What they said when the Kia Magentis was new... (2001)
BOSSES at Kia are not letting the grass grow under their feet. No sooner, it seems, have they launched one new model than another is in the pipeline.
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 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."
At first glance the new larger Magentis has a touch of the Toyota Avensis about it with, dare I say it, a hint of Mercedes-Benz.
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.
But the most impressive factor that struck me when I tried out the new two-litre petrol and diesel versions was just how quiet they were.
The driving characteristics told me there had to be a four cylinder engine under the bonnet but the refined silence of both cars gave the impression they were six cylinder models.
Few, if any, cars in this price bracket are as quiet and cossetting, ensuring very relaxed motoring for both driver and passengers.
The Magentis is a large car but now it is available with a diesel engine for the first time - with a claimed 47mpg for the manual version - its appeal is set to broaden dramatically.
Add to that the fact that automatic gearbox versions are available on both diesel and petrol LS models and Kia should hit its modest target of just 1,000 sales for this year very easily.
That will mean taking sales from cars like the Ford Mondeo, Vauxhall Vectra and VW Passat.
Corporate customers dominate this sector of the car market and Kia will be going all out to woo business buyers.
Nonetheless with prices starting from £14,495 for the entry level petrol-powered GS version with a manual gearbox this is still a car which will attract the attention of the buyer who has to use his or her own cash and is looking for a vehicle with plenty of space yet is a break away from the norm.
Even the entry level GS models are well equipped and come with air conditioning, front, side and curtain airbags, an MP3-compatible radio/CD player, powered and heated door mirrors, four electric windows and remote locking.
Step up to the LS and you add automatic lights, a trip computer, electrically controlled drivers seat and heated front seats.
You also get stability and traction control combined with emergency brake assist.
Performance wise the two cars are very similar. The 142bhp petrol version will hit 62mph in 10.2 seconds and the 138bhp diesel in 10.4 seconds. Top speeds are 129 and 125 respectively and for once I am not sure which of the two ticked more of the right boxes for me.
The ride, while being a little soft for my taste, is good as is the handling as this car has been tuned for European tastes. And for once I sampled a car from the back seat while someone else drove and could certainly recommend it to anyone setting themselves up as chauffeurs.
The five-speed gearbox, particularly on the petrol model is a delight to use, the steering is nicely weighted and the general build quality is high. Close the door and there is very much a solid, quality "clunk" reminiscent of cars of twice the price.
The car comes with a few nice touches like sensible sized glove box and deep oddments box/arm rest between the two front seats as well as a glasses case on the roof near the driver's head.
But while the steering wheel is adjustable for height on the GS it is not adjustable for reach and, at 5ft 8ins tall I found it difficult to find the ideal driving position where I could depress the clutch completely yet reach the steering wheel comfortably. In the end I had to have the back rest more reclined than normal. The telescopic adjustment on LS versions gets over this problem.
One thing I couldn't criticise the Magentis for, however, is the boot space. The boot is so big you could certainly take all your luggage and the kitchen sink - and that's without folding down the rear seat backs.
The two-litre Magentis models will have a bigger brother when they hit the showrooms next month, although I didn't have chance to drive one. The flagship of the range will be a 2.7-litre model which, in top-of-the-range LS trim with an automatic gearbox, will be priced at £17,495.
The new Magentis goes on sale from June 1. If you are an individualist who is looking for something different at a sensible price take a test drive. I think you'll be impressed.
Copyright