Kia Magentis (06-10) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Last Updated: 10 November 2009
Kia may have a strong reputation for making good value small hatchbacks and people carriers, but not many people consider the Korean make when it comes to larger saloons. The Magentis is just that - a four door car that's similar in size to the Volkswagen Passat, but unfortunately that's where the similarities end. The dull styling and cheap-looking cabin do it few favours, while a cramped driving position and flimsy handling make it far from enjoyable to drive. It does come well equipped and there's plenty of rear leg room. It was facelifted in 2009 with a sharper look and improved handling, but it still fails to impress. The Ceed hatchback may be smaller, but it's a far superior Kia.
3 out of 5

Other Kia reviews

3 out of 5

Safety

The Magentis scored a reasonable four stars in official Euro NCAP crash tests, but many similar sized family cars like the Renault Laguna, Citroen C5 and Toyota Avensis achieved the maximum five star rating. There's a good level of safety kit though, including front, side and curtain airbags and active head restraints to reduce whiplash injuries. There are also Isofix child seat mounts in the back.

NCAP Test

Euro NCAP logo Euro NCAP

Provides motoring consumers with a realistic and independent assessment of the safety performance of some of the most popular cars sold in Europe.

Visit Euro NCAP for more info

  • Adult Occupant Rating

    4 out of 5
  • Child Protection Rating

    3 out of 5
  • Pedestrian Test Rating

    1 out of 5
4 out of 5

Reliability

Kia has a good reputation for reliability and the Magentis should be no different. We've heard of no major problems, either mechanical or electrical, but unlike most other Kia models (which have five or seven-year warranties) the Magentis originally only had three years cover - although it isn't limited by mileage constraints. This was changed in January 2010 though, whtn a seven-year warranty was introduced on all Kia models.

Car check problem points

Body

No problems reported.

Engine/Gearbox

No problems reported.

Other

No problems reported.