Iain Dooley checks out Kia’s first generation Magentis.

In 2001 Kia launched its large saloon, the Magentis, a front-wheel drive car which was offered with a generous level of standard equipment and initially with a 2.5 V6 petrol engine.

A smaller 2.0-litre unit followed, along with exterior redesign, but this generation car never came with a diesel engine. As a used buy the Magentis boasts refinement and big car space for small car money.

Engines

The choice is between a 2.0 four-cylinder and 2.5 six-cylinder engine – both petrol. The former will appeal to those on a small budget, although it does have to work hard.

The latter better suits the car’s character and its relaxed power delivery is great for when you’re on the motorway or ambling around town.

Exterior

The Magentis is a big car, that much is obvious from the outside. It’s also styled in the traditional way of a large saloon – big, imposing bonnet and grille plus a large boot and spacious cabin.

It’s hardly radical but it’s effective. Opinion is divided over the car’s restyled exterior that formed part of a range-wide revision.

Interior

Anyone expecting lavish quantities of wood and leather will be disappointed. The Magentis might be big and aspire to executive-level adoration but its cabin is more modest.

Yes, leather is available but it’s not the same stuff that you’d find in a Jaguar. That said, build quality is good, the materials chosen are convincing and there’s no question that space is in abundance.

Driving

The combination of soft suspension and the laid back power deliver of the engines are signs that the Magentis was designed for sedate progress.

There’s no point hustling the car along because it doesn’t like it. It’s better to take it easy and waft along like those people in more expensive cars.

Ownership

Despite its reputation for building durable, long lasting cars, Kia is often criminally overlooked. The Magentis might be a little dated in the design department but, rest assured, build quality is good and it shouldn’t let you down. It’s also a practical, refined and spacious saloon boasting a generous amount of kit.

What To Look For

The Magentis falls into two camps, the cared for and the high mileage workhorses. The former are easy to spot and will, naturally, be almost fault-free but often command a premium. The latter might not be as aesthetically perfect, but should be no less mechanically sound. The upside is you’ll likely pay less.

Peace of mind can be satisfied by a thorough test drive and service history check.

By Iain Dooley

SECOND GLANCE:

Reasons to Buy:

Bargain buy if you want a large and plush car, boot space, durability

Reasons to Beware:

Image, exterior design not to everyone’s taste, no diesel option, very high mileage cars

Pick of the Range:

Magentis 2.0 LE

What to Pay:

2003 53 – £1,770

2004 04 – £1,960

2004 54 – £2,085

2005 05 – £2,275

2005 55 – £2,410

2006 06 – £2,545

* Figures relate to showroom prices for cars in A1 condition.