Manual Transmision

2007 Kia Magentis Preview

The next-generation of the Kia Magentis midsize sedan is larger than its predecessor and will offer a new level of performance and quality. It shares its powertrain with the all-new Hyundai Sonata, but the company claims that the new Magentis – known as the Optima in the U.S. market – is significantly different.



The new Magentis will be available with a 161 hp 2.4-litre four-cylinder, or a 185 hp 2.7-litre V6, and its suspension differs from the Sonata in that it uses front struts and a multi-link rear. Compared to the outgoing Magentis, the 2007 model has a longer wheelbase, taller stance, roomier interior, higher seating and six airbags. Standard or optional features will also include ABS, electronic stability control, rear parking sensors, four-wheel disc brakes and active front seat head restraints.


The new Magentis is no exception to this rule, sharing much with Hyundais terrific new Sonata and looking fairly different in the process. Only the rear end design shows similarities, mostly in the taillights, but the changes are enough to give Kias new sedan a unique fingerprint on the midsize segment.

Due to the new Kias roots, its safe to assume it will be a strong performer in a variety of ways. First of all, it should handle as well or better than most of its peers while delivering a compliant ride. Compared to its rivals, acceleration should be strong in base guise, but most likely biased more towards fuel economy rather than out-and-out speed.

Kia doesnt make mention of available transmissions, but expect a five-speed automatic with manual mode for top-line editions, plus a five-speed manual or four-speed auto for four-cylinder cars. I know, if any engine needed more gears to optimize lower output it would be base four-cylinder models, but thats not how the marketers think. They want a low entry-level price and reason for buyers to move up-market for a better equipped model. Fair point.

One thing Kia didnt skimp on, however, is the Magentis long list of active and passive safety features. Safety sells big time in the new economy, with even the aforementioned muscle cars having to tout multiple airbags, safety cage construction methods and electronic stability control to woo customers. The same goes for the more mainstream models like Kias new Magentis, which will include ABS, ESP stability control, rear parking sensors, front, side and curtain-type airbags, plus active (anti-whiplash) front seat head restraints, depending on which trim level is chosen.

While the new Magentis might not be bold enough to whip up a commotion among midsize sedan buyers the way Chryslers 300 has, it just might sneak in unawares and attract a large enough contingent of would-be buyers away from its more conservative competition to impact the segments sales charts.

The company has opted for this subtle approach with each new model debut, and is growing at such an alarmingly fast rate that it would be foolish to question their methods.

"Through hard work and dedication, we have totally transformed our product range in recent years," commented Yong-Hwan Kim, Senior Executive Vice President and COO of Kia Motors Corporation. "Starting with the Sorento SUV, followed by the A-segment Picanto (not available in North America), the C-segment Cerato (sold as the Spectra in North America), the Sportage compact SUV and most recently the all new B-segment Rio, we have demonstrated Kias determination to deliver a modern, highly competitive range of cars with immense customer appeal in Europe and throughout the globe."

And Kia has been winning accolades from owners and the automotive press with its newest offerings. The Sorento has won award after award in every market it sells in, while the Spectra has followed a similar pattern. Many, including myself, consider the Sportage, along with its Hyundai Tucson cousin, two of the best compact SUVs in the segment, so it would come as a major surprise if the Magentis wasnt equally good.

"With the Magentis launch, we will have competitive models in the A, B, C and D-segments as well as the MPV and SUV sectors, maintaining the momentum of our rapid growth and our ability to attract more and more new customers," added Kim. "With every new Kia model we have also demonstrated the growing Power to Surprise of our developing global brand."
The new Magentis will be shown in the metal on September 13, at the Frankfurt International Motor Show.