It doesn't cost an arm and a leg to enjoy a luxurious, powerful sedan. Take a test-drive in a Kia Amanti to feel quality and performance.
Back in 2005 this midsize sedan earned the J.D. Power and Associates APEAL Award. Since then, Kia has kept making improvements. The 2009 model now offers SIRIUS Satellite Radio and MP3 playback capability, plus a whole new audio system.
Although Kia hasn't as yet disclosed an exact price for the 2009 Amanti, it is expected to be about $26,500, which is a bargain considering what this sedan has to offer: spacious interior, luxurious appointments and a very exciting engine.
What was surprising to me about the Amanti was the V-6 produces a good 264 horsepower and this front-wheel drive sedan accelerates quickly. The engine is linked to a five-speed electronically controlled Sportmatic transmission with overdrive. The Kia Amanti is rated to achieve 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway - using regular gasoline.
My tester featured the colors of dark red wine/black -- one of eight choices -- giving it a quality exterior appearance as it sate on 17-inch sparkling alloy wheels.
Amanti provides luxury accommodations at a bargain price.
The Amanti has a massive grille with front projection fog lights and clear-lens halogen headlamps. It also has tinted windows and at the rear end it has a dual-exhaust system, plus a very large trunk. It also had the optional leather package, which included upscale appointments, such as two-position memory settings for both the driver's seat and outside mirrors.
As standard equipment the Amanti comes with an 8-way power driver's seat, (4-way power passenger's seat) and both seats can be heated. It also has an auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink, leather-covered steering wheel with cruise control and a keyless entry and alarm system. Even the three rear seats are spacious and comfortable.
If you are looking to be swaddled in comfort this is the place.
Another elegant touch: one-touch up/down front windows. The 2009 model now has a 5.5-inch display screen, replacing the 4-inch monitor.
On the road the Amanti responded in the same manner as sedans costing nearly twice as much. I was able to take every bend in up- and down hill curved back roads and accelerate through them with precision.
Kia engineers say the Amanti is built with a precise power rack-and-pinion steering system that will adapt to sudden driving changes. It also has a fully independent suspension, featuring gas pressurized shocks, a double wishbone suspension and rear multilink setup, plus other attributes that are commonly associated with pricier luxury cars.
Regarding safety equipment the Kia Amanti has more standard airbags than any other vehicle in its segment. The Amanti has side-impact airbags for the second row passengers. Most vehicles are offered with front row side-impact airbags only. The Amanti has dual front airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags. The list of standard safety features also includes anti-lock brakes; active front headrests; anti-pinch windows; front and rear three-point seatbelts; and front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters.
The Amanti also has electronic stability control, traction control, brake assist, which are part of the optional Electronic Stability Control Package.
From the rear the Kia Amanti presents styling very similar to some high dollar British cars.
Kia comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, plus a 24-hour roadside assistance plan.
Put all this together and compare the price to just about any other midsize car and it becomes quite evident that luxury, quality and performance doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg.
Tom Keane MOTOR MATTERS
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