Kia Forte Arrives in Malaysia

Just after yesterday's post on a baby girl named Kia, we found out that the local distributors of Kia automobiles Naza-Kia, have quietly slipped the Forte into showrooms, albeit about a year after the Forte's domestic market launch in August 2008. Calls made to some outlets show that some dealerships already have a display car while others are expecting it within the next day or two.

Oddly, only Autoworld carried a story on the Forte. I am not sure if this is a case of a publication going rogue and breaking a media embargo. The article was published on Nov-20. Correction : Found out that CBT too did an article. The vehicles are already now available in some showrooms beginning today though. Maybe it has to do with the timing of the launch - don't you think that it is overshadowed by the Alza? Not that they target the same segment but I am looking at ad space clutter. Understand that a roadshow is also scheduled to start on Wednesday in the Pavillion KL, where the Forte will be officially launched.

Below is a TVC for the North American market Forte.



Anyway, read more about the Malaysian Forte at Autoworld.com.my here. Had to say the pricing is very competitive. OTR price with insurance for the base 1.6 EX is at RM75,800, 1.6 SX at RM81,800, and 2.0 SX - RM93,800 Even the base EX model comes decently equipped. And if I read Autoworld's article correctly (no info on Naza-Kia website) - the mid range SX trim level even comes with electronic stability control (ESC) or ESP. I believe this is the cheapest car in Malaysia that comes equipped with ESC, the most important safety feature since seatbelts.


If you think the design of the Forte looks superb - that's because the Forte is designed by Peter Schreyer. If that name doesn't ring a bell, he is the man who designed the original Audi TT.

While recent Kia products have made great strides in terms of quality and design, locals have come to expect the usual boo-boo from distributor Naza-Kia. The Forte's launch is no different - at point of writing this, even Naza-Kia's official website mentions nothing of the Forte, but the cars are already available in some showrooms in Klang Valley. Update : A new microsite for the Forte was launched today (Wednesday 25-Nov). But the Forte is still not listed in Naza-Kia's main website's product line up list. Hope Naza-Kia will also update the microsite with a more detailed specs list / online brochure. At the moment, you can't tell for sure what features is only available in what trim level. Am very impressed with the inclusion of ESC, auto dimming rear view mirror, keyless entry, electric push-start ignition button, as well more airbags than I have pillows in my house (again, not sure if this is only for 2.0-litre model only) etc etc. You must check out the fancy reverse assist feature.

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