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.

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.

2011 KIA Sedona Best and High Performance

A comfort and value staple in the minivan segment, the 2011 Kia Sedona returns to the Kia Motors America (KMA) lineup, stocked with a plethora of convenience amenities and safety features. A recipient of a “Top Safety Pick” recognition by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009, multiple five-star crash safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic

2011 KIA RIO And 2011 KIA RIO5 Concept Performance

2011 KIA RIO and 2011 KIA RIO 5 Review Specs, Prices and PictureThe smallest vehicles in the Kia lineup, the KIA Rio and KIA Rio5 continue to make a large impact with their standard features, roomy interior, impressive fuel economy and safety features. Not to be outdone by its bigger siblings in the Kia lineup, the sub-compacts are award-winners many times over, including having the 2010 Rio

2011 KIA Soul Concept Uniques Modern Dynamic Compact CUV Car

Aimed squarely at and designed specifically for the young and young-at-heart, the 2011 Kia Soul continues to make a statement for the brand with its distinctive styling, a plethora of safety options and tremendous value. Soul still stands out from the crowd with modern, unique styling and for 2011 will offer consumers more personalization options than ever before. A true game-changer for the Kia

2011 2012 Kia Sportage Luxury Concept SUV Class

2011 Kia Sportage Reviews, Specs, Prices and PicturesPurists are quick to register their disapproval when you redesign a classic nameplate, but longtime Sportage owners probably won't get up in arms about the redesigned 2011 Kia Sportage. Yes, that's correct. The Kia Sportage is something of a classic. At age 16, it is the longest-running Kia nameplate sold in the United States. The new 2011 KIA

2011 KIA Sorento Stronger Body And Performance

The new-generation 2011 KIA Sorento is the fruit of a radical redesign: this crossover utility vehicle has gone from rear-wheel drive and a body-on-frame design to a front-wheel-drive and unibody construction. The Sorento now shares the same platform as the Hyundai Santa Fe, with LX and EX trim lines, which are also available in four-wheel-drive. Inside, there’s room for five to seven people,

2011 KIA Optima Luxury Concept Europe Cars

2011 KIA OptimaFollowing a year of sales records and notable awards and accolades, Kia Motors America (KMA) added to the brand’s trophy collection this week with Consumer Guide Automotive’s “Best Buy” designations for the 2011 KIA Optima in the midsize car category and the 2011 KIA Sorento in the midsize SUV category. In addition, the 2011 KIA Sportage received the Consumer Guide Automotive “

Kia POP Concept

Kia has released new images of its POP Concept, the three-seater compact electric vehicle created by the company's European design team and characterized by the asymmetrical layout, futuristic interior and original door opening system.First previewed back in August, the Kia POP concept was designed by Kia's European design team under the direction of Peter Schreyer, Kia's Chief Design Officer,

2011 Kia Sedona

Minivans don’t grab many headlines when a new version is released and Kia is not a brand that constantly attracts attention within the car industry. However Kia is silently pushing their minivans into the market with a remarkable response thanks to the vans capabilities and price range. The 2011 Kia Sedona is an average-priced minivan with impressive features.The 2011 version of Kia Sedona

2012 Kia Soul Update

Kia’s weirdly planed to release Soul hatchback has arrived in gently makeup and several impressive engineering upgrade, delivering with same style into the car maker future plan.The Soul’s model upgraded are specially limited, attaining new mirrors style, a gracefully retuned front hood, projector headlamp right up the brand LED daylight main lamp, and wider fog light placed at the front spoiler.

Moving to the rear edge view, fashionable fresh wraparound LED lamp covers the shelter of the default rear lamp, delivering a model of Nissan X-Trail at the Soul’s rear edge. Also been attached in rear area is rear spoiler, embedded with bigger reflectors housing in a more distinguish black sense line. The upgrade process flow into the interior that the Soul bringing a make over upgrade to its gearbox system. The Korean manufacture also copied Kia’s ‘UVO’ mediatainment along with the communication system.

The new Kia Soul is also featured with High quality Package navigation system, folded front seats, leather upholstery trim and automatic weather information climate control.The Australian details moreover still on going process, and still behind the curtain unclear both of the UVO system and Premium Package planned to be optioned locally.

The primary updates to the 2012 Soul are begin from beneath the hood, bringing the new direct-injected 100kW 1.6 litre petrol power plant delivering a 9kW improve over the prior engine, while the fuel usage is predicted positioned at 8.4 l/100km in the inner town and 6.9 l/100km on the express way. The lucky US customers will be offered a bigger forceful 120kW 2.0 litre machine, however like other prior Kia designs this kind of model is unlikely to visit Australia. Renovated gearbox is also being introduced that is six-speed manual and automatic gear removing the previous five-speed manual and four-speed automatic features.

2012 Kia Rio gets New Engine

After make the debut at Geneva Motor Show 2011, Kia Rio now come with new engine. Previously, this car will come in Europe with three small engine, 1,100 cc 3-cylinder turbodiesel engine, 1250 cc and 1,400 cc petrol. Now Kia equipped this sporty hothatch with new engine, of course more powerfull, 1,600 cc GDI Gamma engine that based from Hyundai Veloster. With this new engine, new Rio can produce 138 horsepower.

Next, this car will equipped with Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing, then electronic throttle control and a roller timing chain. Rio flagship equipped with anti-scratch paint Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) and Diamond Like Carbon (DLC). Kia’s design and quality is important for Kia to lift Kia brand image in Europe, said Kia Europe devision.

Kia Sportage SX 2011

Kia announced the launch of the Sportage SX Turbo Crossover in the American Market with deliveries starting by end of March 2011. Kia Sportage SX 2011 offers a 2.0 L Turbo GDI engine for enhanced performance, sport-tuned suspension for dynamic handling.

With MSRP starting at $25,795 for FWD and $27,295 AWD model, Kia Sportage SX is an appealing alternative for people in market for SUV Crossover.

[Source: Kia]

RACE CAR KIA OPTIMA TURBO SX KINETIC

RACE CAR KIA OPTIMA TURBO SX KINETIC

Kia plans to follow Toyota's example in developing an entry in NASCAR? No - at least not what we know. But the Korean automaker showed it has an interest in racing anyway, as you can see in the Kia Optima 2011-SX Turbo built by Kinetic Motorsports seen above.

According to Kia, this racing car was built as a prototype to improve the performance and capabilities of the Optima race. Beyond performance, this machine is valued at the Chicago Auto Show 2011 is certainly more of a credible broker.

Interestingly, the Kia Forte car race, also built by Kia kinetic run, finished second in the Grand-Am race at Daytona a few weeks ago. The Optima to be following suit? Certainly, it would not surprise

KIA OPTIMA TURBO SX KINETIC HD WALLPAPER

KIA OPTIMA TURBO SX KINETIC

KIA OPTIMA TURBO SX KINETIC SEAT