KEY POINTS:
Despite moves by some carmakers to turn the mid-sized sedan into a sex object (refer to the Mazda6 and the latest Ford Mondeo), there still exists considerable demand and a thriving business in offering family and fleet buyers what might be described as "just a car".
That's to say transport that's well-made, not the least bit in-your-face and absolutely reliable. Supposed you could call it the Camry Class.
Which is where the Kia Magentis is coming from. Compare it to the more exciting offerings in the medium segment and you're missing the point, for this car is determinedly middle-of-the-road, deliberately inoffensive and comfort oriented.
That's not to say the Magentis is awkward-looking, you know, like a Camry. The profile is anonymous but some of the styling detail is actually quite smart, such as the projector-style headlamps and conspicuous chrome brightwork around the side windows.
It's certainly better-looking than the sister Hyundai Sonata, a car that it's otherwise identical to under the skin.
What will appeal to buyers of a car such as the Magentis is the optional of a diesel engine _ which is something you still can't have in a Camry, Mazda6 or Ford Mondeo (at least for the moment). Although you can in a Sonata, obviously.
The 2.0-litre CRDi engine used in Magentis is sprightly and certainly justifies the extra $1960 asked for the CRDi over the 2.7-litre V6 petrol model _ but you also get extra goodies with that car, such as a premium sound system, leather/suede trim and a sunroof.
Still, the diesel's 305Nm makes the 247Nm V6 petrol look undernourished.
Overtaking in the CRDi is a breeze but you won't find yourself pushing the Magentis too hard into tight corners _ the nose pushes wide and the soft suspension lacks control at speed.
Which doesn't really matter because the Magentis is a proudly non-sporty mid-size sedan that's thoroughly unpretentious, quite brisk and generally quite appealing. In a very non-threatening kind of way.
KIA MAGENTIS EX CRDi
How much? $39,950.
Engine and transmission: 2.0-litre turbo diesel four producing 103kW/305Nm, 4-speed automatic, front-drive.
Performance: 0-100km/h in 11.5 seconds, Combined economy of 7.1 litres per 100km.
