What it is: The Amanti is Kia's flagship sedan which is aimed at the buyer who wants a luxury ride without the luxury price tag. An all-new model was released in 2007, and the 2008 model is identical. Kia has tried their hardest to gain credibility in the minds of America, and they are backing it with a 10-year, 100,000 mile warranty on all of their vehicles. With styling cues borrowed heavily from Mercedez Benz, from the front it could easily be mistaken for an E-class. My model was equipped with several additional features including Electronic Stability Package ($500 and should be standard), Leather Package ($2,500), Premium package ($1,600) and power sunroof ($900). The options provide moderate value and I feel that they could all be priced 10-20 percent lower for what you are getting.
Upsides: The 3.8L V6 provides 264hp which provides plenty of spirited acceleration. The car is extremely quiet and provides a wonderfully smooth drive on the freeway. Interior room is plentiful and the Amanti provides tons of storage in the trunk.
Downsides: No navigation available, and the upgraded Infinity sounds system (only packaged with the Leather-seating group) is nothing special. They sacrificed handling for a comfier ride quality, and they may have gone a little over the line. If you like a sporty ride, then this probably isn't the car for you. The 264 horses come at a price as the car is rated at 17mpg city and 24mpg highway. There is no in port even with the upgraded stereo. It befuddles me when car manufacturers continue to leave this feature out.
Cost: Base price is $25,495. As tested (fully loaded) is $30,995.
Final word: The Amanti shines the most when you are in the passenger seat. You get to enjoy the smooth ride without having to pay for the gas or have your friends raise their eyebrows at you purchasing a $30,000 Kia. Kia has come a long way, and the Amanti is proof they have made great strides in the car segment. Versus a Honda or Toyota this car really shines but when comparing to a Mercedes or BMW it can't yet compete.
Wilson Calvert
© 2008 Ourtribune.com
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