In the case of the V6 Magentis, less money also buys decent performance. The optional 2.7-L DOHC 6-cyliner engine puts 170 horsepower to work driving the front wheels. Acceleration off the line is brisk, but a lack of traction control
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| The V6 Magentis is powered by a 2.7-L DOHC 6-cyliner engine that puts 170-hp to work through the front wheels. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
contributes to unnecessary wheel spin when a lead-laden foot meets the accelerator. But as the V6 growls to redline, it does so with slightly more harshness than a Honda or Toyota V6. That being said, the coarseness emitted is by no means unduly harsh or unacceptable - especially when one factors in the many tanks of gas the money saved over a Honda or Toyota V6 will buy. If there is a criticism I harbor against the Magentis V6, it's the lack of mid-range torque, which presently stands at 181 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm. A boost into the 200 lb-ft range would engender Kia's midsize sedan with authoritative hill climbing and passing performance. As it is, such events can be quite challenging to what is an undersized engine when compared to its rivals.
If additional torque isn't on the Magentis' menu, perhaps Kia will see fit to install its 5-speed autobox. Kia has outfitted its Sedona minivan and Amanti flagship with the well behaved 5-speeder. The additional gear
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| Stopping my test car was a snap that was repeatedly accomplished with ease and control - even in panic mode. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
would add the range of gears necessary to keep the engine in its maximum torque "sweet spot" when battling it out on a high mountain pass or just passing slower highway traffic. Kia hasn't skimped in the braking department however. All four wheels benefit from the rotation resistance imposed by a set of disc brakes, with 4-channel ABS. Stopping my test car was a snap that was repeatedly accomplished with ease and control - even in panic mode. The ABS system also worked flawlessly and predictably. With the application of proportionate effort, braking force was easily modulated up to the point of ABS intervention.
