2010 Naza Forza Review

overall rating
Live Life Drive Rating
Price
from: RM36,855
to: RM41,639
Installment
from: RM351/mth
to: RM397/mth

2010 Naza Forza at a glance

To compete effectively in this supermini class segment, a combination of decent abilities and attractive low pricing is needed. While the 2010 Naza Forza satisfies the former, it is not priced low enough for contention.

2010 Naza Forza quick specs

Body Style Hatchback
Class Supermini
Assembled -
Engine Range -
Fuel Options -
Seating Capacity 5

2010 Naza Forza ratings (overall rating : 2.5/5.0)

Styling
Handling
Comfort
Quality + Reliability
Performance
Roominess
Running Costs
Value for Money
Equipment
Environment

Styling

The previous Naza Sutera looked neat and inoffensive, inside and outside. The same styling is largely carried over to the 2010 Naza Forza, with only a mild facelift. There are minor changes to the headlamps, tail lamps and distinctive A-pillar base-mounted turn lights. The reverse lamps have been moved to the rear bumper. New six-spoke wheels, two new colour options, new interior trim and fabric, and enhanced metre graphics are some additions.

Handling

Expectations of the handling have to be weighed against that for a budget supermini. With that in mind, the 2010 Naza Forza does well as a city car. The grip levels and body control are modest, certainly with room for improvements, while the suitably light steering, coupled with the 2010 Naza Forza's small dimensions, makes city driving a breeze. Road dips and crests can unsettle the ride though.

Comfort

The soft suspension soaks up bumps well over most surfaces. Wind, road and engine noise are a constant companion at cruising speeds. The large glass area and high roof give the cabin an airy feel. The steering column and seating adjustments are limited, making fine-tuning for the preferred driving position hard. But for most, the default driving position should be fine. Less desirable are the flat seats and gear lever that is located uncomfortably far from the left hand.

Quality + Reliability

The cabin quality generally falls within expectations for a car this price range. Hard plastics are not hard to find, but fit-and-finish score better. There are a couple of problems however, with the glovebox lid's huge gap and rattling from the metre cluster being the most evident. Considering that Naza has been proactively collecting customer feedbacks and introducing better parts, up to 600 technical enhancements for the Forza in fact, we think the 2010 Naza Forza should have little problems over the long term.

Performance

The four-cylinder 16-valve 1.1-litre DOHC petrol engine produces 65 bhp at 5700 rpm and 88 Nm between 3000 and 3500 rpm. The 2010 Naza Forza's city car credentials could be compromised as only a five-speed manual transmission is available. The engine is responsive at low revs, and sufficiently torquey to make decent progress without over-straining the engine. The manual shift action is rubbery, with plenty of in-gear free-play.

Roominess

Despite the small dimensions, front and two rear occupants get adequate amounts of room for comfort. But having three at the back will make it a real squeeze. The boot space is only big enough to take in small luggage. Crucially, key rival Proton Saga beats the 2010 Naza Forza in both areas.

Running Costs

By virtue of its small capacity, the 1.1-litre engine means excellent fuel economy. Servicing costs should be affordable. Depreciation will be the main concern as the Naza brand inspires less confidence in the second-hand market compared to established brands. With the Naza Forza, buyers could be looking at more depreciation than for Proton and Perodua models.

Value for Money

At this end of the price spectrum lie a number of competitors, notably the Proton Saga, Proton Savvy, Perodua Myvi and Perodua Viva. The Proton Savvy and Perodua Viva are direct class competitors to the 2010 Naza Forza, while the Proton Saga and Perodua Myvi are priced to compete even though they are from a larger class segment. Of the four, the Proton Saga stands out, beating the Naza Forza in most aspects including pricing and space. The 2010 Naza Forza needs to be cheaper for genuine contention.

Equipment

The 2010 Naza Forza GS comes with twin airbags, power windows, power side mirrors, MP3-compatible Blaupunkt audio system with six speakers, fog lamps, central-locking, childproof rear door locks and 14-inch alloy wheels. The Sportivo version adds leather interior, bodykit, entertainment system and 15-inch alloy wheels.

Environment

Thanks to the small 1.1-litre engine, fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions are both excellent. The engine power output and fuel consumption may not be the most efficient for the engine capacity, but in absolute terms, the 2010 Naza Forza is easily the least environmentally-harmful car on the roads.

Live Life Drive Verdict

Light steering
Sufficiently torquey engine
Low running costs
No automatic transmission
Flat seats and gear lever position
Not competitively priced

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