Actually the Mondeo is a close 2nd behind the 2012 BMW 528i which gives 245hp and 350Nm (in terms of 2.0l D-segment).

Speaking of the CX5, I did test drive one at Glenmarie and the SA told me to 'floor it' when we reached a quiet stretch of road. I did press the pedal (perhaps not to the metal) but the launch feeling was not there and it was a bit disappointing. Usual driving and cruising is fine.

This post has been edited by jchong: Jul 29 2012, 07:17 AM

Kia is also used in the TV series Nikita.

This kind of product placement is part of their marketing and branding strategy. They are aggressively pushing for higher visibility.

Indeed you may have done a lot of analysis and research, but the final decision is only valid for your circumstances, tastes and preferences. While you may debate round and round about the virtues of Kia vs Camry (or any other car) surely you don't expect everybody to think like you and buy the same car as you.

You did your homework and bought the Kia. Good for you. Others did their own homework and bought something else - good for them.

I think the S40 is smaller than the Camry in both exterior dimensions and internal space.

I know you have your views on paying off in 5 years and not wanting to take longer loan.

From a financial perspective, since the car loan rate is fairly low and FD rate is higher, would it not make sense to borrow longer? Then you have more time to take advantage of the difference in rates.

From Wiki:

E21, First generation, 1975–1983
E30, Second generation, 1982–1991
E36, Third generation, 1990–1999
E46, Fourth generation, 1998-2006
E90, Fifth generation, 2005–2012
F30, Sixth generation, 2012

Looks like each generation lasts about 8 years on average. So in 4-5 years time probably still F30.

I think it's only this current Camry that has been criticised for moving backwards. Other current models not affected right? (I'm not sure coz I haven't looked into the others). So it might be unfair to label the whole Toyota company for regressing in SEA.

Anyway, let's hope they don't repeat this and hope the future model specs will be better.

Others may or may not have done as much homework as you. But even if they did as much, doesn't mean they would reach the same conclusion.

When he said government, I think he meant that the local govt does not set good enough min standards for cars sold here.

If the govt mandated VSC, then all manufacturers would have to comply.

Your town mileage is in line with expectation. But the 100% highway one is not so good. Probably due to gearbox - is it 4-speed?

In my Camry 2.4 (last gen) I can get a bit over 15km/l for 100% highway driving. Normally I cruise at 110km/h (and the revs is about 2000 rpm).

The on board gauge is optimistic So I also measure according to fill up, like your methodology. I think this is the best way to do it.

The gauge is optimistic like I said above. To verify, calculate your km/l using the fill up method like what Arcarius mentioned. Then compare against the gauge.

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Added on July 31, 2012, 2:20 pmDoesn't really matter if the XV50 has eco mode or not. Some cars have it, some don't. We're more interested in testing the mileage of each car 'as is'.

This post has been edited by jchong: Jul 31 2012, 02:20 PM

Unfortunately those early versions probably left a bad impression in their minds. So they are unwilling to try the new versions. Perhaps one day they will change their mind.

When it comes to Korean cars it's a trust and perception issue. Those are the biggest obstacles they have to overcome in the minds of Malaysians.

You know the saying "once bitten, twice shy". Past owners who've had a bad experience with the older Korean cars still won't trust the new ones. Logic has nothing to do with it.

A short test drive won't allay the fears of these people. They are concerned about problems in the long term and other hidden issues which a test drive won't reveal. So in the end they choose a 'safer' brand, even though sometimes the specs don't look as good on paper.

Bro, you are also doing your fair share of "continuously harping" You have reiterated your points about Kia many times. Let those who wish to listen, listen and those who don't, continue with their ways. The way you're going on and on about it makes you sound like a Kia evangelist (perhaps you are).

Just as you ask people to "appreciate the significant efforts made by Kia & Hyundai in the past 3-5 yrs", of which some do (and hence that is why we see more Kias on the road) you must also appreciate that some don't or perhaps not yet ready to see it.

It's going to take time to build the trust. And that trust is a very intangible thing. No doubt the Koreans have made significant strides in the last few years - the design is much better, safety ratings are good and they are also playing the value card by incorporating lots of features. For some this is the tipping point, for others they still maintain the "wait and see" attitude. Might take a few more years before they change their mind.

No I haven't read all of your posts.

I said you don't appreciate this or that because you keep repeating and pushing the same points. It's like you're still trying very hard to convince people. If you truly appreciate the fact that some people may disagree with you or form a different opinion than you then it's time to give it a rest. You have already put your points forward in many posts previously.

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Added on August 1, 2012, 12:09 pm

Not in so many words. But buyers of the new Camry are made to feel like they made the wrong choice, that their selection of the Camry was shortsighted, etc...

This post has been edited by jchong: Aug 1 2012, 12:09 PM

I read a few of the articles on ehow. Some of them give a different picture and I'm not sure of the expertise of the writers.

Anyway, this is a more interesting read: http://www.importtuner.com/features/0610im...al/viewall.html

Because of all the words that fly from this forum. Because some people who think they are smarter than others also let their words fly.

Everybody has different skin thickness. The thick-skinned ones can handle all kinds of abuse, the thin-skinned ones more sensitive. Your posts are very self-centric, you assume others think like you or behave like you. Just because you have a certain mindset, that you can handle criticism easily or are a professional, you think that others share the same traits. People are different.


What kind of flak are you taking for the K5? From whom?

It's been fine for the last 5 years and 130,000+ kms. Just the usual routine maintenance every 10k km. Only thing that has failed is the reverse sensor - too bad it was outside the 3-year warranty period.

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Added on August 1, 2012, 3:18 pmUh, isn't this the wrong thread to ask about the Optima transmission?

This post has been edited by jchong: Aug 1 2012, 03:21 PM

Hope you're not living in fantasyland. Where got any car no problem whatsoever? I'm sure you remember the huge recall Toyota did in USA.

... or is that sarcasm I detect in your post?