perhaps u should look for 2012 cr-v or cx-5

Naza Ria was a problem vehicle from day 1 the same as the Kia Spectra. So dont use these old problematic models as comparison for the current models. There are totally different.

What other better SUV's can u get for RM 135K+? Kindly elaborate.

Your classification for build quality is based solely on the uneven welding on the exhaust mounting?

So how would you explain the 12 Ferrari 458 Italia's which caught fire in 2010 in numerous locations worldwide? What quality is that according to your definition?

Another criteria to take into consideration is safety. This is an aspect which Kia has focussed on with the new design change.

Check out the American NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) website on the safety ratings for various cars.

http://www.safercar.gov/Vehicle+Shoppers/5...-Newer+Vehicles

The Kia Optima got a 5 Star rating on all aspects including frontal, side and rollover impact. Beat even the new BMW 5 Series & upcoming 2012 Toyota Camry which scored only 4 stars in frontal impact (rest 5 stars). Mazda 6 fared even worse in frontal impact with only 3 stars.

VW Jetta also didnt fare well with only 4 stars for frontal and rollover impact with an overall 4 star rating only. Passat 1.8TSI got 4 stars for rollover impact while 5 stars for the rest.

The Kia Sportage performed better than the BMW X3 & new Range Rover Evoque in the 2011 Euro NCAP results scoring higher ratings for adult, child and safety.

http://www.euroncap.com/results/kia/sportage/2010/414.aspx

Note:

For your info, the American NHTSA and Euro NCAP ratings are the best in the world but there are differences between these 2 so you cant really take 1 to be better than the other. For instance, the NHTSA frontal crash speed is 57kmph while the Euro NCAP is 64kmph. But side impact, NHTSA is 62kmph while Euro NCAP is only 50kmph. Other safety ratings from Japan and Australia are a step lower than these 2.

Safety excellence is always due to 2 factors: Safety accessories and stronger body. Kia has proven that they have excelled in both these aspects with their new generation of cars.

well like i say it is my opinion. you can agree or not.

for the same price tag.. probably he's not really looking into SUV
at the moment..sportage is the most affordable with great features and quality in its segment

Well since this is a forum, opinions are open for discussions rite? So u have my point of view...lets hear yours.

yup ditched the idea of getting a SUV. my major turn off point is the ride comfort especially in the back where i will ferry my parents a lot.

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Added on May 7, 2012, 9:21 pmthe welding actually shows how passionate are the people making the car. i am not saying it is bad but they could do much better as it has bad workmanship.

This post has been edited by wsmw: May 7 2012, 09:21 PM

so, which car did you choose in the end? since u don't really fancy sportage/tucson.

still hunting. any suggestion?

not really.

i thought you already found one good car and maybe can share the review with us.

i do ferry my parents alot too.. but with the opposite experience.. they said it is quite comfortable to sit at the back and being in SUV (big & high car).. they hv feeling it is alot safer than being in sedan

In bolehland foreign safety test don't mean anything as the vehicles are bare and kosong I.e Camry 2air bag. But Sportage is special comes full loaded in area of safety

haha good one, T&H stripped everything down, only Korean and Conti still give nice packages.

Actually if you buy Camry you in the demographic of buyers that would stand to lose a lot more financially in the event of accidents.

International safety ratings do mean alot. If the car with all its top notch specs overseas get average ratings, just imagine how the ratings would be for our local stripped down versions!

Just trust me and go for the Kia Optima K5. I test drove it 9 times before buying not to mention extensive online research & evaluation. At RM 143,888 OTR its the best bang for buck car out there with its top notch specs, excellent safety standards, good build quality, ample interior space and good handling. Not to mention the 5 years unlimited mileage manufacturers warranty (not 3+2). After sales service is also quite good now with Kia. Many positive comments from owners.

This post has been edited by cybermaster98: May 8 2012, 08:54 AM

OMG crv. That car still in the market?

yes, shudder to think what would happen

i don't understand our buyers and sellers of cars. We have bad tar roads, heavy traffic, heavy ran, lots of industrial trailers which spill oil on the road, contractors makan bribe and build not spec road, low maintenance and the notorius malaysian drivers. IN malaysian there is non official speed limit in housing estates, highways. We speed to the max where there is no police like federal highway at night, long stretches of housing estates roads like usj

and yet safety is not important. ABS not important, air bag 2bags only, traction controll nope, milo tin design
yet our buyers never press the car seller for better safety. They believe salesman say that in japan 2 air bag good enough but japan roads are pristine, no lorries leaving oil on the road, rain is less there

ya..u got the point bro..
but i think jap specs and specs here is like heaven and hell..
jap always give the best to their country