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

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

Yes agreed 100%. Malaysians place too much emphasis on cosmetical specs. Safety is always a backseat option. The Europeans are well ahead of the rest of the world in terms of safety. For instance, effective this year all new cars in the European Union must be fitted with Vehicle Stability Control or similar. And here we are in Malaysia still trying to make ppl wear rear seat belts.

Sportage has better specs and surely looks much better. Hyundai somehow looked good only when they were launched. Same with the Sonata. Now that Kia has come in with their better looking Sportage and Optima, the Hyundais somehow dont look that great now.

Its the same with the Optima. Both have low range pickup but the power kicks in at mid range. If u see the torque curve, ull see.

Yes its quite good. Even the Peugeot 508 has got good pickup with its 240nm torque.