Test drive Kia Optima (Magentis) 2001 - 2003 sedan

Approach to the image

A solid look, high assembly quality, decent dynamics, a comfortable interior here are the requirements that a business class car should meet. Add a moderate price here and get the updated Kia Magentis.

We met this car two years ago, and he made the most pleasant impression on us with the exception of one acceleration dynamics. It seemed that the fault of this was a kind of automatic transmission and a lack of engine power. Therefore, when it was the opportunity to pump up the updated Magentis, we chose a machine with mechanics: I wanted to see how the same 136-horsepower two-liter engine would cope with its duties in the presence of a person. But for starters, we still dwell on the appearance of the car, especially since the main reason for our meeting was its external update, conducted at the end of 2002.

Really, you don’t know where you will find, where you will lose. It cannot be said unequivocally that the new radiator cladding and separate optics went to the car for the benefit. The previous option looked more impressive. Somehow painfully the front part of the car began to look painfully. It is only comforted that a gloomy day is bright from a smile.

I liked the view more. And all the things: the circles were inscribed inside the lanterns.

New bumpers organically complemented the appearance of the model. True, the front overhang, as before, is great, which means that there will be difficulties in maneuvering, especially in parking lots with a high border stone.

In the cabin, the central console has become a solid, that's all changes. The interior is quite decent, with a claim to representativeness. It is not clear only for what merits here they left this externally magnetol. However, it is easy to establish a more suitable image of the car.

It will be more difficult with the engine, so it does not fit better to determine right away. Perhaps the last time we in vain sinned on the engine. It is quite enough for a dynamic driving by car with a equipped mass of 1400 kg. Of course, with peak loads, the motor rules are somewhat irritated by hearing, but 10.6 seconds to hundreds are forced to treat this condescendingly. The maximum speed is 207 km/h (although recklessness on our roads and 120).

Those who have the mind dominated by vanity and extravagance will most likely pay attention to such an interesting, extraordinary car. They don’t take money for a look, and if you like a car, they will not take so much.

Kia Magentis II

The body carrier, an entire -metal number of places, people. 5 equipped mass, kg 1400 complete mass, kg 1985 dimensions (length/width/height), mm 4720/1815/1410 max. Speed, km/h 207 Acceleration time to 100 km/h, with 10.6 counter. Fuel consumption, l/100 km: city cycle 12.6; suburban 7.6 engine in row, 4-cylinder., DOHC; working volume, cm3 1998; Power, L.S. at MIN-1 136/6000; Twisting, NM at MIN-1 180/4500; Power system injection transmission fur., 5-speed tire size 205/60R15 Wheel suspension (before./rear) Independent brakes: front disk.; Rear drum steering gear-rake, with gur price, $ 19050.

Text: Oleg Kalaushin
 

Source: Magazine 5 wheel [06/2003]