Kia - Magentis

2001-06 

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Magentis packs a lot of equipment into a large car at a low price, and it's by no means bad to drive or ride in. Yet it just doesn't appeal to fussy executive car buyers.

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	Impressively large executive saloon for little cash
	Lots of equipment imparts an illusion of luxury
	Smooth ride, spacious interior
	Less refined than rivals at motorway speeds
	Kia have almost no credibility with UK executives
	Heavy depreciation if bought new

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Kia revised the big Magentis saloon closely related to Hyundai's Sonata after just 18 months on sale, bringing out a cut-price 2.0-litre to join the thirsty 2.7 V6. It's quick enough, and it cruises comfortably with the competent auto gearbox, but it feels like a Japanese saloon of the early 1990s rather than a competitive modern contender.
Magentis isn't helped by its looks, which give it away as a budget Far Eastern model designed primarily with the USA in mind. Depreciation is harsh.
The cabin, although superficially nice to look at, has some poor detailing, with nasty plastics, a cheaply-covered steering wheel and flimsy switchgear, and the leather upholstery is bargain-basement. Still, there's plenty of space up front, although rear legroom is poor for a car of this size. But it's very easy to drive, with light steering and simple controls. As such, it seems to suit its elderly, comfort-conscious, conservative buyers well.