Kia doesn't make mention of available transmissions, but expect a five-speed automatic with manual mode for top-line editions, plus a five-speed manual or four-speed auto for four-cylinder cars. I know, if any
engine needed more gears to optimize lower output it would be base four-cylinder models, but that's not how the marketers think. They want a low entry-level price and reason for buyers to move up-market for a better equipped model. Fair point.
One thing Kia didn't skimp on, however, is the Magentis' long list of active and passive safety features. Safety sells big time in the new economy, with even the aforementioned muscle cars having to tout multiple airbags, safety cage construction methods and electronic stability control to woo customers. The same goes for the more mainstream models like Kia's new Magentis, which will include ABS, ESP stability control, rear parking sensors, front, side and curtain-type airbags, plus active (anti-whiplash) front seat head restraints, depending on which trim level is chosen.
While the new Magentis might not be bold enough to whip up a commotion among midsize sedan buyers the way Chrysler's 300 has, it
just might sneak in unawares and attract a large enough contingent of would-be buyers away from its more conservative competition to impact the segment's sales charts.
The company has opted for this subtle approach with each new model debut, and is growing at such an alarmingly fast rate that it would be foolish to question their methods.
"Through hard work and dedication, we have totally transformed our product range in recent years," commented Yong-Hwan Kim, Senior Executive Vice President and COO of Kia Motors Corporation. "Starting with the Sorento SUV, followed by the A-segment Picanto (not available in North America), the C-segment Cerato (sold as the Spectra in North America), the Sportage compact SUV and most recently the all new B-segment Rio, we have demonstrated Kia's determination to deliver a modern, highly competitive range of cars with immense customer appeal in Europe and throughout the globe."
-i03.jpg) |
| One thing Kia didn't skimp on, however, is the Magentis' long list of active and passive safety features. (Photo: Kia Canada) |
One thing Kia didn't skimp on, however, is the Magentis' long list of active and passive safety features. Safety sells big time in the new economy, with even the aforementioned muscle cars having to tout multiple airbags, safety cage construction methods and electronic stability control to woo customers. The same goes for the more mainstream models like Kia's new Magentis, which will include ABS, ESP stability control, rear parking sensors, front, side and curtain-type airbags, plus active (anti-whiplash) front seat head restraints, depending on which trim level is chosen.
While the new Magentis might not be bold enough to whip up a commotion among midsize sedan buyers the way Chrysler's 300 has, it
-i05.jpg) |
| The new Magentis might not be bold enough to whip up a commotion among midsize sedan buyers, but it just might sneak in unawares and attract a large enough contingent of would-be buyers away from its more conservative competition to impact the segment's sales charts. (Photo: Kia Canada) |
The company has opted for this subtle approach with each new model debut, and is growing at such an alarmingly fast rate that it would be foolish to question their methods.
"Through hard work and dedication, we have totally transformed our product range in recent years," commented Yong-Hwan Kim, Senior Executive Vice President and COO of Kia Motors Corporation. "Starting with the Sorento SUV, followed by the A-segment Picanto (not available in North America), the C-segment Cerato (sold as the Spectra in North America), the Sportage compact SUV and most recently the all new B-segment Rio, we have demonstrated Kia's determination to deliver a modern, highly competitive range of cars with immense customer appeal in Europe and throughout the globe."