Naza-Kia recently launched an all-new version of the Citra MPV which it calls the Citra II Rondo. While this all-new model is a notch up in many aspects, it will not replace the first Citra in the showrooms as Naza-Kia plans to continue offering the first generation for some time to come.
The decision to continue selling the original Citra is because it is priced lower than the new Citra II, which costs almost RM85,000. The original Citra has been Naza’s best-selling model, averaging almost 700 units a month in 2007 and about 600 units a month this year.
“Steady sales of the Citra have proven that Naza-Kia‘s 7-seaters are popular choices for Malaysian customers. To further increase customer choice in this segment, we are adding the new Citra II Rondo, positioned between the Citra and Ria, to be a serious contender in the crossover segment,” said SM Nasarudin, CEO of the Naza Group of Companies.
As with the first Citra, the Citra II is adapted from the Kia Carens and assembled at Naza’s own plant in Kedah. It rides on Kia’s MG platform which is also used for the latest Optima sedan and also has the 2-litre petrol engine with CVVT (continuously variable valve timing) which puts out 145 ps at 6000 rpm and 189 Nm of torque at 4250 rpm.
Claimed performance with the standard 4-speed electronic automatic Shiftronic transmission (manual sequential shift also possible) is 11 seconds for 0 – 100 km/h and a top speed of 190 km/h.
Sharing the platform with the Optima means it has a front suspension consisting of MacPherson struts hinged off a subframe and a rear suspension with a multi-link layout.
Disc brakes are fitted to all four wheels and ABS +EBD is standard. There are two wheel sizes – 6Jx15 for the EX version and 6.5Jx16 for the more expensive EXS version.
Keen to make a strong impression in Europe, Kia has given a lot of attention to safety, which European customers are very concerned about. The Citra II gets all the structural features which make the bodyshell strong and both front occupants have the additional protection of airbags.
All seven persons in the cabin get seatbelts and head restraints. Also rare in this class is the impact-sensing door unlock system which makes it easier for rescuers to get injured occupants out after an accident.
Moving inside the Citra II, it is very clear that this is a new generation and not a re-skin of the previous generation. All the key elements are in different places and more significantly, the styling theme is ‘down to earth’, not ‘different for the sake of being different’ which Korean designers seemed determined to show in earlier years.
The dashboard is a well designed unit and the centre console has a neat and clean layout. The 2DIN audio unit is an original item from Korea and matches perfectly. It has MP3/WMA capability but does not have the USB port (nor AUX port) which is present in the head units of the Kia Sportage and Optima. The shift lever is on a panel which extends from the base of the centre console and might be a bit of a stretch for some people. To maximise utility space, the parking brake is operated by a foot pedal next to the brake pedal, instead of the usual lever between the seats.
The climate control system is automatic in the EXS version and manually controlled in the EX version but both versions have additional vents behind the centre console box between the seats to bring cool air to the rear occupants. There are no vents for the third row but it is rare to find such a provision in this class of MPV too.
The three rows of seats can be adjusted in various ways to create different configurations according to needs. The two rear seats (which still seem a bit low like in the Citra I) can be easily folded flat and if more floor space is needed, the second row can also be folded flat. With seven people on board, though, luggage space is rather limited.
Other notable features that come with the Citra II are the remote tailgate unlock function, a tripcomputer, LED indicators on the door mirrors, nice deep cupholders, a teh tarik hook and illuminated vanity mirrors. The more expensive EXS version gets you the automatic climate control, a roof rack and audio controls on the steering wheel.
The Citra II Rondo is certainly going to challenge the Nissan Grand Livina but Naza-Kia is not looking at beating the Nissan since their target for the Citra II is around 200 units a month (the Grand Livina does about a thousand units a month). With its passenger car platform and dynamics, it be an easy transition for those who are moving from a sedan to a MPV.
Article Source: New Sabah Times - 20 September 2008