Test Drive Kia Optima (Magentis) 2003 - 2006 Sedan
Power of argument
The premiere of Kia Magentis took place 5 years ago. Soon the car began to produce in Russia, on the Kaliningrad Avtotor. Two seasons later, there were barely notable changes in the appearance, and now a completely new car produced in South Korea comes to the market.The appearance of the first Magentis relating to the European segment E can be considered a software statement by the Korean manufacturer. Kia Motors made it clear that it was not going to sit on a cozy niche of budget cars. Nevertheless, the price, of course, remains a strong argument. Thanks to the solidity and low cost, the car has become a favorite vehicle of the second-hand officials who are not supposed to ride on BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
If you compare the new Magentis with the predecessor, then the general will fail to detect. Kia is more like Hyundai NF. The similarity can be seen in the form of side and stern. Not surprising. Both car brass of one concern. The front of Magentis is reminded by Lexus models. Triangular headlights are striking, in the depths of which the lenses of near and far light are hidden. Complete exterior elongated radiator grille, painted under chrome.
Despite the similarity of a novice with the NF model, his platform was borrowed from the bankrupt British company MG. As a result, the car has become higher than 7 cm, and the wheelbase expanded on 2 cm. In this case, the volume of the luggage compartment increased to 420 liters. If you wish, you can fold the rear seat in a ratio of 60/40, but the floor in this case is irregular, and the resulting hole is difficult to name large. So, for the carriage of dimensional goods, Magentis is not suitable, but this is not required from the present representative sedan.
In the cabin of the car, the work on which was carried out simultaneously in Korea, the USA and Western Europe, you realize that the new Magentis has become a real representative of the business class. Therefore, it is necessary to sit here not in front, but at a convenient rear sofa. We notice that the salon added in size. Places abound and above your head, and for feet. If you wish, you can take a half-row position.
The quality of the materials has grown an order. A plastic applique for a tree disappeared from the interior, which heavily lowered the cabin. At its place, modern inserts under the aluminum in the style of High-Tech came. Plastic parts accepted aesthetic appearance and became pleasant to the touch.
Unfortunately, test pilots have 5 wheels of personal chauffeurs. So we move forward and evaluate the driver's seat. Immediately getting driving with comfort failed. The point is not enough adjustment range. This is especially true of the steering column.
The upper part of the dashboard has become soft. True, grieved plastic steering wheel and gearbox lever. It seems that with these elements, they simply served the skin. Apparently, the leather upholstery will really appear on more expensive versions.
Control and control bodies are convenient. The management of them can be called intuitive. Literally in minutes, the hands correctly include and turn off the necessary devices. On the central console there are three liquid crystal display. On the top topics, the current time and information about the unassembled passengers is displayed. Special attention requires a system of notification of an unusual driver. It is enough to start the engine, as the nervous system will be extinguished by the counterpart. Safety, damn it! Console center CD player display. Just below the screen with an indication of climate control settings. To display current information, including engine temperature and fuel number, LCD displays are also used. All these scales, numbers and badges are glowing a pleasant blue light. It remains to add that the dials of the tachometer and speedometer received chrome edging.
The start of the motor is accompanied by an unimproving body shudder. Outsided sounds, in order not to disturb the passenger on the back sofa, they practically do not penetrate into the salon. It is known that a separate work was carried out over noise insulation. The engine sound can only be heard when overcoming the mark of 5000 min-1. By the way, while dealers can only find cars with a 2-liter gasoline engine, but soon the version 2.7 will arrive. Perhaps the 2-liter diesel will be debuted in Russia, but when this happens, only high-ranking marketers is known.
The dynamics of the 145-strong engine is difficult to call outstanding. But does she need a solid sedan? Not adding acne, but facilitates the driver's life in the metropolis automatic transmission. There is a manual speed switching mode, which, however, does not greatly accelerate overclocking. The car, as it is, configures on moderate, slow movement.
During maneuvering, the steering wheel lacks the feedback. But the trajectory of movement is traced clearly. The suspension works well with any irregularities, the car perfectly holds the road in turns.
The impressive bumper sows are compensated by solid clearance. And Magentis pleased maneuverability. With a length of more than 4.5 meters, it easily unfolds on a two-way road.
The old version could be purchased for $ 17,000. The novelty is worth a minimum of $ 24 thousand. Now the basic package includes ABS, a system of coursework stability, six airbags and seat belt pretensioners. Toyota Camry can be considered competitors of the Korean Debutant, as well as the Hyundai NF concern. Moreover, Magentis turns out to be the cheapest, not inferior to rivals in technical equipment.
+ Spacious interior, good noise insulation.
Mediocre dynamics, noise suspension.
Specifications Kia Magentis
Curb weight, kg 1491
Full weight, kg 1920
Dimensions (length / width / height), mm 4735/1805/1480
Base, mm 2720
Maximum speed, km / h 195
Overclocking time up to 100 km / h, from 11.2
Fuel control, l / 100 km:
- urban cycle 10.8
- Mixed 8,1
Volume of fuel tank, l 62
Engine:
- type gasoline
- Working volume, cm3 1998
- Power, hp at min-1 145/6000
- torque, nm at min-1 193/4250
Transmission Automatic., 4-speed
Brakes:
- Front disc, ventilated
- Rear disk
Price, $ 24,000
Text: Maxim Egorov
A source: Journal 5 Wheel [06/2006]