Vehicle: 2009 Kia Morning 1.1
Price as tested: HK$97900

Performance: When you consider the fact that the Morning serves as a basic transportation, its small mill actually provides surprising amount of grunt. While the Morning has both gasoline and diesel engines available, depending on the market. The subject of our test drive is the little gasoline version with 4-speed automatic. This little 1.1 liter SOHC 4-cylinder engine has 62hp and 70 lb/ft of torque at driver’s disposal. Although the numbers don’t suggest breathtaking performance, 70 lb/ft of torque available at 3 grand provides decent grunt especially when mesh the gas pedal. If you want more grunt, the slightly rubbery 5-speed manual is more suitable than 4-speed automatic. The automatic, however, has a very relaxing tall gear ratios for this little motor for less buzzy highway ride. Still, its an economcal and affordable small car. You tend to forgive its noise and roughness on high rpm when pushed. What is really surprising is the refinement this engine has engineered.

Handling: Given Morning suspends on the most basic suspension design riding on an entry-level platform, Kia has done a great job when it comes to engineered a stiff chassis for them to hang their heads. The rest is simply wonderful consider the fact that Morning only serves as a basic transportation. The steering provides good feedback although off-center feels a bit vague. What the Morning does shine is the ride quality doesn’t have the usual roughness expects from an inexpensive car. It rides like a more expensive car with just a basic underpinnings. There are body rolls and understeer when pushed, latter is quite terminal due to its tire choice. Its driving dynamics and confidence provided are far superior to those Japanese available in similar price range, its good enough to take on European rivals which traditionally provide the best driving subcompacts.

Brakes: With only front discs and rear drums, Morning’s pedal feel and modulation are another delightful surprise. However, it doesn’t come standard with ABS is a pity given how good Morning’s packaging is, especially when it comes to dynamic abilities.

Interior: As with all hatchbacks, Kia come standard with rear washer/wiper for visibility. Its low liftover and boxy side cut-off have given Morning a versatile cargo space especially when matched with fold-down rear seats.

Despite of all the shiny plastic in the cabin, Morning’s interior materials and fit-and-finish are impressive in this price range. All the switchgears have tactial high-quality feel that is above of any Japanese rivals, while the velour feels rich. Those velour seats provide good support at the same time.

Conclusion: After driven the Morning, it doesn’t come as a surprise that Kia is the fastest growing carmaker in the world. While I have been impressed with Kia’s recent offerings, there is none of those that come as much of a surprise as the Morning. This is a company which is able to engineered a basic appliance with proper quality and right driving experience unparallelled in its price class.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2009 Kia Morning
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Performance: 3/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 3/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 3/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 3/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 3/5
Value-for-money: 5/5

Overall rating: 3.5/5