Throwback: The CAM Kingo Real Life Test
We have done this before. It was a shorter trip, but the idea was the same: take a bus and explore Malaysia. We published this in Asian Buses, Issue 32 first.
Putting a van through the paces, this real-life test of the CAM Kingo demonstrated the fun and practicality of the Van Life.
It is always a special occasion when one gets to test drive a vehicle. However, in many cases, it is not a real-life scenario as the vehicle may not be registered or one is the only person on board. A true test drive would take a few days and should be carried out in a manner that is as close as it gets to the application a buyer would need the vehicle for. This time around, we had it all: a full weekend, every imaginable road condition and an extended family complete with luggage to try a CAM Kingo on for a trip to the coast.
The Kingo is a very likeable vehicle for tour operators as it can be operated with a passenger car licence. This means that operators can enter this market segment without the burden of having to sit for a full commercial vehicle licence. For this family, the Tans, it was the Tan-Van.
The vehicle tested seats 15 passengers. A driver shares the cockpit with one co-driver while there are 13 more seats in the back. The configuration is that of two rows of 3, a two-seater row with a single seat set aside and a long, four-seater row in the back. The arrangement of the seats makes it easy for passengers to get in and out of the vehicle. Seats can be reclined or folded forward to be fully-flat to become storage space. A lot of smaller luggage pieces can fit underneath the seats. Should the group of travellers require more space for luggage, it would be advisable to reduce the number of passengers. Sacrificing two seats to store luggage was required for the weekend trip, which did not impair the experience as the tour group was 11 strong, hence there was ample space for luggage. Access through the rear door makes loading and unloading easy.
The CAM Kingo has some interesting features that are immediately pleasant. The “Vacuum Door” is the first one that one will notice. Instead of having to slam the sliding door shut, the mechanism gently closes the door once it is slid into position. There is a light at the back that ensures that passengers can find their way around while the tinted glasses prevent the sun to heat up the interior. On balance, the inside is well lit while offering a comfortable experience on the eyes. All seats are equipped with seatbelts. This also enables the use of baby chairs for young families to secure their youngsters. The aircon for the passenger compartment was rated “extra strong” by our family testing the van.
The first part of the trip was dry, hot and steep. The Karak Highway is, of course, the best stretch of road to give the vehicle a proper challenge. Purring away with its 3-Litre Diesel engine, the Kingo pulls up the hills and even manages to accelerate on the long inclines leading up to Bentong. Despite running at almost full capacity, the engine has enough power to move up the hills with ease. Whoever developed the engine must have had Malaysia’s climate in mind as the temperature gauge hardly moves although the Kingo is put through the strenuous stretch up to Genting. Within the city, the CAM Kingo almost handles like the fabled Myvy.
The Kingo is a very likeable vehicle for tour operators as it can be operated with a passenger car licence.
The long straight and rather flat stretch from Bentong to Kuantan is covered with ease. The responsive engine allows to overtake the slower trucks without becoming a roadblock for other travellers. Kingos can go faster than 110, but you really wouldn’t as cruising at 90 – 100 is very easy and relaxing while at the same time coving enough ground. Being a Diesel with a sufficiently dimensioned tank, one can take the Kingo from Klang to KLIA, then through Subang to NKVE and onwards to Kuantan on one tank. Fuel consumption is in line with the work the van has to perform on Karak Highway. The weekend consumed about 80 Litres of Diesel in tough highway and urban environment driving.
Entering the city, the Kingo demonstrates what it is really capable of. It is a huge car, but the handling is superlative. The turning circle, the way the power steering responds, paired with good acceleration and braking power make it a joy to drive. The only downside of a vehicle like this is that the driver would have to almost entirely depend on the outside mirrors to check traffic around the Kingo. When reversing, a rear-view display makes it child play to back the Kingo into a space. As said, the Kingo is a big vehicle, however, it fits most parking lots. Any experienced driver will be able to manage this with ease. A bit of attention needs to be given when opening the driver and co-driver’s door as they need to be swung wide to enter or exit. This, however, is to be expected with the design of this kind of van. Equipped with a manual transmission, the Kingo requires a bit of work in the city or when passing through toll gates as the driver is getting busy meshing the gears and operating power windows, signals etc. However, as the instruments and all the levers are nicely placed, the manual gearbox is not much of an issue to complain about.
With the music booming through the Kingo, passengers enjoyed the ride in their comfortable chairs. Meanwhile, the driver’s compartment is compact and extremely comfortable. Although the middle console offers compartments and cup holders, a separate cupholder on the dashboard could be a valuable addition. The first impression of the driver’s space is that it could be a bit cramped. However, the captain’s space has proven to be very comfortable and extremely well designed with all the functions in easy reach, with tactile functions and logical labelling and placement. It is an extremely effective workstation.
The turning circle, the way the power steering responds, paired with good acceleration and braking power make it a joy to drive.
The return trip was an entirely different experience in terms of road condition. Heavy rain and going through one of Malaysia’s most winding roads, the Kingo yet again surprised. Having to divert from the Karak Highway through Gombak, it was 25 kilometres of wet, muddy roads that were just one turn after another. The conditions seemed to have been made for the Kingo as the driver just danced through the endless series of corners. One may comment that the Kingo is not equipped with a lot of luxury and systems to support the driver. However, during this tour, the simplicity of the instrument cluster made it a delight to operate the Kingo. Without too many distractions, the driver can concentrate on the road while having all the systems on hand that are required without sensory overload.
Everyone that has driven on a highway for a few hours will know the creeping feeling of fatigue setting in. A highlight of the CAM Kingo is clearly the seat that was installed for the driver. Within the compactness of the cockpit, the easy-to-operate instruments and a position that provides phantastic views of the surroundings, the seat must be one of the most comfortable around. And this is from a tall-ish guy that is currently trying to shed 10 kilograms of weight. It is noticeable that the vehicle is conceptualised for drivers that are a little shorter though. If the driver is taller than 1.8 meters, things could get tricky with the low top edge of the windscreen. After two days, the test driver commented that he had not a hint of sore shoulders or arms, despite having to shift hundreds of times and pushing the Kingo through kilometres of winding roads that require a lot of work on the steering wheel.
The Verdict
After a weekend on the road, a lot of praise can be given for this surprisingly agile and comfortable van that holds up to 15 passengers with luggage. Although the engine is appropriately sized, it performs slightly better in urban environment or on long flat stretches. The space inside the van is appropriate if there is only limited luggage. This makes the CAM Kingo an ideal vehicle for the use as a school bus or for day trips that don’t require the passengers to bring luggage along. The van really shines on short distances in tight cities where the benefit of having such vehicle is that one can move a larger group of people with just one car instead of having to deploy several passenger cars.
After two days, the test driver commented that he had not a hint of sore shoulders or arms, despite having to shift hundreds of times and pushing the Kingo through kilometres of winding roads.
Considering the price range for the CAM Kingo, the vehicle offers all the amenities that one would expect and needs. This asset is a real treat for those that require a no-frills workhorse. As the test driver, we are full of praise of the layout of the cockpit. Surely, professional drivers will appreciate the comfort as they will not just drive this vehicle for one or two days, but day in and out. It has to say something about the comfort on board when adults and infants alike can find the peace to not just nap but to get an hour of quality sleep while cruising. The CAM Kingo comes with 5 year / 150,000km warranty for a new vehicle. There are some features that could be added, and the overall concept of the vehicle is not geared towards being over-styled. However, given the price point, the CAM Kingo is worth every cent.
Highlights
Easy to read instrument cluster
Feeling refreshed after a long trip
Strong engine
Improvements
Storage spaces
Amenities like cub holders or USB charging points
Parking brake cumbersome to operate
