edvinteo.com : 2009 Kia Forte Launched in Malaysia as Naza Kia Forte

Thursday, November 26, 2009

2009 Kia Forte Launched in Malaysia as Naza Kia Forte

The new Naza-Kia Forte launched in Malaysia and offers with 1.6EX, 1.6SX and 2.0SX versions.

This new generation of Korean cars which will present a more serious challenge in what is arguably the most competitive market segment. Since the C-segment has been dominated by the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla in Malaysia for many decades.

However, this Forte does impressed me with its feature even I am not a fans of Korean Car.

This Forte styling was conceived by Peter Schreyer, the former Audi designer who joined Kia as its design chief. In developing the Forte, Schreyer had this to say: “Design gives a soul to the product, hence the future of Kia products lies in balance, clarity and purpose.

Two all-aluminium 4-cylinder petrol engine options are available for the Forte which are 1.6 and 2.0 engine. Both have DOHC 16-valve cylinder heads with CVVT mated with 4-speed Automatic Transmission with Shiftronic.

I did not managed to view the 2.0 model. However, I did took some snap photos on 1.6 SX and EX model.

The car features like most of the high-end model with MP3/iPod connectivity (for SX version), audio control on steering wheel, and push start button with keyless, electro-chromic mirror, aluminium foot pedals, auto-headlamp and auto-climate control. Of course for the safety wise, not to mentioned about ABS, Airbag, Reverse Sensor that come as standard.

Moreover, the SX versions include with the Electronic Stability Control which is systems to boost braking performance and 17" alloy wheels. For the 2.0 SX model, it gets 6 airbags too.