This is my hypothesis on the current CBU dilemma.

I believe the news for first 500 units CBU is true. But formally (in black and white declaration to Gov), they have to declare it CKD. The reason behind it, I'm not too sure, but we can always speculate. I believe this part of the story is true because, two different salesman from different showroom told me the same story (actually, one of them was station in Pavillion during the launch, I was there).

And both salesman told me that 2.0 will not be delivered to peninsular customer because all 2.0 cars are ship to Langkawi, there is a great demand there for 2.0. That is the reason behind the waiting list of 2.0. My guess is, they didn't expect the car to be selling like hot cakes.

In FB, Kia Malaysia deny the fact that there are 500 units of CBU.

Another hypothesis is, Kia Malaysia is telling the truth but the % of localise parts is 0% at the moment. Naza purely do assembling of car only. I tend not to go with this story, even though it is high probable it is correct.
Why?

This is because the basic CKD Naza could do is to assemble car tyres and rim. Did you guys realised that all the show unit in Naza has a Korean make Tyre! (this includes the show unit in Pavilion) Go take a look, tyre also cannot assemble meh... this simple prove give me the very confident that its CBU.. can somebody go and take the picture of the tyre and post it here? hehehee... then lets see whether we can buy the tyre brand and model here in Malaysia

This post has been edited by victoryong: Nov 30 2009, 10:13 PM

Ok, its a kumho. Kumho Korean tyre is sold in Malaysia. Can't really see the model from the picture.. maybe should go and visit the showroom again.. check whether the model exist in Malaysia

I copy and paste from Kia Malaysia FB. If you guys really want to know good info about Forte. Join FB Kia Malaysia fan page la.. give some support and feedback too.. :-P
---
KIA MALAYSIA1) Please go to http://www.safercar.gov/
2) Click on the centre section titled 'CRASH TEST & ROLLOVER RATINGS' with a picture of an SUV and 5 large stars beneath it.
3) Choose Class: Passenger Car
4) Choose Year: 2010
5) Choose Make: Kia
6) Choose Model: Forte
7) Click on button View 2010 Kia Forte
8) Click on 2010 Kia Forte 4-DR. w/SAB (Later release)
9) View entire crash test report
---

FORTE 1.6 (EX & SX):
1) julz76 (SX - Metal Bronze)
2) jimmy.soo (SX - Titanium Silver)
3) 0hmyg0d (SX - clear white)
4) ylchew77 (SX - clear white or black) er... not metalic white meh?
5) yhlee12 (SX - titanium silver)
6) iluvena (SX - clear white)
7) fezbone84 (SX - black)
8) ansonyyc (SX - metal bronze)
9) titarium (SX - white/silver/M.silver)
10) Fortelover (SX - Clear White)
11) saimatkong (SX - clear white)
12) Spawnster (SX - Clear White/Bright Silver)
13) kinraraTKK2 (SX - clear white/titanium silver)
14) shamsul_LP (SX - spicy red/black)
15) kennyphan (SX - clear white) *change from 2.0 to 1.6
16) perfect7g (EX - titanium silver)
17) winlose2582 (SX - Clear White/Titanium Silver/Metal Bronze)
18) ameoba73 (SX Bright Silver)
19) 4te (SX Titanium Silver)
20) victoryong (SX - spicy red)

FORTE 2.0SX:
1) bomberman (Titanium Silver)
2) yvroomc (Titanium Silver)
3) phelix (Clear White)
4) twtang (Titatinium Silver)
5) jackyap84 (Clear white)
6) teeym (clear white)
7) izputra (White/Red/Bronze)
8) sam99my (Clear White)
9) wsd3m0n (Titanum Silver)

To confirmed the feature. I experience the auto lock for 1.6SX. It will auto lock at certain speed. Looks like from now onwards Honda Civic can't be use as benchmark liao..

Recently found out that our neighbour, Singapore is having a major issue with Kia Forte windscreen defect. Some Kia Forte owner had 3 times windscreen crack. Check this link out Singapore Kia Forte Windscreen Crack . This defect is acknowledge by Kia and Singapore Kia Forte users are getting free replacement, even after warranty expire. There is no solution to this problem at the moment.

Should we get clarification from NazaKia first before proceed with our buy. What do you guys think? Personally, I'll rather burn my booking fee than suffer with the windscreen crack all the time.

This post has been edited by victoryong: Dec 2 2009, 01:04 AM

Since this is quite serious. I would like to know whether, you are assuming that Naza will replace the windscreen without charges or this piece of information comes from the horses mouth?

Concern whether Naza will honour to fix this defect without cost.

Yup, done that. I'll give the call centre a call tomorrow morning. I'm in the final round of getting a Forte and accidentally bump into this subject. Paid booking fee, loan approved, down payment already given to SA. Will call SA to hold on to my cheque until I get an answer from NazaKia. Better to be sure (even if I get a CKD only) than suffer later... I feel really sad

This post has been edited by victoryong: Dec 2 2009, 01:33 AM

To update you guys on this subject. Need to be fair, I'm not here to start rumours :-P

Post this on FB, got a reasonable answer from Kia Malaysia. Don't think we can aspect much when since it did not happen in Malaysia. At least, all of Forte buyer is in the know. Weight the pros and cons, and make a decision. If it does happen, I hope all Forte buyer, will work together to make sure the issue is resolved.

I tried to call NazaKia toll free number to get clarification from Customer Service.. then I got a wrong number notice on phone.. guess what! I was in Bangkok for business and I go and call Malaysia toll free number

---
KIA MALAYSIAVictor thanks for highlighting this. We are fully aware of the information on the net that you posted and are monitoring the situation here in Malaysia closely.

There has been no occurence in Malaysia and you do not have to worry about this at all.

We are fully prepared to take immediate countermeasures should there be any complaints whatsoever
---

Spicy red is available. Which SA did you go to? If they are not interested in Selling you spicy red, go to Taman Maluri SA. They will sell you spicy red. All colour is currently available. I'm not too sure why some SA refuse to sell certain colours.

As far as I understand, the car is not delivered by batches. They will allocate car after book fees paid + down payment paid + loand approved, car will then be allocated and delivered to customer.

ooOoo.. I'm speaking about SX models

Can I suggest we transfer this discussion to http://www.kiafortemalaysia.com/ ;-)

it will more structured and will benefit future Forte buyers/owners.

hehehe.. what is V1?

eheehhe.. just as suggestion.. :-D

I heard the same from Cheras SA. But he added, when they say CBU its actually 99% CBU. Maybe by then tyre and rim is locally made. It will take some time for Naza to source for the parts.. Technically, its call CKD 1% 99%CBU

Congrats on the new Forte! Enjoy the ride!

Everybody is busy with Julz new Forte.. you came in the wrong time..

I assume you are referring to the driver side front door button, that is black in colour. The black colour button is used to unlock the car, this is provided the car is able to detect the keyless remote. E.g. with the remote keyless in your pocket, walk towards the car, press the black button and the car doors will open. Hope this info helps

Just curious, how many keyless remote they will provide the owners?

you planning to change car colour?

Yesterday they told me only black & silver is available. Spicy red have to wait.. looks.. like for those with spicy red, it will be at least another 1 month wait..