The Amanti is also quite large inside. Its 1,110 mm (43.7 in) of front and 960 mm (37.8 in) of rear legroom might not be limousine-like, but it's a far cry from the midsize average. The same can be said of its headroom, 1,016 mm (40.0 in) up front and 975 mm (38.4 in) in back. To put things into perspective its front headroom is class leading, besting the Buick LeSabre, Chrysler Concorde and Toyota Avalon.
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| The Amanti is no Rio in overall proportions. Its one of the largest in its class inside and out. (Photo: Kia) |
At 2,799 mm (110.2 in) the Amanti's wheelbase is stretched a nominal 49 mm (1.9 in) over the XG350, a statistic that should theoretically improve both its ride and interior room. The Kia's overall exterior dimensions are up too. Measuring in at 4,978 mm (196.0 in) long, 1,849 mm (72.8 in) wide and 1,486 mm (58.5 in) tall, it out-sizes Hyundai's XG by 103 mm (4.1 in), 24 mm (0.9 in) and 66 mm (2.6 in) respectively. Then factor in that the top-line Hyundai overshadows almost every other midsize in the class already, and the new Kia steers into a much broader perspective - literally.
While size is important in the luxury class, the Amanti's bottom line will factor in much more. The budget brand is doing well touting its full features for less strategy, fighting it out in the subcompact, compact and midsize classes, competing strongly in the hotly contested minivan vertical, and selling out its sensational new Sorento SUV almost completely. Will an entry-level luxury Kia fare as well?