The Kia Magentis only has a couple more months left. A few months in a career that never garnered much admiration, and where sales have always been very low indeed. It has to be said that the Kia Magentis, slated for replacement in the spring by the much more dramatic Optima, didn’t have much going for it.
Physically, it’s as ordinary as you can get, and it melts into the background with all the aplomb of a chameleon. In fact, I challenge you to tell me precisely when was the last time you came into contact with a Magentis. True, the paltry number of units sold over the years hasn’t increased your chances of a fortuitous meeting, but still…
Bland yet efficient
Much like the comments exchanged at a funeral, we only find good things to say about the nearly defunct Kia. Well, marginally good things, at any rate.
This mid-size model certainly doesn’t stand out in terms of style. Its profile, keeping up with the fashion of the old-fashioned automobile, is just a little too bland to catch the eye. Nothing clashes, everything seems to be in the right spot, but nothing really sets the Magentis apart either.
Which, in such a competitive segment, is unquestionably a big handicap. No personality? No takers. However, you have to recognize the effort that went into the SX variant that I drove. Kia attempted to up its sporty quotient by tweaking the grille and adding bigger alloy wheels. But the impression of athleticism stops there.
Same story inside. Though nothing is really wrong, nothing seems spectacularly right, either. While the dash is flawless in its simplicity, it’s certainly flawed in its finish. The mix of plastic and leather doesn’t do justice to the car either.
The seats offer decent support, but the cushions are a tad too short for comfort on long road trips. However, I have to mention that, statistically, the Kia Magentis boasts one of the most spacious cabins of its class, and passengers have ample room for their legs and head, both in front and in back.
Physically, it’s as ordinary as you can get, and it melts into the background with all the aplomb of a chameleon. In fact, I challenge you to tell me precisely when was the last time you came into contact with a Magentis. True, the paltry number of units sold over the years hasn’t increased your chances of a fortuitous meeting, but still…
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| Physically, it’s as ordinary as you can get, and it melts into the background with all the aplomb of a chameleon. (Photo: Kia) |
Bland yet efficient
Much like the comments exchanged at a funeral, we only find good things to say about the nearly defunct Kia. Well, marginally good things, at any rate.
This mid-size model certainly doesn’t stand out in terms of style. Its profile, keeping up with the fashion of the old-fashioned automobile, is just a little too bland to catch the eye. Nothing clashes, everything seems to be in the right spot, but nothing really sets the Magentis apart either.
Which, in such a competitive segment, is unquestionably a big handicap. No personality? No takers. However, you have to recognize the effort that went into the SX variant that I drove. Kia attempted to up its sporty quotient by tweaking the grille and adding bigger alloy wheels. But the impression of athleticism stops there.
Same story inside. Though nothing is really wrong, nothing seems spectacularly right, either. While the dash is flawless in its simplicity, it’s certainly flawed in its finish. The mix of plastic and leather doesn’t do justice to the car either.
The seats offer decent support, but the cushions are a tad too short for comfort on long road trips. However, I have to mention that, statistically, the Kia Magentis boasts one of the most spacious cabins of its class, and passengers have ample room for their legs and head, both in front and in back.
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| The seats offer decent support, but the cushions are a tad too short for comfort on long road trips. (Photo: Kia) |