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Kia Malaysia

When thinking of an angle for this review, there was one song that kept coming to mind, the classic “anything you can do (I can do better)”. A song that was composed by Irving Berlin for the 1946 Broadway Musical – Annie Get Your Gun.

If you have never heard of it, you can click here to watch it and that should set the tone for the rest of this article.

Over the years, there have been many iterations of the song, and it was popularised in car culture nearly two decades ago in a Mercedes-Benz video advertisement. The video featuring Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and Mika Hakkinen showcased the three Formula One legends duelling against each other in a series of challenges.

Fast forward to today and the song once again comes to mind to describe the current automotive scenario, particularly the electric vehicle (EV) segment.

Trump himself would not deny that the segment is dominated by Chinese marques. And while the world argues over how the Americans, Japanese and Europeans are going to keep up, the South Koreans have been silently churning out cars that not only impress with their technology but also offer stunning designs.

The KIA EV9 you see sprawled on this page is one such stunner from South Korea. It may not look like it when seen in photos, but it is a massive car, about the size of the latest generation Range Rover. And it is quite imposing as well, with a neck cramming presence everywhere it goes since not many have seen one on our roads.

We love it, sort of.

In terms of design, it will not look out of place in a Star Wars movie. In fact, while Chinese cars and Tesla’s have started to look the same with their front and rear lightbars and gigantic infotainment systems inside, there is nothing else quite like the KIA EV9.

But you have to wonder why it has not become an instant sensation among the wealthy.

Yes, the wealthy. Because the EV9 is priced at RM370,000 for the seven-seater variant and RM375,000 for the six-seater. So, you can’t expect regular folks to be flocking to it.

It’s price is one of the few thorns on its side because when it comes to spending over a quarter million Ringgit, most Malaysians would still pick a European brand over a Korean. You know, to make a statement at the next family gathering that you have “arrived in life”, and nothing makes a statement better than a European marque.

So, this means then that the KIA EV9 sits in a very peculiar spot. It is way too expensive for the regular joe, and for those who can afford it, well they either do not want to spend that much on a KIA or would rather spend it on a luxury marque. Except for a few oddballs to whom I am grateful to for if it wasn’t for them we wouldn’t be having such cars in Malaysia.

So, what is it about the EV9 that we love?

Apologies for getting distracted, but the EV9 is a stylish machine and that’s the first thing we like about it. In fact it makes you go wow the first time you see it. It makes the cooks in a Chinese restaurant come out just to look at it. I can personally testify to that.

There’s a saying that goes, “if you don’t look back at your car after you have parked it, you bought the wrong car,” and I just could not stop staring at it though I am far from buying one.

How KIA has made seemingly straight lines and vast empty spaces look this good may be beyond most of us non-designers, but we can collectively breathe a sigh of relief that the automotive world can still churn out such good-looking cars.

Then there is the interior. KIA has again shown that they are not followers of the herd. There are no gargantuan infotainment screens inside, just one that measures in at a regular 12.3-inch and another of equal proportions for the instrument cluster.

And thankfully there are still physical controls for everything from the air-conditioning to the radio. You can even adjust the air-conditioner blowers manually, just as you always could before some brands started over engineering them.

The rear passengers get their own set of air-conditioning controls but not only that they also get their own sunroof as well.

The interior space and seats deserve their own special mention

Considering the size of the car, it should come as no surprise that interior living space is vast.

It is also comfortable for the kids and shorter adults in the third row, which positions the EV9 as a capable option for large families.

The seats themselves could put more expensive cars to shame in terms of comfort. They are so good that there’s an entire section dedicated to the seats in the EV9’s specification sheet.

The driver’s side seat gets a massage function which turns on after an hour of driving while the seat itself is adjustable in multiple ways. Both driver and passenger seat also have a feature called Premium Relaxation, this is where the seat can recline in such a way that it almost feels like you’re in a hammock.

So, what are the other thorns you may ask?

After raving about the seats, I must say that the mesh headrests for the front two seats are unbecoming for a car of this price range, like they were taken from the office chairs of KIA’s design centre.

The other thing that I am particularly concerned about are the digital side view monitors. Instead of using regular mirrors, KIA has chosen to use cameras instead. They protrude out awkwardly and look weird.

On top of that, monitoring the sides of the car can take some getting used to as well because you can never gauge the distance. It is already difficult to tell the distance with a mirror, what more a monitor. And what more, we have thousands of motorcyclists to share the road with daily and the occasional swipe with a handlebar does happen. One must wonder how much it costs to replace the camera.

But what about the powertrain?

That responsibility falls on dual motors, one for each axle, which effectively makes the EV9 an all-wheel-drive SUV.

Providing juice to the motors is a 99.8kWh battery pack and that gives the car 380hp, 700Nm of torque as well as a WLTP range of 505km. But after spending a couple of days with the EV9, we returned the car with an average energy usage of 21.4kWh, and that gave the car a real-world range of 466km.

Energy usage gets higher on the highway and that drops the range like an anchor, which is typical of EV’s. So, to sustain a decent range, driving between 90-100km/h was the only way, which is a shame.

As for charging, the EV9 supports an 800V electrical architecture which allows for ultra-fast charging. To recharge, the car can take 350kW of DC charging which lets the car hit 80% state of charge from 10% in just 24 minutes.

While that may be impressive, the EV9 is only capable of 11kW of AC charging, and that is the real stick in an otherwise great show because it will need 10 hours and 30 minutes to hit 100% from near zero.

So why do we like it so much?

While the car may not be able to go very far and in all honesty would have greatly benefited from 22kW AC charging, it is still a great car to drive.

Refinement levels are arguably at near Rolls-Royce levels at regular speeds. The car does not come with adaptive suspension which is available in some other markets, but the MacPherson struts and Multi-Links do a fantastic job nonetheless.

The fact that it does not come with the more expensive adaptive suspensions means that long term ownership may be easier on the pocket, so that may just be a good thing.

We also like its versatility as a family car, offering space and comfort for all three rows. And ensuring the car remains safe in all situations are multiple levels of technologies ranging from everything to Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist systems to Smart Cruise Control.

But the real star is of course the one thing that we have been harping about all along, its design which particularly stands out in the colour you see here, Ocean Blue.

Is it worth it?

Well, that would depend on which side of the divide you stand on. If you like nice cars and don’t mind the badge they come with then for sure the EV9 is worth it. But if you are the type that is concerned about making a statement, just keep in mind that the KIA badge has come a long way from its Spectra days.

Specifications
Motor: Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Power: 380hp
Torque: 700Nm
Battery: 99.8kWh Lithium-Ion
Price (As tested): RM369,668 (7-seater)

We like: Design, Refinement, Features
We don’t like: No 22kW AC charging

Kia baru saja mengumumkan facelift sederhana untuk sedan K5, sebelumnya dikenali sebagai Optima. Walaupun SUV menguasai pasaran, Kia tetap berazam untuk mengemaskini sedan mereka, walaupun gila SUV masih melanda.

2025 Kia K5 Facelift 7

Kemaskini ini khas untuk versi domestik yang kini terdapat di Korea Selatan, tetapi model global dijangkakan hampir serupa. K5 telah menerima perubahan sederhana, dengan lampu depan dan belakang yang direka semula mengikut trend yang dilihat dalam EV Kia terkini. Bumper depan baru dengan alur-alur udara tiruan yang lebih besar menambah sentuhan sukan.

2025 Kia K5 Facelift 3

Bagian belakang K5 mendapat penamat ekzos baru, perubahan yang ketara pada model bukan GT-Line. K5 yang dikemaskini ini juga menawarkan reka bentuk rim aloi baru, dalam pelbagai saiz dari 16 hingga 19 inci, termasuk versi hitam dengan aksen logam yang tidak biasa. Dua warna badan baru, Wolf Gray dan Moonscape Matte Gray, turut bergabung dalam palet sedia ada.

2025 Kia K5 Facelift 18

Bilik duduk mengalami perubahan yang lebih ketara, dengan dashboard yang diubah suai untuk menampung dua skrin lengkung. Pemilih gear telah digantikan dengan pemilih putar kecil, dan sensor cap jari telah ditambahkan ke konsol tengah bawah. K5 2025 juga dilengkapi dengan kamera hadapan dan belakang berkeupayaan resolusi tinggi untuk merakam dan menyimpan rakaman. Perubahan lain termasuk paparan kepala yang diperkemaskan, bahan peredam bunyi tambahan, dan sokongan yang ditingkatkan untuk kemaskini atas talian.

2025 Kia K5 Facelift 14

Kia K5 menawarkan beberapa pilihan enjin, termasuk enjin petrol 2.0-liter semulajadi menghasilkan 160hp, enjin turbo 1.6-liter dengan 180hp, enjin LPI (Liquid Propane Injection) 2.0-liter yang dinilai pada 146hp, dan enjin hibrid 2.0-liter dengan 152hp dari enjin pembakaran dan tambahan 52hp dari motor elektrik.

2025 Kia K5 Facelift 10

Harga bagi K5 yang dikemaskini bermula dari 27,840,000 won, yang kira-kira RM98,000. Walaupun SUV menguasai pasaran, Kia tetap komited kepada sedan mereka, dengan K5 yang menerima penyegaran sederhana untuk menjadikannya bersaing dalam segmen sedan sederhana.

The first-generation Niro was introduced in 2016 and was based on the same platform as the Hyundai Ioniq, followed by a plug-in version in 2017, an electric version in 2018 and a facelift variant in 2019.

On November 25 during the 2021 Seoul Mobility Show, the second-generation Niro was unveiled. The model was officially launched on January 25, 2022, and the second-generation Niro EV made its premiere in April later that year.

Finally, Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor for the Kia brand in Malaysia has introduced the second-generation all-new Kia Niro EV for the Malaysian market.

Exterior

The exterior of the Niro EV is heavily influenced by the 2019 Kia HabaNiro concept car. The front still features Kia’s signature “Tiger Face” that extends from the hood to the fender below.

It features daytime running lights (DRLs) known as the “heartbeat” along with a bold skid plate that enhances the ruggedness of the Niro EV.

The side profile comprises a high-tech two-tone body with a wide Aero C-Pillar at the rear, enhancing air flow to improve aerodynamics that blends into the boomerang-shaped rear taillights. Also found on the exterior design is the Active Air Flap within the grille which contributes to the new Niro’s competitive 0.29 co-efficient (Cd) achievement.

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The Kia EV6 is one of those rare cars that seem to have it all, and by have it all we mean great looks, a spacious interior and technology that would make a Tesla seem outdated. So why don’t we see more of them on the road?

These days, you cannot take a short trip to the store without being bombarded with something or other about electric vehicles. Either your neighbour would have bought a new EV or someone on the radio will be talking about it.

But whether you believe in them or not, EV’s are all the rage these days, and it is going to be that way for some time.

So which EV is the best? Since EV’s are not exactly cheap, which should you be spending your money on in case you are interested in getting one.

(more…)

Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd, the new sole distributor for the Kia brand in Malaysia, is picking up speed now that the locally-assembled Kia Carnival has started rolling out of the Inokom plant in Kedah.

The company has officially opened its first flagship 3S Centre in the Temasya Industrial Park at Glenmarie, Shah Alam, Selangor. It provides the full range of services, ie sales, service and sale of spare parts, at one location for the convenience of customers and owners.

The flagship outlet features Kia’s new brand identity which was introduced last year as part of its brand transformation to a new image. The new brand identity aims to shift the customers’ mindset and provide them with a meaningful experience with Kia. Dinamikjaya Motors, like the other subsidiaries in the Bermaz Automotive Group, is committed in providing the best ownership experience to customers.

Kia Flagship 3S Centre 2022

Kia Store concept
Adopting the Kia Store concept, the spaces in the showroom are separated by red loop across the store that connects the display area and customer area. The wood tone radiates an earthy coziness with a minimalistic and natural sensibility that gives the customer a warm space. The point of this space initiates a whole new customer experience in the journey of purchasing a car.

With a built-up area of 39,240 sq ft, the showroom can display up to 4 vehicles. In the display zone, an achromatic colour theme infuses a futuristic tone on the metallic surfaces and reflections, offering tranquillity that ensures the display vehicles receive undivided attention.

Kia Flagship 3S Centre 2022

Kia Flagship 3S Centre 2022

Aftersales support
The service centre with state-of-the-art facilities has 20 bays and a team of trained and skilled technicians to look after Kia vehicles, including the fully electric EV6. It is equipped with the latest manufacturer’s diagnostic system equipment and maintenance tools. Customers who wait can use the comfortable waiting lounge which has refreshments and a working space (with complimentary wifi).

Kia Flagship 3S Centre 2022

Kia Flagship 3S Centre 2022

Kia Flagship 3S Centre 2022

The showroom is open seven days a week while the service centre operates from Mondays to Saturdays. Kia owners who have vehicle problems or an accident can obtain support from the 24/7 roadside assistance service by calling 1800-22-2228.

As the new distributor, Dinamikjaya Motors would like to establish contact with all Kia owners in Malaysia. If you are a Kia owner, you should provide them with your contact details so that they can keep you informed of any technical updates, recall notifications or other matters related to your ownership of a Kia vehicle. Click here to obtain a form to submit your details which will be kept and protected in accordance with the law of the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) of Malaysia.

Kia vehicles have been sold in Malaysia since the 1990s but the Korean carmaker has kept its involvement in local activities at arms-length. Although its models were assembled locally, the activities were largely left to their local distributor (the NAZA Group at that time). Kia did have a regional office here and too and interest in what was going on but didn’t want to make investments itself.

That changed last year when the local partner changed and Bermaz Auto took over the brand from Naza (along with Peugeot as well). Perhaps the Korean carmaker decided that it was time to control its destiny and for that, it would have to become directly involved. It formed a joint-venture company with Bermaz Auto called Kia Malaysia which will manage the brand’s activities in the country.

The Inokom manufacturing complex in Kulim, Kedah, where Kia vehicles are being assembled.

More significantly, Kia Malaysia’s operations include local assembly, the first time the carmaker is making a direct investment for assembly operations. It is vital to assemble locally to be able to grow volumes more quickly and be competitive. Kia has set a target of 100,000 units in total from 2022 to 2026, for the Malaysian market as well as export. The export plans are ambitious and will account for more than 50% of annual production each year. By 2026, the company expects to export up to 19,000 units from the 30,000 units targeted for that year.

Four models to be assembled locally
When Kia Malaysia announced its formation, it also provided an insight into its 5-year plan with 4 models to be produced, including battery-electric vehicles. The models, in launch sequence, will be the Carnival, Sportage, Sorento and Niro, the latter to be offered as a BEV.

The first product has started rolling out on schedule from the Inokom plant in Kedah and it’s the Carnival MPV. The model was already on sale at the beginning of the year as a CBU (completely built-up) import from Korea and from our driving impressions, it was certainly a very different MPV from the original Carnival which was also cloned into the Naza Ria. It’s a premium product, which is in line with Kia’s aim of raising the image of its products.

The locally-assembled Carnival is a 7/8-seater (above) whereas the CBU imported model is an 11-seater (below).

8-seater instead of 11-seater
While having the same appearance, the locally-assembled Carnival is not an 11-seater but a 7-seater or 8-seater. There was no shortage of buyers for the CBU 11-seater but having less seats might also work better to sell in greater numbers.

The powertrain is the same Smartstream 2.2-litre turbodiesel CRDI engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Though it is a large vehicle, the 199 bhp/440 Nm provides respectable performance, as we experienced on our drive at the beginning of this year.

2022 Kia Carnival

Bermaz Auto (its retail arm for Kia vehicles is Dinamikjaya Motors) is known for being generous with equipment and features and the locally-assembled Carnival will come with a list that maintains the premium positioning for the MPV. There will be ambient lighting, heated/ventilated seats, Premium Relaxion Seats (second row), 12-speaker Bose audio system, powered sliding doors, ‘smart’ powered tailgate and a complete suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.

New beginning for brand
“The roll-out of the Kia Carnival in CKD [locally assembled] form is an important milestone in the marque’s renaissance in Malaysia. We are delighted to welcome the first Kia model produced here at Inokom for the Malaysian and ASEAN markets. The Kia Carnival marks a new beginning for the Kia brand and showcases all the hallmarks of our products, superior design, smart technology and an impressive driving experience,” said Ted Lee, Kia Asia Pacific President & CEO.

“The consumer’s response to the fully imported Kia Carnival 11-seater variant launched in January has been very encouraging and we are confident that the consumers will be equally enthusiastic about the CKD Kia Carnival. We believe these CKD variations will serve the differing needs and expectations of those in the market for a modern and luxurious multi-purpose vehicle,” added Dato’ Wong Kin Foo, Managing Director of Dinamikjaya Motors.

2021 Kia Carnival

The prices have not been officially announced but it is known that there will be 3 versions with prices (excluding insurance) starting from RM231,299. PISTON.MY will be joining a media drive of the Carnival to Penang later this week and we’ll let you know what it’s like although we expect that we will be equally impressed as we were with the CBU model.

In America, they call MPVs ‘minivans’ and in fact, that’s where these people-carriers started. In the mid-1980s, Chrysler came come out with a vehicle that could carry more people than a stationwagon and had the spaciousness of a van. It was actually an idea that Lee Iacocca and Hal Sperlich came up with when they were in Ford but Henry Ford II didn’t like the concept and then later fired both of them (for other reasons). Both men moved to Chrysler where they continued the project and introduced a new market segment that was so successful that it saved Chrysler from collapse.

Elsewhere in the world, the minivan idea caught the attention of other carmakers but they called it a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) which emphasized its versatility in carrying people and cargo. MPVs quickly became a new segment, joining sedans, coupes, liftbacks, hatchbacks and stationwagons. They came in various sizes, big and small, just as with the SUVs that started appearing in the following decade.

2022 Kia Carnival

Kia came out with its first MPVs in the late 1990s, a small one called the Carens and a big one called the Carnival. Both were popular in many markets and the Carnival was even adapted by Naza and sold as the Ria under its own brand in the 2000s. Although SUVs have since gained dominance in the company’s product lines, MPVs still have a place and the effort put into styling the Carnival’s fourth generation is no less than for the other models. In fact, Kia is even trying to reposition it higher up by referring to it as a ‘Grand Utility Vehicle’ (GUV?).

Large MPV with SUV style
The dimensions of the new Korean MPV give it an imposing presence on the road – slightly more than 5 metres in length and 2 metres wide. However, it’s not as tall as other MPVs and the styling is SUV-like with an upscale appearance. There is yet another interpretation of the ‘Tiger nose’, a familiar signature element in Kia models for some 15 years, which spans the whole width of the front end.

2022 Kia Carnival

2022 Kia Carnival

The detail is impressive with the integrated LED daytime running lights (DRLs), headlamps and grille, having a futuristic new look and unique light signature. The new Kia brand logo is also seen for the first time on a model in Malaysia, affixed to the bonnet and the rear door.

A key design highlight is its new ‘island roof’ design, with blacked-out A and B-pillars beneath a body-coloured roof. An eye-catching new C-pillar signature design also stands out, with a chrome fin bearing a subtle diamond pattern. Another element of the SUV-inspired design is the metallic lower skidplate at the rear.

2022 Kia Carnival

The monolithic form is also aerodynamically efficient and little details along the sides keep airflow smooth for less drag. The underside is also largely closed off so air rushing through underneath does not become turbulent as it encounters openings in the floorpan.

The new body sits on a new midsize Hyundai Motor Group platform that has a longer wheelbase of 3090 mm and the structure has had a lot of engineering improvements to strengthen rigidity. There’s expanded use of hot-stamped parts as well as ultra high-tensile steel and cold-rolled steel.

Progression towards a more premium image
Like the exterior, the inside of the Carnival shows another progression towards a more premium image. The finishing is impressive and the materials have a high-class feel and look. Some new models have gone fully digital and touchscreen for everything and it is not always practical. In the case of the Carnival, the interior designers provide different adjusting methods that are more sensible.

2022 Kia Carnival

2022 Kia Carnival

2022 Kia Carnival

For example, a rocker switch is used for temperature adjustment (individual for left and right sides) which is a lot better than a touchscreen which you need to look and pinpoint your finger on – not so good while driving. For the blower speed and switching between recirculating and fresh air mode, there are pushbuttons and for tuning the radio, a rotary knob is used.

2022 Kia Carnival

The 12.3-inch touchscreen is the command centre for the infotainment system where you might need to just touch an icon once to activate an app. The system is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ready so compatible smartphones can easily be connected and the popular apps operated from the display.

The 11-seater cabin
The lengthened wheelbase means a more spacious interior and there’s space for up to 11-persons in the massive cabin. That ‘11-seater’ is mentioned gives it an image of being a minibus though it is far from that! The 4-row/11-seat layout is available when really needed but it is likely that the Carnival will be used as a 7-seater at most with the fourth row folded into the floor. For smaller groups, it can even be configured with four individual rear seats (generously-sized) and a passage between them which can be filled by a table that appears when the middle seats are folded.

2022 Kia Carnival
The centre row can be folded sideways to create a walk-thru aisle to the rear when there are four or more rear passengers, and when the middle seat is folded down, the back of the seat can be turned into a table with cupholders (below).

2022 Kia Carnival

Each seat has 3-point seatbelts and the air-conditioning is well designed to ensure that the last row gets cool air as well. A separate control unit is provided for the rear occupants to adjust their environment for a more comfortable journey.

The Carnival comes with two side doors which are motorized and are ‘smart’ because they can open automatically when you stand next to them (or you can press the key fob button) . To avoid accidents when getting out, the sensors that are used for the blind spot detection are also used to detect vehicles approaching. If a vehicle detected and the door is about to be opened, its operation will be stopped. This is a great safety feature, especially for those with kids who may be eager to rush out when the vehicle is stopped.

2022 Kia Carnival
When 11 seating spaces are not needed, the fourth row can be folded flat and out of sight (below).

2022 Kia Carnival

The back door also has the smart sensing feature which opens it automatically upon approach. While it is certainly a convenient feature, it might not be practical in certain situations. For example, if you are parked near a wall and the door starts to open by itself (when you are nearby), the door may hit the wall or worse, trap you against it! Perhaps the system should detect if there is a wall and deactivate the automatic opening. Or better still, just deactivate the feature in the settings and use the button on the key fob.

Both the front seats have 8-way power adjustment with the driver’s seat having lumbar adjustment as well. The seating position is such that the driver can have a commanding position which is important given the size of the Carnival. In fact, on our drive, we had a rather small-sized person who was not intimidated at all by the vehicle’s size and found easy to drive.

2022 Kia Carnival

Individual safety systems
The latest Carnival comes with a long list of active safety systems but it doesn’t have a suite with a fancy sounding name like many of the new models introduced lately. Besides the airbags at the front, all the side windows have curtain bags which will deploy if the vehicle is hit from the side and by covering the openings, there is reduced risk of someone being ejected if the accident is a violent one.

2022 Kia Carnival
The Surround View Monitor makes it easy to park the large Carnival and the simulated overhead view is detailed enough to help position the vehicle properly in a bay.

An interesting safety system is Multi-Collision Brake Control (MCBC) which reduces the severity of a secondary impact if it occurs after a collision. This can happen after the vehicle is hit and the driver may no longer be in control. When activated, the system measures vehicle speed and any changes of direction, applying the appropriate level of braking force to bring the vehicle to a stop. It may also use the electronic stability control system in some cases but will not activate if the speed is very high as automatic brake intervention at high speeds could cause undesirable vehicle reactions.

Driving impressions
The Carnival imported to Malaysia (and which will be assembled locally in future) comes with only a turbodiesel engine that runs on Euro5 (B7) fuel. This is the new 2.2-litre Smartstream unit that has an aluminium block which saves 38 kgs compared to the previous engine with a cast iron block. It generates 199 bhp with maximum torque of 440 Nm available from 1,750 rpm to 2,750 rpm. The strong low-end torque at the front wheels will be appreciated when the 2,000-kg MPV moves off.

2022 Kia Carnival

Kia has fitted a conventional torque converter automatic transmission and it has a good choice of 8 ratios well matched to the relaxed engine’s characteristics. A rotary knob (with a high quality finish) on the centre console is used for selecting the main operating modes with a PARK button in the middle. The driver can choose drive modes for more acceleration or better economy but we found that the default mode is a good balance and there was no real need to use the other modes.

On the move, the size of the Carnival becomes less apparent the longer you drive it. Thanks to the nicely-weighted motor-assisted steering, the vehicle is easy to maneuver and it doesn’t wallow in corners either. The size and weight became advantageous on highways where there is good stability and the vehicle sits firmly on the road at high speeds. The long wheelbase also smoothens the ride quality although those in the rearmost row will tend to feel bumps a bit more noticeably.

2022 Kia Carnival

For now, the Carnival imported in completely built-up form from Korea is priced at RM196,340.80 (without insurance, Peninsular Malaysia registration). You have a choice of 6 colours, and Dinamikjaya, the new distributor, offers a 5-year vehicle/100,000 km warranty and during the first 5 years (or maximum of 100,000 kms), scheduled maintenance will be free.

It’s no secret that the Carnival will be assembled locally at the Inokom plant in Kedah later this year. And the assembly operations will be managed by Kia Malaysia, which Kia Motors has majority share in. Naturally, when assembled locally, the price will be lower and if Dinamikjaya can maintain a similar level of equipment and features, the Carnival should be a worthwhile buy for those wanting a large MPV. As we said earlier, don’t let the ’11-seater’ description be a turn-off as the extra seats can be out of sight (though not removed).

2022 Kia Carnival

After a period of obscurity, Kia is ready to move forward with great determination and has formulated a plan to grow its volume in the ASEAN region. Having established a new business operation in April this year, the Korean carmaker has a partner – Bermaz Auto – which took over the brand from Naza (along with Peugeot as well). Bermaz Auto and Kia have formed a joint-venture company called Kia Malaysia which will manage the brand’s activities in the country. Distribution and retail operations will be handled by Dinamikjaya Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Bermaz Auto.

Kia Malaysia’s operations will include local assembly, the first time the carmaker is making a direct investment for assembly operations. It considers this to be a key factor for growth as it will enable Kia vehicles to be sold around the ASEAN region at competitive prices. This is because they can be assembled in Malaysia and exported to other markets without import duties imposed by those countries, a privilege accorded by the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) agreement.

Previously, there were some Kia models assembled locally but the volume was small and therefore not efficient. Now, Kia has set a target of 100,000 units in total from 2022 to 2026. The vehicles will be for the Malaysian market as well as export. The export plans are ambitious and will account for more than 50% of annual production each year. By 2026, the company expects to export up to 19,000 units from the 30,000 units targeted for that year.

The vehicles – comprising new generations of the Carnival, Sorento, Sportage and Niro – will be assembled at the Inokom plant in Kedah. This plant, which began operations in the 1990s, assembles for brands such as Mazda, BMW and MINI. Incidentally, among the plant’s shareholder’s is Hyundai Motor Company, which is affiliated with Kia in the Hyundai Motor Group. Hyundai’s share is 15% and it has been a shareholder since the plant started in 1997.

From what Kia Malaysia has revealed of the coming products, all four models will be produced with combustion engines as well as electrified powertrains. The Carnival and Sportage will be hybrid electric while the Sorento and Niro will also have plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains. A fully-electric version of the Niro will also be produced, and this would enjoy attractive incentives offered by the government for battery-electric vehicles.

ICE: Internal Combustion Engine | HEV: Hybrid Electric Vehicle | PHEV: Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle | BEV: Battery Electric Vehicle

The Inokom factory in Kedah which will assemble Kia vehicles. It began operations in 1997 assembling Hyundai and Renault vehicles.

Omitting passenger cars may not be a disadvantage as Kia’s past models have enjoyed limited success. Their SUVs have met with good response and the new Carnival is also a big leap from the previous generation. Now the task for Dinamikjaya will be to assure customers that it will offer the best aftersales support to those who buy a Kia. The company will examine all past promises to customers and see how to best move forward with existing owners.

Teaming up with Bermaz Auto is advantageous for Kia as the team in this company have long experience in all aspects of the auto industry. They are led by Dato’ Seri Ben Yeoh, whose career spans 5 decades, during which time he has been involved in brands like Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Daihatsu, Proton, Mazda, Skoda and Hyundai. Senior members of his team were even involved in setting up and running the Inokom factory before it was acquired by Sime Darby Motors.

Naza Kia Malaysia will be hosting a very exciting Kia Pre-Owned Fest at Naza Automall Petaling Jaya this coming weekend (28-30 June 2019). Around 200 pre-owned Kia vehicles are up for sale and from what we’ve heard, the deals are incredible with prices starting from RM8,000! (more…)

Naza Kia Malaysia has officially launched their latest Kia 3S outlet in Kota Bharu, Kelantan to further strengthen their foothold on the East Coast.

Covering an area of 3,500 square feet of prime space, the latest 3S centre can display up to five new units in the showroom area and a service bay capable or servicing up to 100 Kia vehicles every month. (more…)

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