Kia has proved recently that it can build cars that compete on equal terms with mainstream European and Japanese cars. Kia’s designers have worked hard to bring the manufacturer into the 21st Century with a completely new design; the overhauled Magentis is longer, wider and taller than its predecessor and looks much more modern. Certainly it has a far more European appearance than its predecessor and that, together with sensible pricing, is going to impress a lot of potential buyers. The latest Magentis could well change your view of Korean cars.The Magentis is a decent car to drive it offers good steering feel 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. Both four-cylinder engines (the 2.0-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel) are competitive on performance: the six-speed manual diesel will sprint from 0-62mph in just over ten seconds, while the five-speed manual petrol engine is a couple of tenths quicker. Both four-speed autos are about a second or so slower over the same benchmark. The 2.7 V6 engine comes with a five-speed auto and takes just over nine seconds to reach 62mph from rest. The diesel pulls strongly with a maximum 225lb-ft of torque available from 1800rpm to 2500rpm and shifts through the gears quite smoothly. Noise levels are low, with engine noise in the diesel model particularly well suppressed.
In keeping with Kia’s value-for-money brief, even the base GS models comes with air conditioning, 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 add automatic lights, a trip computer, telescopic steering wheel adjustment, full climate control with an air quality monitoring system, eight-way powered driver’s seat and heated front seats and stability and traction control with emergency brake assist. Behind the wheel the driver’s seat-height can be adjusted and the steering wheel adjusts for height. The major controls and switches are logically arranged and easy to use There’s masses of head and knee space for all. Despite the lack of five-door versatility, the Magentis has a split-fold rear seat to extend the already-large cargo hold. With the seats in place, the boot will easily cope with a family’s holiday gear. If you’re looking for a sensible priced car then look no further
