My tester was the SE, and my first impression of driving the Magentis was one of, well, being very impressed.
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| Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
The V6 engine pumps out a smooth and solid 170 horses; the interior is well appointed in leather and woodgrain; the front seats are heated, and the driver's seat includes eight way power to help find that perfect driving position.
Handling too is surprising, as I found the Magentis to behave very civilized in the corners. There is a bit of cabin noise at highway speed, though once the engine finds the right revs it seems to settle down some.
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| Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press |
For passengers, front and rear, there is plenty of leg and headroom - especially in the rear seats. A flip-down centre rear armrest provides comfort and storage space. In addition, its 60/40 split-folding back seat adds to the Magentis' overall utility, as do a variety of storage spaces.
A leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob and chrome accents place you squarely in the lap of luxury. Standard features include cruise control, AM/FM/CD audio, power windows and air conditioning, all with very easy-to-use controls (something that most definitely cannot be said about some of the Japanese and German luxury sedans which the Magentis so favourably compares to).
