Picture Gallery: 2009 Kia Magentis LX | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Discuss
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My tester is the Kia Magentis LX with Premium Package; to be honest I was not very familiar with the package layout for the Magentis until I researched it today. The LX is the base model but still comes with a good number of standard features, such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, cruise control and a CD player — and is the only Magentis model available with a 5-speed manual transmission. You can read the full list in the CanadianDriver buyer’s guide here.
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The family resemblance to the Sonata is rather striking. The body shape and interior feel and finish are so similar it is eerie — almost like General Motors badge engineering, but I won’t go there. The ride and handling is supposed to be tuned slightly differently for the Kia, adding a more sporty flair, although I’m not too sure many Magentis buyers are looking for a sports sedan.
From the short time I have had behind the wheel so far, I would say the Magentis pulls off traditional family sedan well. Let’s see if my perception changes over the course of the week.
2009 Kia Magentis LX
MSRP as tested (excluding destination): $25,495
For more information on Kia and the Magentis visit Kia Canada
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The rest of the interior is, well, basic but still has a few features that are unique in this price range and definitely worth mentioning. The auxiliary input and USB connector as standard are a nice touch; most manufacturers are only adding USB connectivity in their decked-out luxury models, while Kia is offering it in their intro-model sedan.
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Again missing in this Kia is ambient lighting inside, which means fumbling around in the dark at night, and at this time of the year, it seems like that is all the time.
The Magentis’ heated seats are absolutely wonderful — heated cloth just can’t be beat as you start off closer to warm than with leather. The heater seems to work extremely well too — nearly burning my hands with the air from the vents — and has been a very welcome feature the past couple of mornings.
The rest of the interior is basic but functional, with two cup-holders, and an armrest with a storage bin inside (it does not move forward and aft but it does provide my shorter frame with an elbow rest). There is a deep storage bin just under the HVAC controls; if you have large hands, be careful what you store in here, as you may never reach it again.
The rear seats fold 60/40 but in typical sedan style, not completely flat. The opening is also hampered size-wise by the rear frame, but I was able to fit a rather large TV credenza, in its box, through the hole.
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I wasn’t sure what to say; the mood was light, so I blurted out: “It’s magentic.” Okay, corny joke, but whatever, the Magentis is actually very nice — full stop.
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Bumps and holes in the road are soaked up without a fuss, and the fit-and-finish is up to my expectations of a modern vehicle for basic transportation. I can’t help myself but compare the Magentis with the Corolla. Read that any way you wish, but I see it as comfortable basic transportation and so far, it seems to be rather thrifty as well.
My tester is equipped with the 2.4-litre four mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. The transmission is a little quick to upshift to save fuel, and the engine does sound a little coarse if you are trying to get out of your own way in a hurry. The ECO light in the dash — which lets you know when you are driving economically — looks like a gimmick (well, it is, actually) but it works: just like the shift light in the Cobalt I had a few weeks back, the ECO light turns driving into a game of “try to keep it lit.”
Seems to be working; according to the on-board computer, I am achieving some good fuel economy so far.
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I did a little more highway traveling this week than I normally do, but then again, it was also a little on the chilly side, which is not conducive to good fuel economy. Despite the cold weather, I averaged 9.2L/100km. Not bad — not bad at all!
*Rating out of 5:
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*Rating based on vehicle’s classification
2009 Kia Magentis LX
MSRP as tested (including destination): $25,495
For more information on Kia and the Magentis visit Kia Canada
to our site.
November 11, 2008, 11:24:16 pm Looks nice, but I can't figure out why Hyundai didn't put the 3.3L V6 into the Magentis, which would actually give it some sporting flair. Does this car also suffer from limited suspension travel like the Sonata?
November 12, 2008, 12:06:21 pm The Sonata and Magentis/Optima do not really share a platform. The Kia has a different, smaller front-end with a different suspension (struts where the Sonata has a multi-link design). Kia says the 3.3L won't fit. Not really sure how much the suspension travel differs.
November 12, 2008, 12:10:25 pm I actually preferred the old front end - reminded me a bit of the original G35.
While cross shopping the Rondo to the Mazda5 about 2 years ago, I checked one out - loaded it was $26k MSRP or something vs the $29k MSRP Sonata. Hyundai wants to keep the 'entry level' Kia separate and distinct from it's Hyundai brethern, methinks on the V-6 powerplant.
HUGE value for the segment with a V-6 at the time - but even the Kia salesman said he couldn't remember anyone buying one......
November 12, 2008, 12:23:22 pm Is this a truly an all-new model or just a facelift? The interior/exterior looks just like the old Hyundai/Kia style.
On the other hand, the new Kia Forte looks like a step-up design wise.
November 12, 2008, 12:24:11 pm Like I said it's just a facelift.
November 12, 2008, 12:27:20 pm
My bad. Sorry.
November 12, 2008, 01:45:46 pm
Where's Saf with some timely advice?
Looking forward to this review - I'm thinking with the advent of the Malibu it's competition has gotten thicker....
November 13, 2008, 12:11:03 am Has anybody noticed that Kia/Hyundai always nowadays seems to copy a little bit some exterior designs from Honda - - look at this Magentis it's like the new Accord unless you click on the image to enlarge also in previous articles of Road and Track, Car and Driver and Motor Trend Magazines they talked about a certain Kia Coupe concept that might have about 300Bhp it's red color and it looks like the current Honda Civic coupe or even the Euro version of the Civic coupe Type R.
Have some originality Kia...I drive a Kia Sephia and it's kinda like the Corolla but not better not even close, that's why next year I'm tradin' this in or sell for a Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna.
November 13, 2008, 12:15:47 pm Originality from Kia is coming this January : look for the Kia Soul (well, kind of a blend of gen-1 and gen-2 Scion Xb, but still original).
November 13, 2008, 12:37:58 pm I agree JayEmCee. The exterior of the Magentis reminds me of the Acura TSX (1st gen.) - especially the rear lights, dual exhausts and even the headlights and grill somewhat.
The 2010 Kia Forte (I believe it's derived from the red Kia concept JayEmCee mentioned) looks very much like the current generation Civic which isn't a bad thing. Don't forget the average buyer doesn't really notice these things so I guess Kia is just saving some development costs and passing the savings to the buyer. Also I'm sure the Kia owner doesn't mind someone mistaking their car for a Honda/Acura.
November 13, 2008, 01:27:16 pm ..."Writers BLOCK"...never heard ol Wille shakes his wattsit use THAT ONE.......2 Kia or Not 2 Kia's that is the Magentis of this our testing time ...weather!! to suffer the Swifts or Veronas or by driving the snot out of 'em to overcome.............My Kingdom fer 450 HORSES......
November 14, 2008, 07:16:24 am Just to get topic, what large TV credenza did you get
November 14, 2008, 07:35:01 am Same one as doubleclutch
November 14, 2008, 11:59:36 am HAd a 09 Sonata rental recently. I did not like the suspension. Thing was bouncing and shuddering over some rough freeway in New York. I actually prefer the suspension in my 97 626, as worn as it is.
Is the Magentis tuned any differently?
November 14, 2008, 12:46:51 pm From your description very much so.
November 14, 2008, 03:23:13 pm Does the USB port allow you to view ID3 tags through the audio's display? How about controlling ipods with the installed stereo? Thanks =)
November 14, 2008, 03:51:20 pm Take a trip to small town Canada: the Magentis has become the Chevy Impala of the era. A good car at a good price, perfect for getting the groceries home and the kids to school.
November 15, 2008, 12:42:24 am I do like the front end, I think it looks better than the Sonata, at least in pictures.
I went to the Kia canada website to price out a Magentis and I could not. The Magentis wasn't even an option on the Price your Kia webpage.
I was curious if anybody would know why this is.
November 15, 2008, 12:46:30 pm Breeze, I don't know why but I noticed the same!
November 15, 2008, 02:58:19 pm Wing, have you driven the Sonata recently and how would you compare in to the Magenits. I ask because the i4 Sonata does not have available ESC but Magentis has it on all the non-base i4s and that is a must have feature any new vehicle I purcahse.
I honestly think anyone is nuts to buy a new car without it because of its proven efficacy in saving lives.
I work with patient's with head injuries and I've not once seen anyone with a significant head injury who had a vehicle with ESC and who was wearing his seat belt and had a full set of airbags which functioned properly.
November 16, 2008, 06:55:21 pm
I was curious if anybody would know why this is.
and
According to the "Price your Kia" page, only 2009 prices are listed. People are advised to call their local dealer for prices on 2008 models.
What does that have to do with the 2009 Magentis, one might ask? Well, they haven't yet listed the 2009 version in the "Showroom" area! Kia Canada has never been known to be quick about updating their web site.
November 17, 2008, 08:36:25 pm I see...doesn't make much sense to me. Would be a better idea to get that info out there sooner rather than later, especially since Kia is still a question mark to a lot of people.
That being said I still like the Magentis. Seems to be a better than expected review as well.