2009 Kia Magentis LX-V6 Review

Have you met the Kia Magentis? No? Don’t feel bad. Like most Canadian consumers, you’ve never even heard of this car.

If I had written Camry, Altima, Malibu, Fusion or even Accord, you would have immediately said yes, a picture of the mid-size sedans these names represent coming to mind. But not Magentis, even if it’s been around in the same class since 2001.

The Kia Magentis is one of the least popular mid-size sedans in Canada because consumers aren’t even aware of its existence!

Meagre sales success
The poor commercial performance of this sedan explains its phantomlike presence. In September 2009, according to the statistics of the American magazine Automotive News, Canadians bought over 12,000 Honda Accords, almost as many Ford Fusions and Toyota Camrys, a little over 10,000 Nissan Altimas, not quite as many Chevrolet Malibus – and only 807 Magentises.

If it’s any consolation to Kia, the car hasn’t been slapped with the title of least popular mid-size sedan in the country. Those honours go to the Mitsubishi Galant. Twice as few Galants were sold over the same period.

The success Kia has known in Canada since its arrival in our market 10 years ago explains why the Magentis is treading water commercially. On the one hand, consumers have learned to associate the Korean brand with “small cars” and on the other, the automaker has up till now preferred to devote the better part of its marketing resources to sure things like the Soul, Rondo, Forte and Rio.

A negotiable second fiddle
That’s why the Magentis has been condemned to playing second fiddle. Which status can nevertheless prove a boon to the Canadian consumer. In fact, it gives us more leeway to negotiate with a Kia dealer – something you wouldn’t even dream about at your local Toyota or Honda joint.

There are good deals to be had while waiting for the third generation of the Magentis to land on our shores. Set for 2011, our sources promise distinctive lines dreamed up by dynamic designer Peter Schreyer, the mastermind behind the Soul and Forte.

That’s why the Magentis has been condemned to playing second fiddle. Which status can nevertheless prove a boon to the Canadian consumer.