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2009 Kia Amanti Luxury Review

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Luc Gagné
A well-kept secret
A premium full-size sedan... from Korea? Most consumers will tell you there's something wrong with that sentence. Anyway, Kia launched the Amanti in 2003 and, since then, the company manages to attract hundreds of Canadian buyers who would have otherwise purchased a Buick Lucerne, Ford Taurus, Toyota Avalon, Chrysler 300 or even a Hyundai Azera.

The Kia Amanti offers premium equipment and surprising fun on the road.

Whether you like it or not, the idea of a Korean luxury car will not fade anytime soon. Actually, it's gaining momentum in near Japanese fashion. The huge media coverage of the all-new Hyundai Genesis is clear evidence that Korean sedans are more than just hype. Consumers are adjusting to this new reality as quickly as the products become more refined. And don't be surprised if Chinese automobiles enjoy the same treatment a couple of years from now!

Not another Genesis...
The 2009 Kia Amanti is not as modern as the Genesis; after all, its design dates back to almost 10 years ago. A next-generation model is in the works; called VG, it will likely replace the Amanti in 2010, according to our sources. In the meantime, there are good deals to be had at your local Kia dealer.

The low number of units sold has nothing to do with the design and qualities of the car. It's just that many buyers have never even heard about it. The Amanti, however, makes a good impression on those who know it, especially nostalgic fans of the big American sedans. These folks -- not all senior citizens, by the way -- like the baroque styling and slightly retro looks of the Amanti. It reminds them of the Lincoln Town Car (see the high-arched roofline) and the antediluvian Mercury Grand Marquis (sizeable girth).

A BIG sedan!
This Kia is not small by any means. In fact, it's just 2-centimeter shorter than a Toyota Avalon and about 10-centimeter shorter than both the Buick and Ford.

The dashboard design is modern though not particularly striking. Build quality, on the other hand, is quite commendable.
Luc Gagné
Luc Gagné
Automotive expert
  • More than 30 years of experience as an automotive journalist
  • Over 59 test drives in the past year
  • Attended over 150 new vehicle launches in the presence of the brand's technical specialists