Malaysian automaker Naza unveils Sutera supermini
Last week, Malaysian automaker Naza unveiled their new Sutera, a well-equipped bargain basement supermini
that's a veritable 'We Are the World' on four wheels. Sutera employs a 65-horsepower 1.1-liter DOHC 16-valve engine
from Daihatsu (Japan), boasts a shape penned by Pininfarina (Italy) and features NVH tuning and final suspension
fiddling by Lotus Engineering (England). This is a rather ambitious move for the Naza , which has previously dealt
largely in rebadged Kias. Exterior styling is standard
supermini fare, albeit with a good bit of flare in the triangular details-- the rear brake/turn signal lamps dominate
both the rear and side aspects, and the three-pointed door pulls are an unusual element. The most unusual/controversial
design element, however, would be the front turn signals, which are located at the base of the windshield (near the base
of the A-pillars). Wheels are of the 14" alloy variety, and they definitely look smallish, but should be a good bet
for keeping replacement costs down for the tires.
Inside the five door, standard equipment includes power steering, dual airbags, power windows/locks/mirrors, 60/40 split fold rear seats, underseat storage and an MP3-compatible CD stereo. Gauges are of the love/hate center console capping variety, which should enable easier RHD/LHD configurations. As Naza expects to assemble about 30,000 Suteras a year, with plans to sell them everywhere from Malaysia to Malta, Cyprus, India, Brunei, Pakistan, Singapore, South Africa, and interestingly, the United Kingdom.
Learn more about the Sutera by checking out Naza's site here.
[Sources: Naza, Channel4 UK]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Glen 11:23AM (5/01/2006)
Very impressive site (yes, I'm joking)...including blatantly misspelled words...
"Pratical Space"
Looks like another third world, half-assed shit box to me.
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abang 12:03PM (5/01/2006)
This is just a rebadged Chinese car that is imported from China in kit form and reassembled in Malaysia for export.
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Howard Kerr 1:02PM (5/01/2006)
"...previously dealt largely in re-badged Kias".
Considering Kias, before Hyundai bought them, built re-badged Mazdas, Naza brings a whole new meaning to automotive bargain basement/SUB basement.
I didn't check out the website, but considering that the MAJORITY of the folks on this planet DO NOT speak English as a first language, and that so many posters here have difficulty with spelling....
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Richard Warren 1:22PM (5/01/2006)
Well, regarding the 3rd world shitbox comment, try driving vs whatever your other transportation method was and these cars look pretty good to those folks.
Ever wonder why we're called "Ugly Americans?" See comment #1
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philmcneal 7:25PM (5/01/2006)
i'd want one, no really i bet you can pull 60 mpg tanks out of that car easily if you baby it properly.
Needs side air bags though, and good crash tests ratings before I consider it.
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Glen 9:58PM (5/01/2006)
Hmmm, who's calling who an Ugly American? (see comment #4)
You (Richard) stupidly assumed I am one...and your assumption would be wrong. Your ignorance makes me laugh.
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Phil 6:25AM (5/02/2006)
Wherever you're from, you're ugly.
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Tom Design 8:42AM (5/02/2006)
Ewwww!
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