Vehicle: 2009 Kia Magentis LX-V6 Luxury
Price as tested: CDN$28195

Performance: As with all family sedans, Magentis is available with 2 different engines. The standard one is a 2.4 liter 4-cylinder with 175hp and 169 lb/ft of torque. While this engine is more than adequate, it doesn’t have the refinement of the uplevel V6. Although this 2.7 liter V6 DOHC 24-valve with Kia’s variable valve timing, only able to put out 194 horses and 184 lb/ft of torque are nothing special. It all delivers in a competent manner that is a delightful surprise. When it comes to engine flexability, putting 184 lb/ft of torque at 4500rpm is more than enough to move Magentis with authority. Mated to this motor is the standard 6-speed Steptronic manumatic gearbox that has the decent ratio. While the low gears have small enough ratio to give Magentis an enthuisastic launch, the 6th gives it a comfortable ride.

Handling: Based on the same chassis as the Hyundai Sonata, the Magentis has a excellent fundamental for suspensions to hang its hats. That also makes the Magentis completely free of cracks and rattles through large bumps and washboard pavements. Dynamically speaking, Magentis is a competent car that handle relatively well. The steering provides decent feedback although the turn-in feels numb. It also needs a more spot on off and on-center feel. Ride quality, on the other hand, exceeds. As Magentis is engieered as a comfort-oriented family sedan rather than a sport-oriented family sedan. That explains its body rolls are quite obvious through corners while it exhibits some terminal understeer.

Interior: While the pre-facelifted Megentis’s interior is far from being cheap, its also far from class-leading. The latest revision has given Magentis a much-needed materials that finally put it somewhere close to the top of its class. Both the plastic and leather materials are far classier, while the fit-and-finish have taken to a new height. When it comes to features, Magentis is very generous. Its not only comes with standard leather seats on our Luxury version, it also comes with exterior temperature gauge and auto climate control.

Conclusion: The new Magentis is a fairly confident ride. While it doesn’t do anything particularly outstanding, it doesn’t do anything offensive neither. That is exactly the sort of car that most consumers need when shopping for a family sedan. If you are looking for a family sedan with lots of standard features with price significantly undercut its rivals, plus a lengthy warranty. Kia Magentis is a car that’s worth a close look.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2009 Kia Magentis
=====================================
Performance: 3/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 3/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 3/5
Value-for-money: 3/5

Overall rating: 3/5