This quality is also reflected in the bigger-than-average trunk that’s also easily accessible thanks to the low sill.
Unspectacular engine
Much like the body, the Kia Magentis’s engine is a little humdrum. Still, my tester, the high-end SX, featured a 194-hp, V6 engine – but you never felt its power.
Not that it isn’t powerful, it’s just that the considerable girth of the sedan and the engine’s lack of refinement result in a slight loss of efficiency. Especially considering the fact that the competition boasts an average of 40 extra ponies, far from trifling in this segment.
The engine is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission, whose nimbleness is nothing to write home about. The image that comes to mind is that of a 45 year-old racer trying to take on 20 year-old hot shots. But unlike the veteran making up for lack of speed with experience, the transmission just flounders under its poor reflexes.
It’s not all bad though. The suspension controls things very well, ensuring excellent comfort on every outing, despite having a little trouble in tight corners.
Same thing for the steering. Though uncommunicative and heavy at low speeds, it becomes distinctly more precise as you gain speed. The brakes aren’t what they could be, however, and require a little motivation for more intense manoeuvres.
Conclusion
Let’s be honest. I don’t think anyone will miss the Kia Magentis. Neither the dealers, because its low sales figures, nor the clients who bought it and who are undoubtedly looking to replace it with something a little more lively.
Though this Kia Magentis SX is far from a bad car. It’s just lacking that little bit of inspiration that allows its rivals to stay ahead of the game. We’ll have to see how its successor fares in the spring.
Unspectacular engine
Much like the body, the Kia Magentis’s engine is a little humdrum. Still, my tester, the high-end SX, featured a 194-hp, V6 engine – but you never felt its power.
Not that it isn’t powerful, it’s just that the considerable girth of the sedan and the engine’s lack of refinement result in a slight loss of efficiency. Especially considering the fact that the competition boasts an average of 40 extra ponies, far from trifling in this segment.
The engine is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission, whose nimbleness is nothing to write home about. The image that comes to mind is that of a 45 year-old racer trying to take on 20 year-old hot shots. But unlike the veteran making up for lack of speed with experience, the transmission just flounders under its poor reflexes.
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| Let’s be honest. I don’t think anyone will miss the Kia Magentis. (Photo: Kia) |
It’s not all bad though. The suspension controls things very well, ensuring excellent comfort on every outing, despite having a little trouble in tight corners.
Same thing for the steering. Though uncommunicative and heavy at low speeds, it becomes distinctly more precise as you gain speed. The brakes aren’t what they could be, however, and require a little motivation for more intense manoeuvres.
Conclusion
Let’s be honest. I don’t think anyone will miss the Kia Magentis. Neither the dealers, because its low sales figures, nor the clients who bought it and who are undoubtedly looking to replace it with something a little more lively.
Though this Kia Magentis SX is far from a bad car. It’s just lacking that little bit of inspiration that allows its rivals to stay ahead of the game. We’ll have to see how its successor fares in the spring.
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