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NAZA SUTERA - AutoExpress


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#1
aris6076

Posted 11 May 2006 - 01:22 PM

aris6076

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May 2006
http://www.autoexpre...aza_sutera.html

Naza Sutera

Malaysian car makers haven't exactly set the UK market alight. Although
Proton and Perodua have made inroads into the budget sector, neither has
really hit the big time.

Now, there's another manufacturer with eyes on Britain - Naza. Last week,
we showed you pictures of the firm's first offering, the Sutera, and here
we can tell you what it's like to drive.

Imported to the UK by IM Group, the company that sells Subaru, Daihatsu and
Isuzu in Britain, the Sutera is a real 'world car' - and it has been
developed in double-quick time. It was styled by Italian firm Pininfarina,
and the result is smart and distinctive, with instantly rec- ognisable
triangular rear light clusters.

Inside, it's bright and airy, with a central instrument pod and controls.
The dash looks smart, and is practical, too, as it makes it easier for Naza
to build right and left-hand-drive examples.

There's only one choice of interior colour scheme - beige and grey -
although the finish is good, with soft-touch plastics on the dashboard and
doors, and carbon-effect plastic parts on the instrument clusters and controls.

Firmer seats would be an improvement for UK tastes - but it's comfortable
enough, with plenty of legroom for passengers in the back. The Naza has
60:40 split rear seats, too, making it a practical load carrier. In terms
of running gear, the Sutera is powered by a 1.1-litre engine sourced from
Daihatsu, while the suspension has been set up by Lotus Engineering.

Once on the move, it's immediately clear that the Norfolk firm has done an
excellent job with the ride and handling. The back streets of Penang have
more than their share of potholes and speed bumps, but the Sutera absorbs
the un-dulations, with excellent damping and no squeaks or rattles from the
cabin.

On smoother surfaces, the car corners well, with precise steering, while
body roll is kept to a minimum - impressive given its tall height. The
1.1-litre unit is revvy and puts out a respectable 65bhp. It's noisy if
pushed, but tuned for economy rather than performance - as a city runabout,
the Sutera in its element.

Where the Naza really scores is with its generous equipment tally - 14-inch
alloys, power-steering, air-conditioning, dual airbags, remote central
locking and electric mirrors all come as standard.

The top-of-the-range GSi adds rear parking sensors, upgraded interior trim
and extra colours, although the powertrain is the same as the GS's. Expect
prices to start at less than £6,000 when the car goes on sale early next year.
Mark Bursa

VERDICT - FIRST OPINION
This is a promising start for Naza - with a little help from its friends.
Pininfarina's styling is modern, and Lotus has excelled with the handling.
The clincher, however, is likely to be the kit list. The Sutera has a very
good standard spec, and if IM Group can hit its UK price targets, this
newcomer could be an attractive proposition.

AT A GLANCE
* As well as hiring Lotus to tune the suspension, Naza turned to Daihatsu
to source the Sutera's free-revving 1.1-litre powerplant.
* Engine: 1.1-litre 4cyl, 65bhp
* Economy: 58mpg (est)
* Price: £5,999 (est)

#2
MyOne

Posted 13 May 2006 - 01:35 PM

MyOne

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why this engine is from daihatsu? ours is china mari one?

#3
ndlow

Posted 16 May 2006 - 12:18 AM

ndlow

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Oh puh-leease.

What kind of review was that? Let J Clarkson, or Autocar UK, or
CAR&DRIVER review that thing and be prepared to see it shot down like a
crow at a trigger-happy hunters reunion. What a weak case of typical name-
dropping-for-enhanced-credibility. Pininfarina, Daihatsu...etc. It's a
lame car, period. Let's not get all pretty about it.

#4
whathef

Posted 18 May 2006 - 09:51 AM

whathef

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typical malaysian attitude.Dead

#5
dream

Posted 18 May 2006 - 10:32 AM

dream

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thot the engine was Suzuki-based, but of course made in China...???

#6
Cougar9

Posted 22 May 2006 - 12:47 AM

Cougar9

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I may be wrong, but I think the car can't take the punishments of our
Malaysian road conditions with all those potholes, speed humps, uneven
rough roads, etc..

Of course, first look seems ok.

#7
batista

Posted 22 May 2006 - 11:43 AM

batista

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What type of car is this. Segitiga punya lamp/light

#8
makangin

Posted 24 May 2006 - 06:33 AM

makangin

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Some info on Hafei Lobo aka Sutera. It has a Chinese engine.


"Harbin Hafei Motor Co., LTD (referred to hereafter as Hafei Motor), is a
subsidiary of Harbin Aircraft Industry (Group) Ltd., which in turn belongs
to the state-controlled China Aviation Industry Corporation II which also
controls Changhe and Hanjiang. The company is a leading minivan maker and a
national small motor vehicles source in China.
In 1998 a licenced Daewoo Tico and later a Pininfarina-designed minivan,
called the Zhongyi was added to the line-up. The Mitsubishi Dingo was re-
christened as the HFH 6390 Saima and is being assembled since 2000. Its
engine is also locally produced at Harbin Dongan Automotive Engine Mfg Co.,
Ltd
At the 2002 Beijing Motor Show the company introduced the Lobo (treasure on
the road) which went into production in November. This Pininfarina designed
minicar hails a new era in the history of Hafei.
The company occupies an area of 1,050,000 m2 and has a floor space of 350,
000 m2. Further upgrading accomplished enabled welding, painting and final
assembly operations to support two production lines running in parallel
with an annual output of 200,000 units.
Hafei Motor has 5,000 employees including 104 senior engineering and
administration staff and more than 600 middle engineering and
administration staff, who are primarily engaged in development, production,
marketing and sales of Songhuajiang small vehicles in series and their
parts and spares." extracted from Auto-Moldova.org

#9
dream

Posted 24 May 2006 - 01:03 PM

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makanangin,
thanks for the info.
But if not mistaken, read somewhere that the engine(or maybe input/ideas)
came from Suzuki.
Like Hyundai last time n our own Campro? engine, based on Mitsubishi...