Naza Kia to Launch Six New Models in Malaysia This Year

2017 looks like it is going to be a very busy year ahead for Naza Kia Malaysia, the authorised distributor of Kia vehicles in Malaysia as the company today announced its intentions to launch at least six new models by the end of year.

The models include:

Third-generation Picanto

Featuring a redesigned exterior, interior, as well as a wheelbase that is longer by 15 mm, the new Picanto also gets more colours this time, complementing the already available wide range of funky colours. All set to make its official global debut in Geneva in March, the car also comes in the sporty GT-line guise. 

​Fourth-generation Rio

This is the fourth generation of the Rio and it features a completely new look, with an updated front end styling, ‘bi-function’ lights, longer bonnet and front overhang, and new creases. Overall it’s longer than before (15mm) and a tad lower (5mm) with a 10mm longer wheelbase. The new Rio also gets Kia’s Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) as standard. Providing power for the car is Kia’s latest three-cylinder 1.0-litre T-GDI (turbo gasoline direct injection) engine with either 98 or 118bhp.  

Fourth-generation Optima

Although at first glance the fourth-generation Optima looks like just a facelift, Kia claims the exterior design is all-new. The body has marginally grown in size compared to the previous car, with 10mm added to the wheelbase and height, and a 25mm increase in width. Inside, the dash has been redesigned with an upper 'display' zone with the central touchscreen, and a lower 'control' zone with individual banks of buttons. More upmarket materials also feature, while the 8-inch touchscreen is new and features Kia's real-time infotainment services.

Sportage Diesel

Currently offered only with a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine producing 155 PS and 192 Nm of torque, the diesel variant of the new Sportage, which will be launched this year will be much cleaner and more powerful, kicking out 182 PS of total output. With all the bells and whistles offered as standard, the diesel variant promises to be the more sensible choice compared to the petrol variant available now. 

Sorento Diesel (Top spec)

Already launched in Malaysia last May, Naza Kia said that it will be adding a high-spec diesel variant of the new Sorento to the line up this year. We can expect the full-spec variant to have a few features that were available in the petrol version but not in the diesel, such as Bluetooth connectivity, a reverse camera, 19-inch wheels, larger touch-screen, as well as powered seats among others.  

Grand Carnival

While the Grand Carnival is already available in showrooms nationwide, it is yet to be launched officially. So, we can expect the 8-seater MPV to be the first to be officially launched in the lot.

Having gone through a complete transformation from what it was, the Grand Carnival now measures at 5,115mm long, 1,985mm wide and 1,740mm tall and comes with a wheelbase length of 3,060 mm long.

Featuring a more modern and bolder appearance, the Grand Carnival's exterior is highlighted by a new muscular front fascia, a fully integrated version of Kia's signature grille, xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, 19-inch wheels, powered sliding doors, a powered tailgate, as well as a roof spoiler.

Inside, the eight-seater MPV offers 960-litres of luggage space with all the seats up, and with the second and third row folded, the MPV offers a massive 4,022 litres for owners to store their belongings. 

Offered with 5-years warranty, the Grand Carnival is powered by the same 2.2-litre diesel engine as the Sorento, paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox. 

On another note, the company also announced that it is currently in the midst of elevating the brand value for Kia, where it is destined to become a more premium brand compared to what it is now.

That said, we can expect the prices of the models to increase as well, but nothing has been confirmed as far as the pricing goes. So, we shall wait and find out.