Preventive Maintenance at 1,000 KM

Did my 1,000 KM preventive maintenance for Kia Forte today morning. Besides carrying out the 1K service, I reported the following issues at Jalan Cheras Naza Kia Service Centre (SC).

1. Rattling noise at passenger side door
2. Left hand side pull while driving the car; only noticeable if drove at speed above 100 km / h
3. Very faint squeaking noise. Gear set to neutral, press accelerator. Squeaking is faint and only at the start of the rev..

Kia Forte's Smart Key

Any decent modern car comes with a car remote. A basic car remote allows the car owner to open and shut its doors at a distance. Typically, the remote is attached to the car key for convenience (one part remote another key). Kia Forte however comes with, what we call a Smart Key (applicable to SX model only). The Smart Key, is part of Kia Forte's Remote Keyless Entry system, what? Did you just say Remote Keyless Entry... Yes, its a mouth full just to say it correctly, and it is one car feature that you don't want to miss.

Pricing Effective from 1 Nov 2009

Effective from 1 November 2009. Naza brought in 3 different specs of Kia Forte. I've scan the price list of all three models. From left, 1.6EX, 1.6SX, and 2.0SX

Malaysia Kia Forte (aka Forte) Brochure

Interested in buying a Forte? But unable to visit Naza Kia Showroom due to commitments at work. I've scan a copy of Forte's Brochure.

My Kia Forte's Fuel Consumption

Last Updated on 11 Jan 10

Will try to update the Fuel Consumption of my Kia Forte as frequent as possible. Especially, within the first two service intervals (1,000km and 10,000km). Fuel Consumption details will be read on each fueling.

Summary
I was advise not to 'sayang' my drive from Kia Specialist, he told me to drive normally, the gearbox's fuzzy logic will adapt according to my driving style. I've start to just drive without thinking of the FC. I'm enjoying.. it.. . Best FC: 11.78 KM/L , Worse FC: 9.2 KM/L.

FAQ on FC Manual Calculation
1. Where do I read the distance (in KM)?
[Answer] Trip Meter during each refuel
2. Where do I read the Fuel amount (in Liter)?
[Answer] From the petrol station, during refuel

Here are my latest Fuel Consumption Readings,

Top 10 Tips for Improving Your Fuel Economy

Hope this Article is will help those interested in improving their Fuel Economy.

Article extracted from Edmunds.com Top 10 Tips for Improving Your Fuel Economy
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Top 10 Tips for Improving Your Fuel Economy
By Tara Baukus Mello
Email

Filling up is a fact of every driver's life, but for some drivers it is a necessary evil. If you are one of those people who gulps every time you have to fill up your vehicle, there's good news: there are some simple things you can do to improve your fuel economy no matter what type of vehicle you drive.

Monitoring your average fuel economy regularly is a good idea, too. (Some vehicles have a handy computer that computes this for you.) If you notice a significant change, then something has changed with your vehicle.

Here are 10 things you can do today to get better gas mileage right away.

1. Follow the Recommended Maintenance
   A vehicle that is well maintained means it will operate with greater efficiency. This not only improves your overall vehicle performance, but it will improve your fuel economy as well. Fouled spark plugs or a clogged fuel filter will affect your fuel economy. Proper maintenance also means using the right octane gas and the recommended grade of motor oil. Using the recommended types for your vehicle will give you optimum fuel economy — and can save you money as well. Check your owner's manual for your vehicle's recommendations and have maintenance performed regularly by a dealer or reputable mechanic.
2. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated
   Underinflated tires require more energy to roll, which translates into more frequent fill-ups. You can improve your fuel economy by about 3.3 percent if you keep your tires inflated properly, according to the DOE. The psi number noted on the sidewall of your tires is the maximum pressure of the tire and is not the proper inflation level for your car. Your vehicle manufacturer will list the recommended tire pressure in your owner's manual or a sticker on the doorjamb of the driver-side door. Buy a tire-pressure gauge and check your tires monthly, adding air as necessary.
3. Take a Load Off 
   Heavier vehicles require more energy to move, so carrying around excess weight will also affect your mileage. Empty out your trunk (or even your backseat) of unnecessary items. An extra 100 pounds in the trunk will reduce your fuel economy by 1 to 2 percent in the typical vehicle. If you have a roof rack or roof carrier, install it on your vehicle only when absolutely necessary. Not only does the carrier add extra weight, but it also increases the aerodynamic drag on the vehicle, which further contributes to a loss of fuel economy.
4. Don't Drive Aggressively
   We're not talking road rage here, but the type of driving many people do when they are in a rush. Mashing the accelerator pedal from a stoplight, braking hard and speeding all contribute to a decrease in fuel economy. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination and think "steady and smooth" as you drive. On surface streets, driving at the speed limit will give you mostly green lights, which improves your gas mileage as well as reduces the wear on your brakes. On the highway, the DOE says that every 5 mph you drive over 65 mph represents a 7-percent decrease in fuel economy.
5. Use the Highest Gear Possible
   Cars are designed to start in the lowest gear possible because that's where they have the most power, but that power translates to an increase in fuel consumption. To improve your fuel economy, drive in the highest gear possible when you are cruising at a steady speed, such as on the highway. If your vehicle has an automatic transmission with a "sport" mode, it's most likely that this is a computer program designed to shift later (and therefore keep you in a lower gear longer). While this gives you greater performance, driving in "sport" mode will also decrease your fuel economy.
6. Use Cruise Control — Selectively
   Using cruise control can improve your gas mileage by helping you maintain a steady speed, but only if you are driving on mostly flat roads. If you are driving in hilly terrain, using cruise control typically causes your vehicle to speed up faster (to maintain the preset speed) than it would if you were operating the accelerator yourself. Before you push that cruise control button, think about the terrain ahead.
7. Think Clean
   Keeping your car washed and waxed improves aerodynamics and therefore affects fuel economy. Engineer Tom Wagner, Jr. reported to Stretcher.com (as in stretching your dollars) a 7-percent improvement in fuel economy, from 15 to 16 mpg, during a 1,600-mile road trip.
8. Avoid Excessive Idling
   When a car is idling, it is using fuel, yet not going anywhere. This translates to 0 mpg. When you leave your car running while you are waiting in line at the drive-thru, or as you wait outside your kids' school, you are wasting fuel. It is more efficient to turn the engine off while you wait and then restart the car. If that's not practical (like in the line at McDonald's), then park the car and go inside instead.
9. Think Before You Vent(ilate)
   Running your air conditioner does cause your vehicle to consume more fuel, but driving with your windows rolled down can be even worse due to the increase of drag on the vehicle. If you are driving slowly, such as around town or in city traffic, then you are better off leaving your windows open, if at all possible. For highway driving, roll up the windows and turn the air conditioning on.
10. Combine Your Errands
    A little planning can make a big difference in fuel economy. When your engine is cold, it uses more fuel than when it is warm. Combining errands can improve your gas mileage because your engine will be warm for more of the trip. It might also mean you travel less total miles. According to the DOE, several short trips all begun with a cold start can use twice as much fuel as a single, longer trip that covers the same distance.

Kia Forte Design by Peter Schreyer

Many compare Kia Forte and Honda Civic's (8th generation) design. To be frank, with one look both does look similar. But a closer look at Kia Forte's design, you will find that Kia Forte's curves are refine and subtle, very European like...

The clean lines couple with the 17" wheels, leaves no complaints from many, including me. In fact, those whom shun past Kia's cars are now impressed with Kia's design. Thanks to Peter Schreyer, Design Director at Kia Motors.

A brief history of Peter Schreyer, he worked in Audi for more than 25 years and created the original Audi TT that we know today. Also worked with Volkswagen, he is the designer of VW new Beetle and Volkswagen Concept R roadster. Let's hear what the man behind the Kia Forte design have to say about the car's styling.

Kia Forte News & Awards

(Last updated on 06 Jan 2010)


Awards
NADAguides.com Awards 2010 Kia Forte "Car of the Year" at the Los Angeles International Auto Show

The Straits Time Car of the Year 2009 (Family Saloon Category)


News
Kia to work with Lotus on ride and handling

Kia Forte Crash Test Videos

How safe is Kia Forte? US NHTSA rate it at 5 Star.

2010 KIA Forte/Cerato NHTSA Frontal Impact

2010 KIA Forte/Cerato Sedan NCAP Side Pole Impact (New NHTSA Test)

2010 KIA Forte/Cerato NCAP Side Impact (New NHTSA Test)

Naza Kia Customer Careline I

The official name for Kia Malaysia's customer service is Naza Kia Customer Careline. The hotline is 1-800-888-KIA (542).

Yesterday (Monday; 21 Dec 09), I called Customer Careline to lodge a report on the Kia Forte's headlight condensation defect. Two items which I wanted them to look into are,

1. Service centre do not want to write a report on the headlight condensation defect. They will write a report only if I have a photograph of the headlight condensation. Why are they reluctant to write down in the service order what I've reported?
2. Since this is a known defect, why aren't the mechanic informed about it. Kia should have a solution by now.

The Customer Careline personnel told me they will investigate the matter and get back to me. Lets see how will they handle this issue.

PS: After the call to Customer Careline, I posted the defect in MyForte (Facebook). One of the guys told me to read Kia Forte's manual page 7-56 "after driving in heavy rain or washing, headlight and tail light lenses could appear frosty...". Its sound like a "defect" that Kia do not want to fix or they "normalise" the "defect" to a non-issue. Now I'm beginning to wonder, which car manufacturer would inform their customer that, headlight condensation is normal and non-issue? Guys.. please do let me know if you find one coz I really would like to know.

Third Day On my Ride..

Third day on my ride and I've spotted two defects on the Kia Forte. 

1. Front Headlight with condensation. Driver side
2. Gear knob head loose.

I went to Cheras's Kia Service Centre. Apparently, my spicy red is the first Kia Forte to be service here. The mechanics are friendly, Gear knob head loose was fixed on the spot. On the Headlight condensation issue, they asked me to take a photograph of the condensation. 

What I don't understand is.. Kia Forte headlight condensation issue is a known Kia Forte issue/defect. Why do I need to take a photograph of the condensation for proof! I'm planning to call Customer Service on Monday for explanation..

On top of that, the mechanics are pretty clueless of the headlight condensation issue/defect. This has been highlighted by journalist during their test drive from Penang to KL on November 2009.

Purchasing A Kia Forte

Kia Forte was officially launch at Pavilion on 25 Nov 2009 (Wednesday). I went on the same date (after the official ceremony; gotta work to earn a leaving..) to view the car. Was on display, are 1.6 SX Clear White and 2.0 SX Spicy Red. The sales representative spent a good 30mins with me, explaining and showing me the car's equipment/features.

At Last A Replacement..

At last.. a replacement for our old age 17 years Proton Saga! We (my wife and I) started our 'hunt' about 3 years ago. What! 3 years! Yes, we never found a car that is 'worth' buying. Cars that we love are usually beyond our budget, those within our range are pretty much lifeless cars.

Buying a car with passion is a 'SIN' in Malaysia. Prices of car is so high that, many put priority in car's re-sale value over Ride & Handling, Safety and Comfort. For the benefit of non-Malaysians, car tax is as high as 70% - 110%, exception for Proton and Perodua. Mind you, our income per capita is estimated about USD8,000, roughly translate to about average earning of RM2,000 - RM2,500 per month for an average Malaysians working in Malaysia.

Lowest priced car would be the Perodua Viva (A-segment), priced at about RM25,000, its a basic car without basic safety features such as ABS, Airbag, car alarm/security or central locking system (I bet it doesn't even come with safety belt pretensioner). It is not even equip with an Audio system and power window. To some, this is shocking! Yes, this is my country, Malaysia.


Lets go to the main dish. After all the test drive cars ranging from Peugeot, Toyota, Ford, etc. We've finally decided to buy the car that we love, "affordable" packed with the statement "Value for Money". Kia Forte 1.6SX, Spicy Red. The price is a hefty RM81,800 (on the road price; OTR).

The objective/purpose of this blog is to provide information about the car, especially to Malaysians. Hope the information will be useful for both current and future Kia Forte car owners.