Kia Magentis (01-05) - Review

Review by Parkers on
If you've never heard of the Magentis, then it's unlikely you knew about it's predecessor, the Clarus: executive cars with lowly brand values tend to be overlooked and forgotten. Worse still, they shed value long before the new car smell has worn off. However, this Mondeo-sized saloon - which shares components with Hyundai’s Sonata - is extremely well-equipped for the money, spacious and beats many rivals on rear accommodation . It has a refined and smooth V6 engine and quality is generally better than the old Clarus, but the primary selling point is the exceptional value for money this car represents.
2 out of 5

Other Kia reviews

3 out of 5

Performance

Only two engines and they're both petrol powered: a 2.0 or a 2.5 V6 - we'd pick the V6 as it is smooth and torquey, and the cheapest V6 you can buy. The sweet-sounding 166 bhp V6 underperforms in auto form, despite the Tiptronic sequential shifter; its power is more accessible in manual form; feels slower than the figures suggest.

2.5 out of 5

Handling

Built for cruising about in - handling is competent but doesn't inspire driving for fun. Much better to sit back and relax on smooth roads. More refined on the motorway, albeit a bit noisy; very undemanding to drive, with competent but uninspiring handling; good grip, although a little too much bodyroll.