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I'M NOT SURE if you've noticed, but just about every car in just about every segment has grown in engine and body size over their respective predecessors. Cars with ballooning waistlines might appeal to those looking for more space and refinement, but not everybody will be keen on exceeding the 2.0-litre tax bracket.
Enter then, the all-new Kia Magentis, last reviewed a few issues ago in Spain. We're glad to report that the locally spec'd model has arrived here extremely comprehensively equipped, with features such as climate control air-conditioning and a trip computer as standard. Even the driver's seat gets electric adjustment, which is impressive for a car that costs around $65,000.
Mechanically identical to the 2.0-litre Hyundai Sonata, the Magentis convincingly distinguishes itself from its corporate twin with bold yet understated styling cues. The projector headlamp clusters and 'floating' grille for example, are examples of how far the Korean brand has come in terms of design development.
Another quantum leap that the Magentis makes from the previous model is where ride and handling are concerned. Where the old car felt like a Kuala Lumpur taxi, the new car takes the fight to more expensive Japanese-made models.
Few would find fault with the Magentis' 144bhp power unit as it's smooth, quiet and delivers just enough grunt to avoid being underwhelming. At least it compliments the four-speed automatic gearbox nicely and cruising in top gear doesn't make the driver wish for another ratio.
While the optional 17-inch alloys (16-inch items come standard) might suggest a more sporty intent, the Magentis is really more comfortable as a long distance tourer for the family. Chuck it into a corner and body roll is well controlled but it turns in without much enthusiasm. In the family car context, though, the Magentis does what it says on the tin and few in the position to buy such a car would complain.
Ample cabin space for five adults and a boot that's big enough to hold all their luggage means that the Magentis feels like a more expensive car than it really is. Add $1,000 and you can enhance the premium effect with a sunroof. Another $1,500 gets you leather seats.
It this point, it has to be said that omissions like a centre rear safety belt and passenger side airbag are a bit jarring. Still you can't really argue at this price. In the Magentis' defence, it features a single driver's side airbag and the car does come with anti-lock brakes and front seat headrests that tilt forward in the event of a rear-end collision to reduce the risk of whiplash.
If the Magentis were more conservatively designed, we'd call the whole package bland, particularly where driving dynamics are concerned. However, thanks to the combination of attractive styling, generous equipment list, spacious cabin and ultra-competitive pricing, it seems Kia might just have a winner.
PLUSES
Big improvement over the previous Magentis and it's now a match for the more expensive Japanese models
Performance is uninspiring and could benefit from more safety equipment
VERDICT
Competitive pricing and generous spec turns a decent family car into a really good one
Model KIA Magentis 2.0 (A)
Engine Type 1,998cc, 16V in-line 4
Max Power 144bhp at 6,000rpm
Max Torque 189Nm at 4,250rpm
Gearbox 4-speed automatic
Top Speed 195km/h
0-100km/H 11.2 seconds
Price $65,999 with COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
Contact Cycle & Carriage Kia
Telephone 6427-8888
SIMILAR CARS WE HAVE DRIVEN
HYUNDAI SONATA 2.0 $68,000 with COE
As both Magentis and Sonata are mechanically similar, only styling, equipment levels and pricing spilt the two.
Enter then, the all-new Kia Magentis, last reviewed a few issues ago in Spain. We're glad to report that the locally spec'd model has arrived here extremely comprehensively equipped, with features such as climate control air-conditioning and a trip computer as standard. Even the driver's seat gets electric adjustment, which is impressive for a car that costs around $65,000.
Mechanically identical to the 2.0-litre Hyundai Sonata, the Magentis convincingly distinguishes itself from its corporate twin with bold yet understated styling cues. The projector headlamp clusters and 'floating' grille for example, are examples of how far the Korean brand has come in terms of design development.
Another quantum leap that the Magentis makes from the previous model is where ride and handling are concerned. Where the old car felt like a Kuala Lumpur taxi, the new car takes the fight to more expensive Japanese-made models.
Few would find fault with the Magentis' 144bhp power unit as it's smooth, quiet and delivers just enough grunt to avoid being underwhelming. At least it compliments the four-speed automatic gearbox nicely and cruising in top gear doesn't make the driver wish for another ratio.
While the optional 17-inch alloys (16-inch items come standard) might suggest a more sporty intent, the Magentis is really more comfortable as a long distance tourer for the family. Chuck it into a corner and body roll is well controlled but it turns in without much enthusiasm. In the family car context, though, the Magentis does what it says on the tin and few in the position to buy such a car would complain.
Ample cabin space for five adults and a boot that's big enough to hold all their luggage means that the Magentis feels like a more expensive car than it really is. Add $1,000 and you can enhance the premium effect with a sunroof. Another $1,500 gets you leather seats.
It this point, it has to be said that omissions like a centre rear safety belt and passenger side airbag are a bit jarring. Still you can't really argue at this price. In the Magentis' defence, it features a single driver's side airbag and the car does come with anti-lock brakes and front seat headrests that tilt forward in the event of a rear-end collision to reduce the risk of whiplash.
If the Magentis were more conservatively designed, we'd call the whole package bland, particularly where driving dynamics are concerned. However, thanks to the combination of attractive styling, generous equipment list, spacious cabin and ultra-competitive pricing, it seems Kia might just have a winner.
PLUSES
Big improvement over the previous Magentis and it's now a match for the more expensive Japanese models
MINUSES
Performance is uninspiring and could benefit from more safety equipmentVERDICT
Competitive pricing and generous spec turns a decent family car into a really good one
NEED TO KNOW
Model KIA Magentis 2.0 (A)Engine Type 1,998cc, 16V in-line 4
Max Power 144bhp at 6,000rpm
Max Torque 189Nm at 4,250rpm
Gearbox 4-speed automatic
Top Speed 195km/h
0-100km/H 11.2 seconds
Price $65,999 with COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
Contact Cycle & Carriage Kia
Telephone 6427-8888
SIMILAR CARS WE HAVE DRIVEN
HYUNDAI SONATA 2.0 $68,000 with COEAs both Magentis and Sonata are mechanically similar, only styling, equipment levels and pricing spilt the two.
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