Test drive Kia Optima (Magentis) 2006 - 2008 sedan

All photos Kia Optima (Magentis) 2006 - 2008

Korean revelations

Class D cars of the largest South Korean manufacturers until recently were produced in Russia: Kia Magentis - in Kaliningrad, Hyundai Sonata V - in Taganrog. The latter is going there now.

Accordingly, both cars had at least one advantage over European and Japanese competitors: they could be offered noticeably cheaper. But now in a representative segment are pure Koreans.

The new generation of Sonata, presented last year, received an unpretentious NF name in Russia, and in Kia they did not at all change the name of its model; The new generation of Magentis appeared in dealers in late spring. Both manufacturers note that new items are an undoubted step forward not only in the technical, but also in the design sense. But how noticeable is this step? Let's check.

Let's start with the recently appeared Kia. For the test, we took a 2.0-liter Magentis with an automatic 4-speed box. It was possible to choose, however, only a transmission: so far only one engine was delivered to Russia; True, soon more powerful power units promise to import. His relative-competing (both cars are made on one, front-wheel drive platform) NF is also presented with the only affordable but 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and also with an automatic box. They are met, as you know, by clothing in order to appreciate the appearance of competitors, you need to prepare and, above all, relax. Abstract from the rest of the automobile world, forget about the existence of other brands. It is not necessary to excess erudition in the search for familiar features in these fresh cars - in the guise of both Koreans, if desired, you can guess the features of a dozen other cars. Perhaps something has been borrowed from competitors, and perhaps on the contrary, competitors took something from Hyundai and Kia. Or maybe it is worth recalling Kozma Prutkov: to find in a very different way you can a common sign? ..

But what, in fact, is embarrassed when the local mimicry NF led to a rather pretty, organic, albeit eclectic design? Magentis looks more original, although this originality is determined mainly by the dissimilarity of already known cars. But in fact, everything can be described by literary stamps like: a strict and dynamic body silhouette, a high window sill, etc. But why repeat what the photographer managed to show (while taking our time to directly for the test of cars)? Therefore, no additional comments - see for yourself!

I would like to dwell on the assessment of the salon in more detail. The difference was manifested right away: our NF was finished with a light velor with a large pile, and Magentis is more practical, but less delighting eyes with a dark cloth. Probably, smokers will prefer the second option. Two -color design of the dashboard: dark top, light bottom, plus plastic inserts for metal - give NF a harmonious look. And thanks to the light tones in which the salon is made, a feeling of space is created.

Kia has less hints of high status. But modesty is not a vice (although, in our opinion, both salons are slightly not available to competitors of the business segment). The equally large rudders are thin, but with good frictional properties - they do not slip out of hands even with active work. And both bagels are adjusted by inclination and departure. We got especially conveniently in KIA: there is an adjustment of the front edge of the seat up and down, but for some reason NF is deprived of it.

Devices in Magentis look more stylish than in a Korean competitor. But if you think about why, then the answer is not immediately found: apparently, mainly thanks to the purple glow around the base of the arrows. By the way, does this glow remind you? Well, okay, the speedometer and tachometer readings are read flawlessly. And the rest of the torpedo is almost identical: the difference is only in the radio-our NF was released a year ago, so an audio system is installed on it, which only involves reading an audio cassett (the cars supplied now have a CD player), while Magentis already got with the player of CDs .

The NF instrument panel also does not differ in originality, but no complaints: in the center - a speedometer with a small screen of the on -board computer, on the left is a tachometer, on the right - temperature sensors and fuel level. Everything would be fine if it were not for the poisonous and green backlight. However, this is a matter of taste.

It should be noted that both sedans became much more spacious than their predecessors: Hyundai NF became 55 mm longer than the previous Sonata, and its wheelbase increased 30 mm. The change in sizes also affected the dimensions of the salon: the space for the legs of the driver and the front passenger increased by 10 mm, and the rear passengers - by as much as 30 mm. Kia Magentis is also characterized by a more spacious interior: the sedan has grown in length by 15 mm and as much as 70 mm - in height. You don’t even think about free space here: a sure sign that with comfort - in any case, in statics - everything is in order.

Despite the fact that the filling of both cars, in theory, should be identical, the difference in movement is manifested from the very first meters. NF goes very smoothly - you can even say gently. Road defects remain almost unnoticed due to the high -quality work of the suspension and excellent sound insulation. True, thanks to a long -flowing and soft suspension, handling is not so impressive: the sedan distinguished himself with strong rolls and a sufficiently long reaction to changing the angle of the steering wheel.

The severity of the steering is not enough for the new Magentis. But, at the same time, it is tuned to the slope: the rolls here are significantly smaller, the suspension reacts louder to the potholes, but the car is better adapted to the maneuvers.

Brakes here and there - on a solid four. Sudden and well -consistent with electronic ABS systems and brake efforts distribution. From the highest assessment, only what they, in our opinion, were a little lacking transparency in work: in order to slow down smoothly and correctly calculate the effort, you need to work hard

Here transmissions showed themselves as they should: the same. Four -speed machines operate softly and without delay. True, without much excitement. Automatic boxes have a manual switching mode that slightly reduces the transmission time. But we advise a mechanical box preferring dynamic driving: in both cars it will reduce acceleration to 100 km/h by a few seconds.

As for the engines, they are the best suited to automatic boxes. As if under a carbon copy, both engines do not complain of the sharpness of sensations and sharp pickups. Everything for smoothness and comfort. And here Magentis was not distinguished by the sports manifested in controllability. Unless the reaction to actions with the gas pedal in NF seemed a little more cotton. And so: moderately rapid acceleration, low noise of the engine, a supply of traction at the upper and medium speeds - the Koreans have really correct engines that are perfect for daily use. Without special delights, but also without complaints.

Which of these cars to prefer? One of us liked Kia more - a little better maneuverability. Another appreciated the more imposing character of Magentis. But everything would be simple if the choice is limited to two models! But the fact of the matter is that rivals in class D as a selection - with ambitions.

You can stand out and become an unconditional leader in this segment only by showing something from the ordinary. And Kia and Hyundai, without betraying us their weaknesses (maybe they are not at all?), They did not show obvious advantages over other competitors. Everything here is balanced and harmonious, but is that harmony that they are waiting? Probably ... it's hard to say.

Kia Magentis
The most affordable Magentis is estimated at $ 23 990. In addition to the 2.0-liter 144-horsepower engine and a 5-speed KP, there is ABS, EBD, central locking, driver safety pillows and front passenger, gur, air conditioning, radio+CD, four speakers with tweeters, electric package. A version with a machine gun will cost $ 1,500 more.

Hyundai NF
The basic NF with a mechanical gearbox costs $ 27 990. The equipment is solid, among other things, we note gur, front and side pillows, as well as safety curtains, immobilizer, ABS, EBD, central locking, on-board computer, climate control, cd-mp3 of the radio with control buttons with control buttons on steering wheel, 6 speakers, electric package. The most affordable version with an automaton costs $ 1,000 more.

Cars are provided by the Dakar Auto Center, the official dealer Kia and Hyundai

Text: Alexander Korobchenko
Photo: Roman Ostanin