It's alright, abbreviations can be tricky
I know the more popular term 'ESP' and when it is on full alert, it won't allow any type of slip, so no drifting
copied from jayraptor's reply....
Hi everyone,
As per request. I have gathered the information needed.
CBU unit:
Managed to speak to Kia management. Passed him project report and he gladly provided info and much longer test drive. The Forte units are confirmed CBU as the Gurun Plant in Kedah has yet to start operating. The Forte brought in with exterior badges removed and replaced with Naza logo to lower down its selling price further. Just like Inokom & Hyundai, with Inokom badge, you get lower selling price.
>> For 2.0SX, waiting time is 3 months due to high demand worldwide, require queing. The 1.6EX/SX have limited stock while last.
Test Drive:
Went to test the Forte with 4 full size adults with height of 1.7-1.78m and weight of 68kg-85kg to Kia showroom. Salesman height around 1.72m with weight of I think he got 65kg at least. 4 of us + 1 salesman took the Forte 1.6SX out for almost 1 hour. Paid for the toll and some cash if he (needed refueling) with our money. Tried the car on highway, factory area roads with potholes and quiet more secluded roads for cornering.
Power & Torque wise >> superb for 1.6L C-segment, better than most 1.6L C-segment & 1.5L B-segment available locally so far. Compared to Vios, City, N16, Latio 1.6, Altis 1.6E are no match. Acceleration 0-100km/h with "D" is 12s. No feeling of overweight and overloaded. Played with its shiftronic, fun though having 5-speed AT will be great, acceleration is slightly better than 12s by mere point something secs.
Handling wise >> Stable and steady, great traction. Taking hard corner at 80km/h is great though can feel the torsion beam effect of pulling 1 side. It's handling is better than its rivals that come with torsion beam. If compared it with Civic, Mazda 3 & Lancer, it's behind the 3. Conducted test with moose/slalom fared well. Sonata NF still better. Hope they could have optional multi-link suspension taken from i30 or Avante/Elantra to make the ride even more superior. I don't mind add RM5k to the Forte 1.6EX to replace the torsion beam with multi-link. Its brake is superb.
NVH/Interior wise - the rear seems to have more road noise. Going through hump and potholes, ride is ok but not on par with Altis. The test unit comes with 17" wheels and Hankook tyres. 15" could be better. Engine is quiet and nice to hear when revving. The push start is very cool. Interior space is great. Legroom and interior width are sufficient for 3 full sized adults at rear giving less problem fastening seatbelts. Measured headroom having 50mm from head to roof.
Spare Parts:
Already checked with local spare parts supply chain both under Hyundai/Kia/Chevy and private owned spare parts suppliers. In terms of Korean parts, no problem at all for the necessity parts that keep cars running in terms of spare parts availability and pricing is still affordable.
If a Jap part cost RM10, Korean parts cost RM11-12. Checked with all the supply chain taukeh including not specialised in bringing in Korean pars, all of them said if anyone said Korean parts are expensive and lack of availability, these are rumours spread by local rival Jap car companies to create misperception in order to scare off people from buying Korean cars. No such thing as no spare parts. The Forte, if sales good, they will bring in bulk parts.
Verdict: Great car for the people. Very affordable and can any one tell me how is the market for selling used Sentra 1.6SG (A) Dec' 2007 with aerokit? Asking price at RM65k ok or not? There's still chance to grab CBU unit. Need to move fast.