Conservative – but useful – look
You have to admit, from an aesthetic point of view the 2009 Magentis looks the worse for wear. Although consistent, the body’s traits are cruelly lacking in contours and condemn this sedan to hopeless anonymity that will never turn any heads.
The current body does however have one advantage, an increasingly rare one in the industry at that: the relatively straight beltline and generous windows together ensure decent rear visibility. No need for a pricey reverse camera/LCD display combo to back this baby up relatively safely. Simply turn you head and look in the right direction!
The body also allows for a decent trunk: not to short, not too low, and with a generous opening. This makes loading cargo substantially easier. To truly understand, you have to compare it with the trunk of a recent Chevrolet Malibu. They’re practically the same size, only three litres setting them apart. But the American trunk is so low and its sill so high that loading the smallest suitcase is an ordeal. No such handicap for the Magentis.
What’s more, the 60/40 split folding rear seats allow you to adjust trunk space according to your needs. Now that’s what I call practical.
Spacious cabin
The Magentis really stands out by its spacious cabin. The high roof and large opening made by the four doors make access easy. You don’t systematically bump your head climbing into it like the oh-so-elegant, yet oh-so-low Mazda6.
The cabin comfortably accommodates four adults (five if need be) in a satisfying level of comfort that encourages longer trips. The bucket seats are wide and well suited to the big and tall (like yours truly). Better-contoured seats would be appreciated, however, to offer additional support when cornering.
The rear seats are high enough and offer good head- and legroom. In this regard, the Magentis has no cause to envy the Camry or Accord.
You have to admit, from an aesthetic point of view the 2009 Magentis looks the worse for wear. Although consistent, the body’s traits are cruelly lacking in contours and condemn this sedan to hopeless anonymity that will never turn any heads.
The current body does however have one advantage, an increasingly rare one in the industry at that: the relatively straight beltline and generous windows together ensure decent rear visibility. No need for a pricey reverse camera/LCD display combo to back this baby up relatively safely. Simply turn you head and look in the right direction!
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| Like the body, the dash board is a little dated. |
The body also allows for a decent trunk: not to short, not too low, and with a generous opening. This makes loading cargo substantially easier. To truly understand, you have to compare it with the trunk of a recent Chevrolet Malibu. They’re practically the same size, only three litres setting them apart. But the American trunk is so low and its sill so high that loading the smallest suitcase is an ordeal. No such handicap for the Magentis.
What’s more, the 60/40 split folding rear seats allow you to adjust trunk space according to your needs. Now that’s what I call practical.
Spacious cabin
The Magentis really stands out by its spacious cabin. The high roof and large opening made by the four doors make access easy. You don’t systematically bump your head climbing into it like the oh-so-elegant, yet oh-so-low Mazda6.
The cabin comfortably accommodates four adults (five if need be) in a satisfying level of comfort that encourages longer trips. The bucket seats are wide and well suited to the big and tall (like yours truly). Better-contoured seats would be appreciated, however, to offer additional support when cornering.
The rear seats are high enough and offer good head- and legroom. In this regard, the Magentis has no cause to envy the Camry or Accord.
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| The deep trunk has a wide opening that makes loading cumbersome packages a snap. |