Naza Kia Forte - Review

The Newly Launched Naza Kia Forte

Naza Kia has officially launched their prestigious Naza Kia Forte last week in  Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Dubbed as the replacement model their previous Naza Kia Spectra, this masterpiece has gone through multiple latest technological improvements on its interior and exterior.

The new Naza-Kia Forte comes in 1.6EX, 1.6SX and 2.0SX versions represents the new generation of Korean cars which will present a more serious challenge in what is arguably the most competitive market segment.

Buyers can choose from 6 colour choices. Two non-metallic (Clear White and Ebony Black) and four metallic (Bright Silver, Metal Bronze and Titanium Silver). There’s also a Spicy Red finish which is available only available with the Forte SX.

Two all-aluminium 4-cylinder petrol engine options are available for the Forte (which is assembled at the Naza plant in Kedah) and both have DOHC 16-valve cylinder heads with CVVT (continuously variable valve timing).

Naza Kia Forte's 16 Valve CVVT engine

The larger Forte uses Kia’s 2-litre Theta II engine has power output of 156 ps at 6200 rpm with 194.2 Nm at 4300 rpm. Kia claims that acceleration from 0 - 100 km/h is 9.3 seconds and there is a top speed capability of 200 km/h.

The other Forte has a 1.6-litre Gamma engine which produces 124 ps at 6300 rpm and peak torque of 156 Nm at 4200 rpm. This smaller engine is said to take a second longer to get to 100 km/h compared to the 2-litre version and has a top speed of 190 km/h.

And best of all, for the SX version, starting and stopping the engine is done with the push of a button, a feature that is rare in this segment. Awesome-ness !!

Interior of a Naza Kia Forte. Exudes elegant and classy feel

The centre stack is designed to appear to 'float’ above the dashboard and presents heating, ventilation, audio and auxiliary controls in logical horizontal bands, with detailing that gives a premium feel. The stack features 'Negative LCD’ illumination which brings a reddish glow to the cabin interior.

The EX version has a 4-speaker audio system while the SX versions have 6 speakers. Radio/CD players (in-dash 6CD Changer on the 2.0 SX) and mp3/iPod USB connectivity (SX Grades). Remote controls for the audio system are mounted on the steering wheel.

Active safety technologies for the Forte include (with the SX versions) Electronic Stability Control, several systems to boost braking performance and a system to help avoid contact with pedestrians and other vehicles when reversing (RPAS).

The Forte 2.0SX gets 6 airbags as standard, 2 more than the 1.6EX and 2.0SX. The 2.0SX has dual front side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags is linked to rollover sensors as well as impact sensors offering head protection to all occupants.

Another standard feature is 'active’ head restraints for both front seats. These move forward during a rear impact to minimise movement of the occupants heads and protect against whiplash injuries

PRICES (inclusive of insurance and roadtax in Peninsular Malaysia) Forte 1.6EX – RM75,800 | Forte 1.6SX – RM81,800 | Forte 2.0SX – RM93,800. Visit Naza Kia website for more details.