It's pretty easy to find an ideal driving position, and the door-mounted power controls for the front seats are a nice touch. The door panels just below the windows have a hard edge, so leaning your elbow there is a little painful.
In back, the outboard seats are also heated, which is a rare feature for the price. There's plenty of space for occupants, and the seatback is nicely sculpted for extra comfort. The middle passenger won't be at ease, however, since the hard padding of the cushion and fold-down armrest spoils it, and makes you feel as if you're sitting above the seat and not in it.
Improved looks
Kia had to do something with the Amanti's ugly rear end, and something has indeed been done. The clumsy horizontal taillamps have been replaced by upright units that are much more elegant. Open up that trunk, by the way, and you'll be surprised at just how much room there is in there.
Overall, the Amanti's styling isn't breathtaking, but I think there still is a clientele for retro-styled luxury sedans like this one. It reminds me so much of the S-Type, but carries a price tag that's $25,000 lower. Granted, the Amanti is not as beautiful or graceful as the Jag, but for the price difference, let's not be so picky.
It's still a Kia
The Amanti's biggest shortcoming, its Achilles' heel, may very well be the badge on the trunklid. If you didn't notice, there is no Kia logo on the front grille, and that's for a damn good reason: the company probably wants you to take a second glance at the Amanti when you see one pass by, and that's a good strategy.
Let's take a look at some similarly-equipped rivals. A Buick Lucerne CXL V8 with options costs $41,290, a Chrysler 300 Limited with options costs $38,245, and a Toyota Avalon XLS is priced at 41,135. At $36,995, the Amanti is less expensive than all of them.
So, with its round of improvements for 2007, this sedan is much better than before. As a soft-riding, quiet and comfortable luxury sedan, the Amanti deserves a look. But would you feel proud owning a luxury car with a Kia badge on its rump? That's your call.
More power
Quiet and comfortable on the highway
Well-equipped for the money
Lacks prestige
Lazy steering
Fuel consumption
None
photo:Philippe Champoux
 |
| Comfort is good for all occupants save for the rear-middle one. |
In back, the outboard seats are also heated, which is a rare feature for the price. There's plenty of space for occupants, and the seatback is nicely sculpted for extra comfort. The middle passenger won't be at ease, however, since the hard padding of the cushion and fold-down armrest spoils it, and makes you feel as if you're sitting above the seat and not in it.
Improved looks
Kia had to do something with the Amanti's ugly rear end, and something has indeed been done. The clumsy horizontal taillamps have been replaced by upright units that are much more elegant. Open up that trunk, by the way, and you'll be surprised at just how much room there is in there.
Overall, the Amanti's styling isn't breathtaking, but I think there still is a clientele for retro-styled luxury sedans like this one. It reminds me so much of the S-Type, but carries a price tag that's $25,000 lower. Granted, the Amanti is not as beautiful or graceful as the Jag, but for the price difference, let's not be so picky.
It's still a Kia
The Amanti's biggest shortcoming, its Achilles' heel, may very well be the badge on the trunklid. If you didn't notice, there is no Kia logo on the front grille, and that's for a damn good reason: the company probably wants you to take a second glance at the Amanti when you see one pass by, and that's a good strategy.
 |
| There is no Kia logo on the front end of the Amanti. |
Let's take a look at some similarly-equipped rivals. A Buick Lucerne CXL V8 with options costs $41,290, a Chrysler 300 Limited with options costs $38,245, and a Toyota Avalon XLS is priced at 41,135. At $36,995, the Amanti is less expensive than all of them.
So, with its round of improvements for 2007, this sedan is much better than before. As a soft-riding, quiet and comfortable luxury sedan, the Amanti deserves a look. But would you feel proud owning a luxury car with a Kia badge on its rump? That's your call.
 |
Quiet and comfortable on the highway
Well-equipped for the money
 |
Lazy steering
Fuel consumption
 |
None
photo:Philippe Champoux
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