Unfortunately Kia has not chosen to equip the 4-cylinder Magentis with a full set of disc brakes, opting instead to affix drum brakes to the rear. And while I pine away about an incomplete disc brake scenario, allow me to add insult to injury by decrying the lack of standard ABS in the Magentis regardless of trim level. Boy, how a little venting can be therapeutic! Just the same, few competitors are willing to dive into the standard ABS deep end either, knowing that the added costs will cause their rivals to appear more attractive financially, initially at least.
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| The Magentis delivers competent handling that is biased toward comfort - not high-speed cornering. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
All drivers know that acceleration and braking ability comprise only part of a vehicle's overall performance package. The remainder belongs to vehicle handling. With the use of power rack and pinion steering, the Magentis delivers competent handling that is biased toward comfort - not high-speed cornering. The Magentis rides on a 4-wheel fully independent suspension that absorbs road imperfections well, although major undulations or potholes will max out the suspension's absorption capability. This effect can throw handling off when it occurs during cornering. But such symptoms are applicable to any vehicle with a suspension setup that favors comfort over performance. Within normal driving parameters, I doubt many drivers will ever have occasion to encounter such limitations in the Magentis' suspension.
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| I was very satisfied with the Magentis' smooth ride and reasonably competent handling dynamics. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
Kia's midsize sedan utilizes a double wishbone, coil spring arrangement at the front, which includes an anti-roll bar and gas shocks to diminish body lean during cornering. The rear setup is a multi-link, coil spring design that again features gas shocks and an anti-roll bar. Overall I was very satisfied with the car's smooth ride and reasonably competent handling dynamics. Its stable platform and mild suspension calibration made it easy to live with whether performing the daily grind of commuting or touring the countryside in search of solace.
