We’ll be able to see a host of new locally assembled models from Naza this year, that will expand it’s current 6-model line-up to a 10-model line-up, beginning with a new SUV in May 2007. The Sorento has already been CKD-ed, so this new SUV is most likely the current Kia Sportage (shown above) being sold by Naza.
Naza’s current model line-up is a somewhat multi-national mix: four Korean cars (Suria, Citra, Sorento and Ria), a French car (206 Bestari) and a Chinese car (Sutera). It’s plant in Gurun is running at full capacity with double shifts because of strong demand. January saw 3,000 Naza cars sold, but this dropped to 1,000 in February for the same reasons as the overall industry drop.
The other 3 models to be launched other than the possible Sportage was said to be a locally assembled MPV, and two locally assembled saloons. Looking at the current model range and the range of Kia models to rebadge, I would say the MPV could either be a new Carens (Citra) or Carnival (Ria), while the two saloons could be two of these: Rio sedan, new Spectra (also known as Cerato) as well as the lovely new Kia Optima.
Photos of these possible models after the jump.
Source
Kia Carens / Naza Citra
Kia Carnival / Naza Ria
Kia Optima
Kia Rio Sedan
Kia Spectra Sedan
Kia Spectra5
After dabbling for years in the IT industry, Paul Tan initially began this site as a general blog covering various topics of personal interest. With an increasing number of readers paying rapt attention to the motoring stories, one thing led to another and the rest, as they say, is history. An avid electronic gadget aficionado as well as big-time coffee lover, he's also the executive producer of the Driven motoring TV programme.
I am not a fan's of Naza/Kia.. I met one Korean playing golf in Malaysia. He told me if got money don't buy Kia cars, but take Hyundai coz Kia is for budjet ppl and they dont have good quality stuff inside.. while Hyundai in Korea is top line local vehicle. The more you pay, the better it gets.. this is what he told me..
Nazi knows how to make BUMPERS changes only, Like CHinese royal ..BANGZAI Nazi, BANGZAI BANGZAI, BANG…BANG ZAI.
".. I met one Korean playing golf in Malaysia. He told me if got money don’t buy Kia cars, but take Hyundai coz Kia is for budjet ppl and they dont have good quality stuff inside.. while Hyundai in Korea is top line local vehicle. The more you pay, the better it gets.. this is what he told me.."
If you ask any Malaysian how they feel about proton, you probably get the same answer. If we "got money" we wont buy Proton either.
Is a good news since we may have more and more choices.
For my knowledge, Kia is under Hyundai group; and so the Kia and Hyundai car actually is the same while they share the same engine, platform and most of the standard parts (example Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson).
I may agree Kia aim for budget ppl but not agree that the Kia cars have low quality than Hyundai cars.
By the way, we must know that P2 also assembly the car from Daihatsu like Kembara from Terious, old Kancil from Mira, Kenari from Move and etc..even Myvi from Boon with facelift..
SO, there is no wrong that Naza assembly Kia car and having minor changes on it too!!!!!!!!
That has got to put some thought into you. People's suposely "rubbish" cars are doing well here, better than the best our Proton can muster.
There is really nothign wrong with Hyundai and Kia. Both are the same company, just targeted at slightly market demographics. Kia may not be worst off as shown that they can have the Kia Rio almost 2 years before the redesigned Accent (on which it shares its platform and more of the running gear is based on).
After all you dont hear about people complaining about thier Chevolet..which are all mostly Daewoos and a Vauxhall.
Its good that Naza is bringing in these cars. more choices for consumers are never a bad thing.
Hyundai and Kia have different markets, but I think its more of an age-group and trim level thing, not quality. Basically the same car.
Hyundai-Kia relationship is somehow simliar with Lexus-Toyota-Daihatsu. The badge, trim & facelift is the only difference which is targeted for a specific buying group.
Is it correct for NAZA to call it a launch of new models here?
better than NONE!
4G63T DSM said,
March 26, 2007 @ 8:14 am
“.. I met one Korean playing golf in Malaysia. He told me if got money don’t buy Kia cars, but take Hyundai coz Kia is for budjet ppl and they dont have good quality stuff inside.. while Hyundai in Korea is top line local vehicle. The more you pay, the better it gets.. this is what he told me..â€
If you ask any Malaysian how they feel about proton, you probably get the same answer. If we “got money†we wont buy Proton either.
but still the Korean propose Hyundai, it is diferent, Proton is not a car, Hyundai, Kia different category.
That golf-playing Korean must have been working for Hyundai, IMHO.
Nice design, not bad. I prefer Naza Citra, finishing with more curve design than previous model.
Well…I think the reliabity factors of any vehicles reflects (i) Our driving environment,..eg..terrains etc.. and (ii) human factor-eg; our driving styles,etc…And as for me,I dont judge which vehicle is better than the others.It always gets back to the human factor behind the wheel. Then there's the MONEY factor, Some of us is just fortunate,money wise speaking,to own "better" cars than others.
To own an SUV like Sportage for some of us is just like "in my dreams" only…but still,there's always others who WILL buy them.
Btw,I think Naza Sportage will have its own "customers"…Me for one,would like to try this one out in Swak here..
Good, put more rebadge vehicles in the market, goreng2 to make it have more choices by the consumers!
I feel that the Golf partner didn't know much about cars, but was just distracted by the image of the manufacturer. Now, that's what I want:
Kia Sportage: … just go aways, it's as practical as a Myvi
Kia Carnival: YES please, that car is due for change for a long time – and hope it finally got to Hyundai quality
Kia Carens: don't think that Naza is going to change to the new model very soon…
Kia Rio / Spectra: YAWN!!!! YAWN, again… if they rebagded a Citroen C8, would be much cooler!
koreans car as far as l know non is fuel-efficient..
still prefer Japs..
rebadged cars again? why don;t they make a totally new model like the Sutera?but ok too lah rebadged car,cheaper in cost.
new caren ..look not bad,
it rather look batter without kia badge and chrome lining on it grille,
just a raw chiken wire grille, tuner look alike, wheel size ok.
spectra 5, a bit of satria gti air dam,
IMHO, Naza would offers Sportage 2.0, Rio 1.4 and Cerato 1.6(Spectra) only!
The Caren(Naza Citra) is still considered new! (Bolehland perspective)
The Carnival(Naza Ria) would not make it as Malaysian already learned from past experience the Petrol price would keep on increasing! and Ria is a petrol sucking dracula!!
Even the recent launched Hyundai Sonata NF(CKD) doesn't sell well, so do you think Naza would invest operation in mfg. Optima ?
also for people who can afford Rm100K+, do you think they would get
a 5 seater Naza? ( i think not! they get other makes )
Anyway, great move NAZA !
Still, it is good news to consumers, we have more choices, and it is CKD Kia too, the price is less expensive compare to japan car. For potong and Kia, if the price difference is not significant, I will choose Kia…
"Kei9 Said
rebadged cars again? why don;t they make a totally new model like the Sutera?but ok too lah rebadged car,cheaper in cost."
FYI.
The Sutera is a rebadged Chinese car. All Naza cars are re-badged and CKD'ed from other marques.
I wonder really why people are so concerned about fuel consumption but then proceed to buy a big vehicle. Its not the engine thats drinking fuel. Its the weight of the thing you need to move.
Weight cost fuel. Safety costs weight, and therefore fuel as well.
Just dont be so shortsighted…fuel consumption shouldn't be your only criteria to judge a vehicle.
oh is that it! thanks 4 ur info..4G63T DSM.
all the kias
Kia sevice center is just superb in their service here in Dubai. I got an accident few days back and a couple of days after, they started all teh fixing and is about to finish soon….