Naza's latest offspring

PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi recently launched Naza Kia

Sdn Bhd's second model, the Citra, which comes with a 2.0-litre engine and

priced at an affordable RM79,888 (with insurance).

According to Tan Sri S M Nasimuddin Amin, managing director of the Naza

Group of companies, the Citra took 12 months to develop. Like the Kia

Carnival-based Naza Ria, the Citra (based on the Kia Carens) is assembled

at the Naza Automotive Manufacturing plant in Gurun, Kedah.

He said the company is focusing on giving customers value for money, as

seen in standard equipment such as dual front airbags, Anti-Lock Brakes,

Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, sunroof and leather upholstery.

Unlike the 1.8-litre Carens, the Citra powertrain comprises a 1,975 cc

DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine and four-speed automatic transmission.

Power output is 138 ps at 6,000 rpm with 174.6 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm.

For suspension, the Citra has MacPherson struts in front and a simple

dual-link arrangement for the free-wheeling rear wheels. Standard wheels

are 6JJx15 and come with 195/60 R15-sized tyres.

Customers have a choice of six colours, namely, black, red, grey, blue

and two different shades of silver.