Kia Magentis: Subdued but well equipped

This year, with its pleasant shape and welcoming passenger compartment, the Soul is without a doubt the darling of the Kia line-up, and the Forte has been successful too. Don’t forget however, that the Magentis has undergone substantial changes in the past months and it offers excellent value standard equipment and a nice ride. Although this model isn’t very popular, it’s worth a look because under this very anonymous body, there are modern mechanical components and a level of equipment that is tough to beat.

A more modern look

With a politically correct shape, the old version wasn’t exactly known for having aggressive lines. On the contrary, it had the type of design that stylists adopt when they are trying to please as many people as possible. The good news is that these lines will remain in good taste for many years. The bad news is that this type of car is relatively anonymous. Fortunately, since 2009 it features multiple improvements to its front end, including new headlights, a redesigned grille and a plunging hood. We should also note that the wheel wells are more prominent and the trunk lid features an integrated rear spoiler that gives the tail end a little more pop. Aesthetically, this latest model follows current trends and its very modern exterior presentation is beyond reproach. Just the same, it must be said that it a little too inconspicuous for the tastes of some despite all of these changes.

The passenger compartment has also been improved with electroluminescent dials and an LCD screen to help you adjust almost all of the vehicle functions. And there’s a satellite navigation system. We should also add that our car was powered by a V6 and came with all of the equipment you can think of, from automatic climate control to adjustable pedals to the excellent quality Infinity audio system, not to mention the leather upholstered power seats. These same seats are comfortable but their lateral support could be better, although this is little more than a minor inconvenience since I’m sure that sport capabilities are not the number one priority of Magentis buyers. Finally, trunk capacity is good and the back seats are spacious and relatively comfortable, although the bench seat is a little too low for tall people. Lastly, the quality of the materials is surprising for a car in this category and it features a no-nonsense finish.

A predictable touring car

A little like its silhouette, this Korean’s performances on the road are average. In fact, with its 2.7-litre V6 engine, the accelerations are decent as is its fuel consumption of less than 9 litres per 100 km. This 194 horsepower engine is paired with a five-speed manumatic transmission that shifts from gear to gear using paddle shifters behind the steering wheel hub. There are also numerous controls for adjusting the sound level of the audio system and the cruise control.

As for performance, the accelerations are respectable, but no one is going to buy a Magentis for its performances. The V6 engine is relatively quiet, shifting is smooth, and the gear ratio is well selected. Of course, the suspension is much better suited for a Sunday drive than for sport handling but it lets you drive at a sport-quality speed on roads in poor condition without ever losing control. The steering could be a little more precise and less assisted, but I doubt that most people who would buy this model will complain about it.

All in all, the Kia Magentis is a simple and solid sedan that offers very respectable vehicle handling. If you’re into flashy cars and thunderous accelerations, this is definitely not the car for you. However, if you appreciate excellent quality for the price and a style that won’t be outdated after a few months, it may be an interesting addition to your list of cars to consider. There’s a good chance you’ll be pleasantly surprised.