Well said. Most ppl dont realise that the Optima comes with UV cut glass which reduces the heat alot. I too planned to have tint installed but once i started driving i noticed that tinting wasnt really neccessary. My car spends a good deal of time in the sun too (which is why i went for silver) and it doesnt get that hot. In fact, the heat is about the same as my previous Vios with 50% UV protection.

So guys, dont be in a hurry to tint your car. Drive it for about 2 weeks and see first.

I dont think the tint is gonna keep out someone planning to steal your laptop left on the seat la.

Anyway, what mod u did with the mood lights? I really want mine to be more visible.

I too was planning to change to Michelin but then after driving for some time i feel that the Nexen tyre noise is not as bad as i expected. Surely u cant compare with a Michelin but do keep in mind that changing all 4 tyres to something like Michelin would cost you about 3-4K. As far as braking efficiency and road grip is concerned, its quite ok. Not the best for sure but not bad either. You dont need to worry too much as the car's safety features are also good.

So in short, i didnt think that spending 3-4K to change tyres now was a good decision. Ill change when the tyres wear off in a year or two.

The better tyre would be the Goodyear Eagle F1 Assymetric 2. I heard the PS4 is already in the making.

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Added on June 26, 2012, 3:28 pmYes new tyre models are coming out every few months. So im not gonna change the Nexen now unless i have good reason for it. Ive driven at high speeds on the highway during heavy rain and the tyres did not disappoint. No loss of grip and braking distance is quite ok. Maybe cuz its still new but ill see in about 6 months time.

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Added on June 26, 2012, 3:32 pmIt depends against which tyre he is comparing. If he compares against a NCT 5 tyre, the Nexen would be super quiet.

Anyway, i wont really trust tyre shops about tyre ratings. Most tyre shops will talk very positively about tyres which they wanna push off fast or tyres which are their backbone. Best way to know is to go online and read independent reviews. Many good websites out there. But dont just go for brand. A Michelin may not always be the best. Go for value for money.

Many think the Michelin PS3 is the best out there for this range of cars but in actual fact its the Goodyear Eagle F1 Assy 2 which comes out top.

This post has been edited by cybermaster98: Jun 26 2012, 03:38 PM

The PS3 and Assy 2 are top of the range tyres while the NCT is just entry level. Nexen 8000 is somewhere in between. Both PS3 and Assy 2 is about RM900 or less a piece depending on the shop.

Not sure. Could be. But why bother going for another Nexen tyre if your intent is to change?

No, Assy 2 comes in 235. I checked earlier tis year. Aiya how much extra consumption are u talkin about la. Almost negligible la. Assy 2 is a much better tyre than the PS3 in many ways. Also more quieter im told.

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Added on June 27, 2012, 12:30 amNope. The Optima does not come with any electronic valve control for the steering. Thats why the steering is quite heavy in town driving. BUt when speed increases, its flexibility also increases which is not how a variable power assisted steering should work.

The SC said they will replace my rear shock absorbers first and then see the effect on the steering. But i doubt thats gonna solve the problem.

Btw, i wont trust the SA at all. I did 9 test drives at different showrooms and out of all the SA's i spoke to only 1 guy at Red Cube PJ knew what he was talkin about. The rest of them ended up getting more info about the car from me. So no, i dont have any faith in these guys. Their product knowledge is really dismal.

This post has been edited by cybermaster98: Jun 27 2012, 12:32 AM

Of course can. Its just a slightly wider tyre thats all.

I started at 7.30am.

Problem is many of the SC centres are still learning about the car since its so new. But ill check up for sure.

Is there Kia Optima in Europe?

Wider tyres give you more road surface contact hence better grip and handling especially in wet weather. But some tyres while giving u extra width, also reduce the height thus making the tyre more successible to damage. But since u said its not the case with the Assy 2, then i guess its not an issue.

My only question is what's the meaning of revs per mile? i mean i know the meaning of revs but what does this info mean and how does it benefit / disadvantage?

Yes i understand the meaning but how does it benefit us? Saves fuel? Doubt it.

But right now, Kia Malaysia's warranty terms are the class leading in Malaysia. Even VW's terms cant match Kia's.

Kia warranty is 5 years unlimited mileage manufacturer's warranty while VW warranty is 2+3 years unlimited mileage warrnty with only the first 2 years under VW and the remaining 3 years under insurance or limited warranty.

Peugeot was always 3 years warranty until a few months ago when they introduced the 3+2 system. If u check the VW website, its still showing the 3+2 system with unlimited mileage for both new and old cars still under warranty. I dont see the full 5 years manufacturer's warranty mentioned anywhere.

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Added on June 27, 2012, 5:56 pmIve heard price increases being mentioned by almost all car manufacturers as a means of pushing sales. BUt rarely have i actually seen a price increase. I dont think Kia would be foolish to increase price at a time when they are trying to boost sales for the Optima.

This post has been edited by cybermaster98: Jun 27 2012, 05:56 PM

Importance of Electronic Stability Program (ESC):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3m24bjkfg0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQq-4KYBxsI


This post has been edited by cybermaster98: Jun 27 2012, 07:31 PM

Yes we know bro. We've been closely monitoring the Camry long before its launch.

KL number plate reached WXA today. Just imagine exactly 2 months ago, it was only WWR.

Yes ill let the others be the guinea pigs & try out the various mods. Right now, i wanna focus on making sure the steering and other small issues are resolved first. Mods and other 'upgrades' can wait.