This is an updated posting dated October 7, 2011. Original posting was on April 18, 2009.
Vehicle sold in November of 2011 (upgraded to an E53 X5).
Vehicle sold in November of 2011 (upgraded to an E53 X5).
The Naza Citra, is a 7-seater MPV which is modeled closely after the Kia Carens (licensed by KIA). Powered by a normally aspirated 2.0 litre DOHC CVVT fuel injected engine, the Naza Citra shares the same engine with Mazda Premacy 2.0.
Both cars are powered by the MZR L4 Type 2.0 L FS-DE/FS-ZE, delivering 138 PS (137 hp/101 kW) @ 6000 RPM, 185 Nm (139 lb.ft) of torque @ 4500 RPM.
The Citra shares the same MG-Platform with KIA Optima (or Magentis in Australia) and the HYUNDAI Sonata 2. The transmission for the Citra also came from the Optima parts bin, thus sharing the well built KIA-System PORSCHE-Borg Warner-PSA 4 speed auto-box with electric overdrive button.
The Citra brings along with it a comprehensive list of standard equipments;
Leather seats
4-wheel disc brakes with ABS
Electronic Brake force Distribution
Brake Assist
Dual Airbags,
Power Sunroof
Power Saver safety chip
Immobilizer
Add to this, the Citra also features fully independent suspension, shod on 15-inch 195/60 tires, and an excellent electronic air conditioning system that comes with an air purifier and pollen filter, and you get a package that is hard to beat. Tipping the scales at between 1419 and 1456 kg, depending on your model (RS/GS), the Citra appears to be solidly built with all round SIPS (Side Impact Protection System) and a EURO NCAP "5 Star" safety rating. Fuel consumption is a respectable RM0.21 per km of city driving and brilliant RM0.17 per km of highway driving.
Driving the Citra delivers a sense of secured, well engineered motoring. Performance is incredibly lively with the 2.0 DOHC CVVT engine and the 4 Speed electric overdrive automatic shifters. If only the Citra could have the NAZA KIA Optima tiptronic transmission set up, it would really be driving an MPV on another level all together. What I like most about the Citra is its sure footed-ness in wet rainy situation. The suspension is not soft and yet not firm, it’s just great. High speed lane changing on highways delivers crisp precision with the well calibrated steering to suspension set-up. Thanks to its low hugging characteristic, negative cross wind trait as is common with other MPV at high speed, is almost non-existence. I am accustomed to the traits of the Mercedes W211 E200K, W210, W140, and the Lexus Harrier, and when comparing the Citra with the rest, I would say that it sits between the W210 and the Lexus Harrier in terms of general feel, sits right with the Lexus Harrier in terms of interior feel and comfort, and feels almost as assuring as the W211 on long highway cruise. I best sums up, that it feels as good as the W210 for an all round comparison of such.
On earlier model Citra’s many owners had experienced “Radiator Bracket Fitting” failure. In late 2007 NAZA recalled every Citra and rectified this problem for free. Timing belt should be changed every 60,000 km. Maintenance wise, the Citra ask for little attention and keeps to its end of the bargain well. Like any other vehicle out there, just follow the Service Manual and you should be okay.
Operating cost per KM/RM in comparison with NAZA Citra.
Naza Citra 2.0 DOHC CVVT, Auto Transmission RM0.22 per km (90% City 10% Highway)
Toyota Wish 1.8 DOHC VVTI, Auto Transmissions RM0.21 per km (90% City 10% Highway)
Honda Stream 2.0 DOHC CVVTi, Auto Transmission RM0.23 per km (90% City 10% Highway)
Naza Citra Rondo 2.0 DOHC CVVT, Auto Transmission RM0.21 per km (90% City 10% Highway)
Nissan Grand Livina 1.8 DOHC CVTC, Auto Transmission RM0.22 per km (90% City 10% Highway)
Hyundai Matrix 1.6 DOHC, Automatic Transmission RM0.23 per km (90% City 10% Highway)
Hyundai Matrix 1.8 DOHC, Automatic Transmission RM0.22 per km (90% City 10% Highway)
Toyota Innova 2.0 G DOHC VVTI, Automatic Transmission RM0.26 per km (90% City 10% Highway)
And this is just for read: PROTON SAGA 1.3 LMST MAGMA 12 Valve, 5 Speed Manual Transmission RM0.22 per km (90% City 10% Highway)
Toyota Wish 1.8 DOHC VVTI, Auto Transmissions RM0.21 per km (90% City 10% Highway)
Honda Stream 2.0 DOHC CVVTi, Auto Transmission RM0.23 per km (90% City 10% Highway)
Naza Citra Rondo 2.0 DOHC CVVT, Auto Transmission RM0.21 per km (90% City 10% Highway)
Nissan Grand Livina 1.8 DOHC CVTC, Auto Transmission RM0.22 per km (90% City 10% Highway)
Hyundai Matrix 1.6 DOHC, Automatic Transmission RM0.23 per km (90% City 10% Highway)
Hyundai Matrix 1.8 DOHC, Automatic Transmission RM0.22 per km (90% City 10% Highway)
Toyota Innova 2.0 G DOHC VVTI, Automatic Transmission RM0.26 per km (90% City 10% Highway)
And this is just for read: PROTON SAGA 1.3 LMST MAGMA 12 Valve, 5 Speed Manual Transmission RM0.22 per km (90% City 10% Highway)
Their customers service was excellent. They had assisted in getting my reserved number plate for me at the JPJ, and they even delivered the car to my house with a full tank of gas. From the first day I had contacted them to the actual delivery of my Citra it only took 5 working days.
Its been almost a month of ownership now and I am still getting calls from NAZA (as far as their Head Office in KL) asking me if any assistance needed be render by them. Just a few days back a NAZA HQ officer called me and seek my opinion in rating their customer's service. I say its 10/10 for NAZA!
Note: This is my second Citra, the first one being a company car that I have been using since 2006.
Volvo has been doing the "mini MPV" runs a lot longer than any of the rest with their 245 T (Transfer) series wagon. These very rare cars were designed to be used as rural taxis/buses or mini school buses. They were stretched and reinforced to support their extraordinary roles. Anyway I have included two photos of the vehicles. One example (the white one) was from early 1977.
Click on both images to enlarge view.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
On this one don't click it's just my cheap gimmick...
Well, recently took the day off just to service both the Citras. We drove up to the NAZA/KIA 3S Center for servicing by appointment (make appointment first folks!) and awaiting us was the Customers Relation Executive (CRE). As usual, ever since owning my first car way back then, I would make a list of what I feel needs to be looked into by way of keeping a small book in the dash of cars that I have owned or driven. Now days I do that function on my PDA Phone – don’t we all? Speaking of that topic, I am going to do a write up of Cellular Communications Technology one of these days! I am going to do a write up on the shitty internet service in Malaysia.
A Sorento that was awaiting pre-delivery inspection
Anyway, I handed in both cars and the list of what needs to be done. The black Citra which is company owned would be undergoing its 85,000kms service while the Silver Citra - which is my own would be going for its 1st free service at 1000KM.
The black Citra would be undergoing its routine 6 months service (bi-annual), while the Silver one would be undergoing free service and rectification works on areas that I have listed: 1- The rear hatch opening is too tight (suspected it need some greasing and to trace if the rubber seals is giving way to rain water causing the sticky latch), and complain number 2- The ashtray which don’t seemed to want to open at all. Well I am a non-smoker, but I need that space for odds and ends bin purpose. With list handed to the CRE and some short explanations given to the Floor Supervisor, I proceeded to do some work in the comfy and cozy waiting lounge up-stairs.
I had brought along with me this trusty laptop - as I know that the service would take at least 2 hours for both cars. But do always try to make yourself available to attend to this kind of chores yourselves. I had a very bad experienced in 1997 when I had always entrusted someone else to take my brand new car then for its servicing. And each time the car came back I would see complete invoices and bills for the parts changed and cost paid. I was happy with that arrangement until one day when I could not shift the car into reverse gear. That was odd, as I bought that brand new . The car was taken to the dealership again and I was told that I had not changed the auto gear box oil and filter since the recommended 1st change at 15,000km. I showed them my service booklet and it was stamped by them as “done”. I even fax in the receipt the next day to prove my point. Needless to say, the issue went into litigation and it was resolved amicably. But lesson, learned!
Anyway going back to here now present and the Citra; during servicing I was surveyed for a few questions from the CRE, I duly answered and duly lied on some parts. Then the Floor Supervisor approached me and asked if I would like to use full synthetic Petronas Syntium 5000 or Semi-Synthetic Syntium 1000? Well on the outside market, say I were to go and buy the engine oil on my own, it would cost me RM230 for a 4 liter Syntium Fully Synthetic oil and in here NAZA is asking for RM233, so I say its fair - just go ahead and use the Synthium 5000. Or customer could chose to use the Synthium 1000 instead at RM180 per 4 liter pack. Its up to the customer. The pricing is fair and customer friendly.
There were quite a number of customers there in the waiting room. It had ASTRO and even a coffee machine and a water dispenser. Nice I thought to my self. Would be nicer if there is some biscuits in small packs for customers to chew on…well it’s a thought anyway.
The CRE tended to each and every customer equally in a most friendly and professional way. Not all customers were satisfied, one or two would always have disgruntling issues everywhere they go. So a good Manager would be able to switch “on the fly” when dealing with PR like this. While waiting I chatted with a few customers and found out that one of them was there to service his Rondo, which had been purchased just about two months ago and already clocking nearly 10,000KM! Imagine that!
Huge and well organized working area. Both my Citras being tuned by NAZA while I get free ASTRO...not bad...but next time give biscuits too...real leather sofas, cozy environment...you could fall asleep for an hour or two here...
On my previous blog posting I had mentioned about smoking issue, well it is now 100% no smoking here. Well done NAZA!
Well, at around 12.45 right before lunch time, the Floor Supervisor signaled to the CRE that my cars were ready and I paid up the bill of RM230 for the Silver Citra (mine) and RM259.70 for the Black company Citra. Service included:
Silver Citra
1- Engine oil 4 Liter (synthetic) RM230.
2- Oil washer – under free service
3- Oil filter – under free service
4- Tuning – under free service
5- Rear hatch latch greased and rubber seal inspected for sign of leak – under free service
6- Ashtray replaced with a new unit – under free service
7- Tuning of engine – under free service
8- Car wash – free
Black Citra
1- Engine oil 4 Liter (synthetic) RM230.
2- Oil filter – RM14.70
3- Tuning – RM15.00
4- Car wash – free
I left for home driving the Silver Citra and happy to say, it’s been a good two hours making new friends among the customers and not even switching on the laptop. That’s the beauty of Malaysians; we are friendly especially in free comfortable air-cond room with free ASTRO.
Throw in more free rhymes into it, and we’d be happiest Encik NAZA. Anyhow I seriously think that NAZAshould offer WiFi service at all of their outlets for customers to serve the net with their laptops while waiting. And the free small pack biscuits, don’t forget – yes you can afford it judging from what we happily paid for the Syntium engine oil.
Very happy and satisfied with their service. Next service 6 months from now. So that means maximum stretching on the Syntium abilities for max cash savings. Keep up the good work NAZA. I am happy to say here that NAZA staffs are friendly, courteous and patience in dealing with their customers. They took time to explain everything we asked. Maintain this working environment and no doubt they would be envied and emulated by the service center of "a local national car" brand. If you want peace of mind in after sales service and genuine care in the realm of sub RM100K MPVs, then this is the one to get. For that I sincerely salute their efforts at customers’ satisfactions and trust. In June 2009, 3 months after purchasing the second Citra, I took delivery of my Rondo and I keep all three cars today happily.
Pay for full synthetic oil and save in the long run folks. Till next time.
Photos courtesy of our capable Encik Samad and myself (me the blur ones naturally)...
Posting updated on 4 July 2012 with additional writes on a UK KIA Carens CRDI model year 2003 (it is the same model as the NAZA Citra).
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Click on image to enlarge.
The first KIA Carens was marketed in 1999 domestically and exported by early 2000. It saw some sales success in the UK and Australia. However, in the face of stiff competition from Japanese and the Germans, the Carens had suffered badly and also due partly to the lack of quality in its interior trim.
But by 2003 KIA had made good on all the customers complaints they had received and moved to launch the newly revised KIA Carens.
The refreshed model comes with a brace of engine options, for the 1.8-litre petrol it is 124BHP, boasting a power increase of around 14% over its predecessor and, for the first time, a highly efficient diesel power source in the form of a green 2.0 direct injection and direct ignition turbo diesel was made available. Trim levels were in two: LX and SE. The car in the picture here is in the SE trim that brings along with it an excellent 4 speed automatic gear box (built with inputs from SYSTEM PORSCHE), rear headrest, automatic climate control air conditioning and power windows and locks as standard equipment’s on top of the all standard ABS, SRS, EBD and BA (brake assist) package and Isofix child mounting system. Within the entertainment system, you also get a parking distance sensor, CD player, glass electric sunroof, electrically controlled rear view mirror and rain-sensing wipers. You may get sunroof, and third row seats but those would be option with cost. In Malaysia it was standard.
Outward cosmetics received new attentions and the revamped designs from front to back were rounder and stylish. The make over grille showed shades of the award-winning 2002 Kia Sedona, while the redesign of the rear even shows a hint of the Renault Espace MPV!
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Click on image to enlarge.
The interior design was hugely accommodating and airy. In Malaysian market you even get full leather seats and a sunroof. But for the UK market it is fabric and no sunroof. The seats are flexible and practical and all functions are much more user friendly, while better quality fabrics and plastics make it a more upmarket place to be. The cabin also houses an extensive range of places in which to lose things, including seat back pockets, map and bottle holders, center console boxes, cup holders and even a resting place for your sunglasses in the overhead console. Not as much as on the Rondo, but many compartments to lose and forget stuffs with.
Mounted on 15-inch seven-spoke alloys with wider tyres, the New Carens sits in purposeful and stylish fashion on the tarmac. The 2.0-litre CDI diesel engine does its work well, harnessing 112BHP to give you a 0 to 100 KMH time of 14.0 seconds, and a top speed of 170 KMH and all that at a combined 46.3 diesel MPG and with a CO2 emission rate of 205g per KM.
Revisions to the suspension set-up have improved the Carens handling and, combined with KIA’s noise damping materials, a quiet and refined ride was the reward. With prices today still hovering at almost £3,000 for a 2005 example with FSH (and that’s still retaining exceptional resale value), it largely demonstrates on the quality and good effort that was put into the Carens by KIA.
