterior and interior

The new Kia Carens/Rondo is due to make its debut at Paris Motorshow. Kia has released some official studio shots a couple of days back, and now Autoexpress has obtained some exclusive shots of the said MPV prior to its official unveiling. Read on for more juicy details about Kia's new MPV.

Kia Carens sports the refined Kia's corporate face, consistent with the Optima K5 and Forte/K3/Cerato design language. The expressive face does lend some exciting look out to the bland MPV body styles. The side profile is very rakish too, with heavily raked windscreen with far-stretched A-pillar. The mini-pillar of the door frame is slanted too instead of dead vertical, extra dose of snazzy touch. There's a strong character line running from the headlight along the car until the rear combi. The window frame is chrome-garnished, which runs along the lower frame and terminated at the D-pillar. Gallery below outline both exterior and interior outlook, so do look out further down.....

More photos after the jump.

Next Generation Kia Carens Revealed

Still on Kia news, Kia Motor has released the first official image of its MPV, the Carens/Rondo ahead of its official unveiling at Paris Motorshow. The MPV is last in the product line-up to receive Peter Schreyer corporate look, where the current model is devoid of any aggressive tiger grille, intricate elongated headlight with elaborate graphic and distinctive side creases treatment. The new Carens gets all the afore-mentioned, and this time around will be offered in both 5 or 7 seater configuration.

The headlight is clearly K3 Forte/Cee'd inspired, with stretched trailing edge extension, with elaborative internal graphics and the now customary radiator grille design. It is only the front bumper lower fascia that looks a bit dowdy, unlike any of the contemporary Kia. Side panel is decorated with the lower sill depression, perhaps in an attempt to break the visual mass.

The rear too carries current Kia design language, very reminiscent of the recently unveiled new K3 Forte. The rear light unit features intricate inner detailings as depicted above. The said lights are linked by the chrome garnish.There is also a blackened lower valence to inject some air of sportiness at the rear end.

The new Kia Carens/Rondo sits on a platform shared with Kia Cee'd. Hence it will be very likely that it will mirror the engine line-up of the Cee'd family too. The interior follows the same theme as the recent Kia, with a clear layered layout. The switchgear is a combination of Carens-exclusive and the parts bin carry over. 

In Malaysia, Kia Carens is sold as Naza Rondo, rebadged and assembled locally in Gurun, Kedah. The new model is expected to follow the same modus operandi. Kia Carens/Rondo will be officially showcased during Paris Motorshow. Stay tune for more detail news.

Kia officially launched the K3 Forte

Kia has officially launched the replacement for its popular Cerato/Forte in its homeland South Korea, where it will be simply called K3. The exterior photos were released back in July, covered by MMN HERE. So, today for the first time there are details on the dimension, engine choice and the equipment level, at least for the domestic South Korea market.

Styling-wise, the new K3 Forte builds on the same fundamental design characteristic based on the Optima K5. While the silhouette remains similar to its bigger brother, the details are less flamboyantly executed. It is more relaxing to be stared, having none of the feeling on being stared back by the car like the Optima. The front end is dominated by the large wraparound headlight, with prominent LED strips eyelid (This will not feature is the low line car, captured HERE). The side profile can be described as quite rakish, similar to its platform-sibling Hyundai Elantra (MMN Test Drive HERE). Consistent with design theme at the front, the rear end is characterized by large wraparound taillights too, where LED is featured on the more expensive version.

Dimensionally, the new Forte measures 4,560mm long, 1,780mm wide and 1,435mm tall, while riding on a 2,700mm wheelbase. The current Forte measures 4,530mm, 1,775mm, 1,465mm and 2,650mm in similar sequence of dimension, making the new Forte larger in terms of length, width but at a lowered height. The wheelbase stretches 50mm more too, which should translates into more spacious cabin volume.

In its domestic market, Kia K3 is offered only in a single powertrain option, namely 1.6L GDI. It produced 140PS@6,300rpm of power and 167Nm@4,850mm of torque. Bear in mind though that this mill is different from we are seeing the Hyundai Elantra here, which is port injected instead of direct injection and produced a good less output than the more modern Korean unit. Transmission option comprises of 6 speed automatic or 6 speed manual. Both comes with the ISG, essential a idle stop/go device to boost economy. To further boost fuel efficiency, Kia also work hard on aerodynamics front. K3 has a drag coefficient of 0.27, thanks to various measures of aero-optimized design including the covered underbody.

Kia has suitably updates the interior design too, albeit it is unmistakeably Forte. It is less driver-oriented that the layout of Optima K5, and the dashboard and console cocoon less too due to lack to high floor console and angled console like its bigger brother. It is also more restrained that its European twin, the Cee'd. The layout is characterized by symmetrical centre console with vertical air vents and the audio system does carry some design cues from the current Forte. Depending on the spesification, the audio can either be basic or comes equipped with the touch screen multimedia integrated with sat-nav. Both manual and automatic air-conditioning are available, again depending on trim level.

The cabin is available in several color, including the dark and bright choice. Leather and fabric are the trim of choice, upholstered according to the domestic specs. The door trim is visibly more luxurious in the design, with patterned-with-stitch leather insert as well as padded door arm rest. Kia's new C Segment also has another trump card of having the rear air cond duct, something that is always missing from the C Segment sedan. It is nice to note that while the Malaysian Elantra does not comes with the rear air cond outlet, the Indian version does comes with it. 

From what that can be gathered from the official photos, the interior is well-garnished. The switch-gear is aesthetically pleasing, with chromed insert in between. The gas pedal, not unlike Optima, is floor-hinged organ type. So, unlike some Japanese marque, there is no obvious cost cutting measures that is detectable by mere photograph.

In South Korea, the new Kia K3 is available in several trim level with one powertrain option. The domestic price starts from W14.92m to W19.39 and this represents at least W310,000 increased from its predecessor. More photos of the features on the new Kia Forte K3 can be have after the jump.

Kia Forte base model spotted in South Korea

After the typical unveiled of the highest specification and a series of glitzy studio shots of probably the most expensive variant, the base spec version of the new Forte K3 now spotted in South Korea. Among the main differences are the deletion of a string of LED DRL eyelid, no fog lights, smaller wheel (steel with plastic cap) and, wait for it, a totally different rear light minus the fancy LED strip lighting. These kind of transform the look quite significantly. What do you think?

Note the headlight "eyelid" without LEDs and no fog lamp. The side profile looks a bit bland with the tiny set of wheels. Glass house is as swoopy as the new Civic, but with an added panache of multi-contoured side panel.

Take a look at the rear light, and compared it with the launch version HERE. Some more photos after the jump.

2013 Kia Forte fully revealed - studio pics

The official studio photos of the exterior of the much awaited Kia Forte has been revealed. Consistent with its cousin, Elantra, the new Forte is more rakish in appearance. The A and C pillars are deeply angled, the body surfacing is richer in elements and the overall appearance is slightly flamboyant, if not overtly flashy like its bigger brother the K5.

What say you?Still want that Honda Civic? The only bad thing is that the previous Forte took more than a year to reach Malaysian shore, albeit in the rebadged and locally assembled form. Will this one be the same? 

2013 Kia Forte/K3 - new front shot

Just a solitary shot of the new Kia Forte, front angle.

It continues to impress. Sourced from HERE.

Next Kia Forte scooped with interior photos

The new Kia Forte is set to unleash a splash of style in the crowded C Segment. While the new Honda Civic goes formal, and sibling Elantra goes outlandish, the new Forte will ditched the current model boxy look in favor of a more intricately curvaceous skin.

The new Forte sits on the C Segment platform shared with the new Hyundai Elantra. So, the dimensions should be more or less similar to the Elantra, meaning that a slightly longer at 2,700mm and overall length of 4,530mm. It is refreshing to see that the new Forte is not outlandishly styled like the Optima K5. Instead the execution of Kia corporate face here is more subdued and pleasing to the eye. The interaction between the grille and the headlight is not as intense as its bigger brother. The intricate inner detailing of headlight remains though, as can be seen with the LED eye lid here.

The rear end adopts a wrap-around rear light with intricate inner detailing. While some Japanese maker has ditched the LED insertion for the rear light and decide to go spartan, Kia however clearly give their all. No expense spared here. It even has a slight Audi-ish in the way the illumination is set.

The current generation of Forte is powered by a choice of 1.6L Gamma (124PS/156Nm) or 2.0L Theta II (156PS/194Nm), both mated to 6 speed automatic transmission. For the new model however, expect some overlap with the Hyundai Elantra powertrain, including the 1.8L version punching out 150PS and 178Nm of power and torque respectively. 

The cabin is not as radical as the Kia Optima K5 with its heavily driver oriented centre console (same with the new Kia Cee'd), the new Forte is kind a refinement from the current model. The vertical aircond ducts are retained while the whole centre and floor console has been tidied up. Some more photos after the jump, including the official sketch from Kia.

Kia Sorento facelift fully revealed

The second generation Kia Sorento is approaching its third year in age, and the new facelift is set to transform the whole dowdy look towards more contemporary Kia outlook. Kia's current Sorento was introduced to the market back in 2009, and is more road-biased than its predecessor. Running on a monocoque construction, Kia Sorento sits on a 2,700mm wheelbase while the other vital dimensions measure 4,685mm, 1,885mm and 1,710mm in length, width and height respectively.

For the 2012 update, Kia has given the Sportage face to its bigger SUV. Blending a more stretched-looking headlight is the more dynamic-looking bumper. The grille has been slightly enlarged, with elegant-looking chromed surround. It is simple and effective, with none of the K5 Optima kind of overdone dose of styling elements.

It is the rear end that receives the major makeover. While the outer part of the tail lights housing remain the same in its outline, the inner part (the one that sits on the tail gate) has gone stylo. It receives the same stretched-look like the headlight, with more elegant LED treatment internal graphics. There is a clear surface difference in plane between the upper part of the tailgate, with the one beneath the line that connect the left and right rear light. The slight inwards placement of the panel is a reminiscent of the larger Kia Optima, which is very deliberate in its aesthetic. Consistent with the front fascia, the rear reflector in the redesigned rear bumper is vertical in placement.

According to Kia, the improvement incorporated to the facelifted Sorento include a host of equipment upgrades, "a re-engineered bodyshell" and "a new chassis". Read between the lines and MMN interprets this as a body panel redesign, retuned spring, dampers, bush stiffness and perhaps reinforcement here and there, as well as updated cabin amenities. 

While there is no official release of the interior yet, Kia said it has revised the centre console including the incorporation of 7" touch screen panel, a newly design gear console (with leather shoes even for automatic), new LCD instrument cluster (perhaps like Optima K5) and more application of soft touch plastic.

The drivetrain is set to receive a host of upgrades too, all aimed at increasing fuel efficiency and reducing emission level.

Some more photos of the newly released Kia Sorento facelift after the jump.

Kia sets to facelift the Sorento range (scoop)

Kia is set to update its Sorento model with a host of aesthetic enhancement in-line with the contemporary Kia look. The spyshot of the totally un-camouflaged sample reveals the revised outlook. Among the most prominent one is the front fascia design. While the headlight silhouette is retained, the internals have been totally revised with the inclusion of an "eyebrow" along the upper edge, a thinner but sharper upper grille surrounding that lends a look of a bigger opening and  a totally new bumper design.

While there is no shots of the rear end, we can expect a customary rear light graphic revision too. However, don't expect a very elaborate design direction like the Kia Optima K5 or the forthcoming Forte, as Sorento is pitched as the conservative SUV, so the design language should mirrors those subdued cues on the current Forte.

How's the new Kia Forte taking shape?

The next generation Kia Forte K3 is coming soon. Always dubbed as the 2013 Forte, this means that the introduction won't be that far as the MY nomenclature switched year in June. Looking at the spyshots of the new Forte, we can be assured that it will adopt the new Kia design language, which combines the sleek rakish Hyundai silhouette with harder-edged detailing. 

The new Forte is expected to retain the current length of 4,530mm (similar to the new Elantra), and since it shares the Elantra platfrom, wheelbase is expected to grow to 2,700mm too. From the spyshot above, it is clear that the new Forte shares the same cab-forward stance at the new Elantra, depicted by the placement of A-pillar root.

The current generation of Forte is powered by a choice of 1.6L Gamma (124PS/156Nm) or 2.0L Theta II (156PS/194Nm), both mated to 6 speed automatic transmission. For the new model however, expect some overlap with the Hyundai Elantra powertrain, including the 1.8L version punching out 150PS and 178Nm of power and torque respectively.

Some of the important styling cues of the new Forte has been spied, including the shape of the headlamp, rear end fascia and some interior bits. These clearly show that the new Forte has moved away from the staid formal look (which MMN deemed is much better resolved than Proton Preve, which tries too hard to be Forte competitor) to a more svelte-looking creatures. The headlamp is more swept back, and features an intricate inner edge leading to the upper radiator grille. The said grille bears some resemblance with the K5 and K9 model in its width. The rear end is adorned with wrap-around tail light, jointed together by a chrome strip.

More photos after the jump.

2012 Kia Cee'd exterior styling released

Kia has released the photo of their European Kia Cee'd model earlier this week with single frontal image. Now the exterior sets have been fully released, with the side profile and rear fascia revealed for the first time. The new Cee'd followed the trend set by current Kia model in adopting a sharply defined character line, with prominent lights and grille as well as well-decorated body panel, preventing a slab sided looks to all its car.

The front and is characterized by more sculpted version of Kia tiger corporate grille, with a more elaborate and elongated outline. The outward pointing of the grille vertical part lends a more aggressive stance when combined with wide-opening lower radiator intake, which the slim opening in the middle, steeply enlarged at the outer edge while housing an accented fog lamp casing. The headlamp features the LED DRL at its lower area, while the hoof is crisply indented at the central portion, giving a dynamics look at the front end. 

Not unlike the recently launched Kia Optima K5, the designer did not run out of their creativity as they progressed from front to the back. The outer part of the rear combi features a character line than run upward from the bumper. While the graphic itself lacks any dramatic features, it lends a mature looks to the rear fascia, especially with garnish-free rear tail gate panel. The rear bumper is also maturely flat, punctuated by only the license plate housing and a blackened garnish adopting similar trend to the front, lower bumper grille. More after the jump.

Kia Optima K5 - a brief design encounter

Kia Optima K5 replaced the forgettable previous Optima, with more evocative styling and very imposing stance. The sporty stance was attained via a very pronounced shoulder line, shallow glass house, thick C-pillar and large alloy wheels. The headlamps were stretched deep towards the wheel arches, likewise the sharply styled rear light lend a dynamic proportion, elastic-like appearance that ready to pounce anytime.

The Optima K5 landed in Malaysia on 27th of December 2011, right at the year end, to kick-start Naza-Kia Malaysia 2012 campaign right before it even begin. A teaser was published even before the date, establishing sufficient excitement to the public who have been long left without too many choice when it comes to mid-sized executive sedan. As the event unfold, so are the pricing, which was set at an ambitious RM143,888. It is now clear that Kia is intended to break the Japanese establishment not based on pricing alone, but on sheer emotive design, with equipment list that extends to the infinity.

For a start, the front end is dominated by large headlamp, which features auto-leveling HID Xenon, with Static Bending Light, essentially a headlamp that turned synchronized with the steering. The headlamps flanked the latest evolution of Kia corporate grille, which has a high-gloss black surround. Kia badge is prominently mounted up-high. 

The plunging bumper line lends an aggressive fascia expression. This is further accentuated by the LED DRL just above the fog lamp on the outer, lower edge of the front bumper.

Wheel arches are heavily flared, with a pronounced belt-line thanks to a broad spacing between the hood central bump and the fender upper edge. The crisp character line running along the waist is a  reminiscent of the much-loved BMW E60, especially with the side-gills. From this angle too one can see the sculpted wheel arch, a very un-subtle skirting on the sill, and also the arch-filling tyres with 18" alloy wheel. The "technical" look of the wheel does lend some "avant-garde" touch to the overall vehicle aesthetic. Seems that Kia does no wrong these days, especially on its product styling. The hiring of ex-Audi/VW designer is paying off, quickly and surely.

Many, many times, the exterior stylists of the car are more often that not to be infected by either one of these disease. The first one, the front stylist that did not communicate with the rear counterpart, resulting in multi-theme car that disjointed somewhere in between. The second virus on the other hand eats man courage and creativity, resulting in sparkling front end design, only to be gradually mellowed down towards the rear. Kia stylist team, well, are very healthy indeed, with no obvious symptom to any of the disease above. The rear styling is very Germanic in its lighting, solidly stretched to occupy the rear corner in as 3D as it can get. The rear light wrapped the side outer panel and the trunk lid in a very deep fashion. The upward rising bumper mating line, rise all the way into the rear light graphic, and continue to form a trunk character line on the upper lid. The high bumper then was cut back in the middle to cater low loading sill. The side profile of Optima K5 is also garnish with a unique chrome strip that run above the window line. The unusual feature start at the base of the front side window and continue to run along the roof line right to the rear windscreen base. What a stylish car!

One of the most prominent styling region of the K5, the mating point of door to C-pillar shutline, with chrome accent included. The uprising belt-line and plunging roof line result in slim glass-house.

As far as the exterior story is concern, the Kia Optima K5 does make some of its rival (particularly Japanese) appears like a flabby elephant. The tout surfacing is more menacing compared to softie bulge, the hard edge lighting is stronger-looking than heavily contoured out-of-the-body light design and finally the 18" alloy wheel make more sense than the puny 16" alloy wheel that adorn some other 4.9m car. Continue reading for the interior design story.