Kia has just launched a new 2016 Optima over at the New York Motor Show. It basically is better equipped and features a lighter and stiffer chassis than before as it uses more high tensile steel throughout the car. It looks pretty much like the model it replaces and to me it looks more like a major facelift or revision of the previous model with extensive chassis modifications done. All the better if the driving experience is improved.




But what made me open my eyes a little was the fact that there were major changes to the engine lineup -

 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 185 bhp (137 kW) and 178 lb-ft (241 Nm) of torque
Tturbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 178 bhp (132 kW) and 195 lb-ft (264 Nm) of torque
Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 247 bhp (184 kW) and 260 lb-ft (352 Nm) of torque
The first two engines  are connected to a six-speed automatic transmission, while the 1.6-liter turbo is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

Over here in Malaysia we get the 165hp (121kw) 196Nm (145lb-ft) 2.0liter Nu 4 cylinder engine coupled to a 6 speed automatic transmission. The car would be an interesting drive if Kia Malaysia decides to bring in the 1.6gdi Turbo engine mentioned above. 178bhp AND 264Nm torque would be really interesting. And if its a 1.6liter engine, only RM90 for the road tax yearly.

Come on Kia. Bring this to Malaysia ASAP.

Let's just do everything in short little blurbs.

National Automotive Policy
The National Automotive Policy was announced recently and basically there is really nothing for most of us Malaysians to get worked up about. As I've already posted on motoring-malaysia.s Facebook page, the summary is as follows:
NAP2014 in a nutshell...no more cheap imported hybrids after existing stocks run out except for CKD. Which is only one car at this moment- Honda Jazz hybrid.

Malaysia will be energy efficient car producing hub and such cars produced here and sold may get tax incentives. This means cars with hybrid, electric, bluemotion, blueeffiency, efficientdynamics, passmotion, locomotion, etc (see which two i made up).

APs stay the same plan of supposedly getting rid of them and as usual some review on them APs. I.e same shit till 2015.

Excise duty will not be abolished as the government needs it to fatten up its coffers but expect a gradual cut of taxes and duties from now on. Boo...as we're still going to pay huge amounts of taxes but the 'upside' is the fact thst your second hand car resale prices dont plummet like crazy.

Lucky there isnt some STUPID end of life policy in there (just some voluntary inspection request to vehicle owners - which is obviously unnecessary as do you really, really, really see any cars on the road that are disasters waiting to happen? No..there aren't many and notice that most of the accidents are caused by stupidity, carelessness and recklessness) . I'm still reading the text of the speech...will update more if necessary

Ron95 Petrol Subsidy to be given to those that deserve it.

I'm sorry. I deserve it as much as the next person as my cars all state that they should use a minimum of RON95. Anyway, what kind of system should be use to determine whether we are eligible or not for the subsidised petrol price? Would I still get a subsidy if I drove my 1998 Proton Wira instead of my 2012 Mercedes as I own more than one car? Would I need some ridiculous sounding 'Kad Petrol 1 Malaysia' that I would need to show to get the subsidy? Would the subsidy only be applied to Perodua Viva or cars below 1000cc?

Too many variables for something like this to be done properly. Let's just wait and see. Anyway, what was stated by Tengku Adnan Mansor, Federal Territories Minister has already been taken out of context and spun round and around already. The truth of the matter is that the matter is still under discussion and I suppose, with this uproar it'll quieten down for a while and things remain the same for a while longer. Typical.

2014 Toyota Altis Launched.

Same as the All-new Toyota Vios. You get average technology with a badge every Malaysian loves. And decent looks too (which will attract a lot of buyers) Buy the car. Be normal. Be safe. Be just like any other Ah Kau, Ahmad, Arumugam who buys Toyotas. Be a face in the crowd. Don't stand out. No. That Altis with a bodykit does not make it a Lexus LFA okay.

I have written about this car in two earlier posts. Just look for it if you have the time. I just don't have the passion to write about this cash cow of a car anymore. Typically Toyota. reliable as heck, slightly dull but a sure seller.

Facelifted 2014 Kia Optima K5 Launched

This one I quite like. You get LED driving lights in the redesigned front end, a diffuser-like rear bumper for the rear, a new flat bottomed steering wheel (very sporty), 6 airbags (very safe), a whole lot of features and really good looking 18inch alloy wheels (the pre-facelift ones were horrid). All for a RM149,888 completely imported from South Korea. It also comes with 5 years unlimited mileage warranty and most probably free servicing for at leat 3 years too.

I like this new look. Those LEDs and rear diffuser make the car look better. Those wheels however make the car look better. The old disc-like multi spoke ones were cheap looking and made this Korean car look like some...well, cheap Korean car. This one is better. Question is would you take this car over the newly launched Honda Accord or not?