The Kia Amanti is a full-size car at a medium-size price. As such, value is one of the car's key attributes. The Amanti is pretty proficient in most areas, but nothing really stands out.
We've been extremely impressed with the tremendous progress Kia has made since entering the US market. In a very short time span Kia products have gone from bargain basement punch lines, to first class cars that compare favorably to the titans Honda and Toyota. When you include their extremely competitive prices and outstanding warranties, Kias are tough to beat.
Kia's rapid progress makes the Amanti seem a little behind the curve. As the Kia flagship the Amanti needs an infusion of the excitement evident in Kia's latest offerings.
The Amanti is very well equipped in its base form. Upgrades come in the form of major packages: leather, premium, and electronic stability. A nice power sunroof is optional, although it requires the leather package and the electronic stability package. The premium package requires leather, stability and the sunroof, so the Amanti choices are essentially base model or fully loaded.
Walkaround: Amanti styling is an amalgam of cues cribbed from other cars. A fun diversion is trying to figure out which cars influenced different areas. The grille reminds us of the Chrysler 300 and the headlights and driving lamps have a Mercedes look. The roof (especially the rear of it) is reminiscent of a Lincoln Town Car. The whole greenhouse area is rather tall, which makes us think of the Popemobile. Kia styling in general is attractive and progressive, but the Amanti looks like a holdover from a previous era. Interior: The interior is an Amanti highlight. The roomy cabin is very quiet. Engine, wind and road noise are almost non-existent. Material quality is excellent and well executed. The overall interior feel is that of a luxury sedan or comfortable den.
Front seat leg and headroom are excellent even for tall drivers. The front seats are big and comfortable. Opting for the leather package adds heated seats with a driver's seat memory function. Rear seat legroom and headroom are also excellent for tall passengers. The nicely contoured seats are quite comfortable. Ingress/egress is great. Interior storage features are spacious and plentiful.
A big trunk is accessed via a large trunk lid. This makes carrying lots of luggage or golf clubs easy.
Under The Hood: The Amanti is only available with one engine and transmission -- a 3.8-liter V-6 and a 5-speed automatic. The engine produces 264 horsepower, which is routed through the front wheels. EPA rates fuel economy at 17/24.
Behind The Wheel: In keeping with the quiet interior and sedate personality the ride quality is on the soft side. Driving an Amanti is sort of a trip back in time, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Not everyone wants a sedan that rides and handles like a Corvette.
Whines: The Amanti would be much more appealing if its styling were closer to that of the Kia Optima.
Bottom Line: An attractively priced Korean Buick with an outstanding warranty.
By Bruce Caldwell
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