Bosses at Kia are not letting the grass grow under their feet. The latest is the new generation Magentis, which is the last model in the Kia line-up to be updated. Updated, however, is probably the wrong word to use, for the car is totally new from the tyres up. In the words of managing director Paul Williams: "The only thing that's the same on this car is the name."Diesel power, modern and dynamic styling, European-standard ride and handling, top-level safety…the latest, all-new version of Kia’s Magentis saloon is more capable than ever of meeting the expectations of both private and fleet users. The option of a turbodiesel engine for the first time makes the new Magentis able to compete in the fleet market on level terms with the top-selling Ford Mondeo, Vauxhall Vectra and Volkswagen Passat. It will also appeal to cost-conscious private buyers who enjoy the excellent driveability, superb economy and greater range between fill-ups that comes with diesels. A modified version of the 138bhp 2.0-litre common-rail unit also fitted to the Kia Sportage, gives the new Magentis a combined fuel figure of 47.1 mpg, while low carbon dioxide emissions of 162g/km put the car in the 22% band for company car taxation purposes. Two petrol engines are available in the new Magentis - the all-new 2.0-litre Theta unit developing 142bhp, and a revised version of the smooth 185bhp 2.7-litre V6 that comes with a new five-speed automatic transmission as standard. Four-cylinder engines are available with manual or automatic gearboxes. Delivering a driving experience that is both dynamic and pleasurable, the steering feels positive and turns in neatly and precisely, while remaining resistant to body roll when required to turn hard. The Magentis has plenty of grip and copes well with sudden changes of direction.
Inside the cabin is roomy and easy to get in and out of, there is plenty of leg, shoulder and head room in the smart cabin. All versions are well-equipped. GS models have air conditioning, front, side and curtain airbags, an MP3-compatible radio/CD player, driver's seat height adjustment and a tilt-adjust steering column, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, powered and heated door mirrors, four electric windows and remote central locking. LS models have in addition automatic lights, a trip computer, telescopic steering wheel adjustment, full climate control with an air quality monitoring system, powered driver's seat and heated front seats and stability and traction control with emergency brake assist. The new Magentis offers very relaxed motoring for both driver and passengers alike.
