2008 Kia Amanti

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By  Rex Roy, Editor

Side look of2008 Kia Amanti 4dr Sdn White
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 2008 KIA AMANTI STYLING | [5 out of 10]

Automobile: "Kia Amanti is styled like one of Lee Iacocca's K-cars of the 1970s"
Cars.com: "looks much statelier than before"
Edmunds: "nice touches like tasteful faux wood and metallic accents"
Kelley Blue Book: "attractive dash"

Just one look at the Kia Amanti and you'll see why editors at TheCarConnection.com rate it low for style. The design is a blatant (but poor) rip-off of the previous-generation Mercedes E-Class. As a design, it fails miserably.

Edmunds says politely, the “exterior styling is not for everyone.” They add, “borrowing noticeable cues from other brands like Mercedes-Benz the Amanti's designers ended up with a rather awkward overall look.” Automobile cuts to the chase: "the Kia Amanti is styled like one of Lee Iacocca's K-cars of the 1970s." Kelley Blue Book comments that the Amanti "certainly knows how to make an entrance...the tall body, big grille and headlight treatment stir up memories of a number of luxury cars." Cars.com notes that a recent redesign results in "vertical taillights and a taller profile [that] give the rear a much fuller figure.” They add the contrarian view that “if you wedge the Amanti headfirst into a tight parking spot, the trunk looks a bit like that of any six-figure ultraluxury car."

The interior relieves the exterior’s awkwardness with a more tasteful design. Edmunds reports "nice touches like tasteful faux wood and metallic accents, a leather-covered front console armrest." ConsumerGuide notes that "gauges are large and easy to read with most commonly used controls falling readily to the driver's hand," although "some testers found the center stack's look-alike controls to be hard to identify quickly in low light conditions." Kelley Blue Book says "the attractive 2008 Kia Amanti dash employs a split-level two-tone design with a prominent analog clock or optional information screen taking center stage."

Conclusion: The 2008 Kia Amanti’s exterior styling is a big sticking point for many shoppers; inside, it’s a much better prospect.

2008 KIA AMANTI PERFORMANCE | [7 out of 10]

Cars.com: "the V-6 is quite capable...stymied by a sluggish transmission"
ConsumerGuide: "The V6 provides more than adequate power in any situation"
Car and Driver: "one of the floppiest rides on the market"
Edmunds: "many drivers will still find the ride quality to be overly floaty"

While it offers more than ample power, the 2008 Kia Amanti’s handling leaves something to be desired.

According to Edmunds, "The front-wheel-drive Kia Amanti comes with a 3.8-liter V6 rated at 264 hp and 260 pound-feet of torque. In testing, we found the Amanti capable of reaching 60 mph in 6.9 seconds," which is "fairly swift for a big V6-powered sedan."
Cars.com reports that "the V-6 is quite capable...delivering energetic acceleration from on-ramp stoplights all the way up to highway speeds, and passing at 60 to 70 mph is nearly as easy." ConsumerGuide is in agreement here: "the V6 provides more than adequate power in any situation." Car and Driver calls it “so-so,” though.

Edmunds reports "the V6 is matched to a five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control." They add, “quick downshifts assure that the power is always on tap for merging onto fast-moving freeways or quick passes on two-lane roads.” According to Cars.com, "the drivetrain looks good on paper, but in practice it's stymied by a sluggish transmission...toe the gas for power coming out of a corner, and you'll often catch the automatic loitering in the higher gear you were in when you entered the turn."

The EPA rates the Kia Amanti at 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. However, ConsumerGuide finds their "test Kia Amanti 2008 averaged 17.8 mpg in city/highway driving," noting that the "Amanti uses regular-grade gas."

The Amanti’s handling is clearly tuned for comfort, without a bit of sportiness baked into its steering, suspension, or brakes. Car and Driver observes "high content means high curb weight," making the 2008 Kia Amanti "one of the floppiest rides on the market...a comfortable highway and byway cruiser for nonenthusiasts, but with numb steering, a soft suspension." ConsumerGuide says that the "unusually soft suspension absorbs most smaller bumps fairly well but can be poorly composed over sharper bumps and potholes in city driving," also noting that "highway speeds bring an undue amount of bobbing over larger road imperfections." Edmunds agrees, pointing out "suspension refinements last year sharpened the handling, but many drivers will still find the ride quality to be overly floaty." Regarding braking quality, Cars.com comments "the pedal feels a bit on the mushy side, but it delivers firm stopping power when pushed hard."

Conclusion: The 2008 Kia Amanti has the power to compete, but not the handling.

2008 KIA AMANTI COMFORT AND QUALITY | [7 out of 10]

Automotive.com: "The interior is quiet and roomy"
ConsumerGuide: "Kia Amanti's big trunk is usefully shaped and has a large opening"
Edmunds: "tuned to provide a smooth, quiet ride with maximum isolation from the road"

The 2008 Kia Amanti offers its passengers a roomy cabin with well-fitted seats and a good sense of fit and finish.

Edmunds reports that the "Kia Amanti's roomy cabin seats five and pampers its occupants with plenty of room." Automotive.com is succinct: "the interior is quiet and roomy." ConsumerGuide attests that the Kia Amanti "offers ample headroom and legroom, even for taller adults" with "generously sized seats...nicely contoured and especially comfortable." Edmunds does point out that the Amanti has “a bit less rear hip- and legroom than you’ll find in slightly larger sedans like the Toyota Avalon.”

Storage space is plentiful; according to Cars.com, "Interior volume measures 106 cubic feet, competitive with the Avalon and Impala." ConsumerGuide notes that the 2008 Kia Amanti's "big trunk is usefully shaped and has a large opening. In-cabin storage includes a map pocket in each door, a two-level console bin, and a good-sized glovebox."

Materials and assembly are definitely above par as well. Automotive.com notes the Kia Amanti 2008 offers "luxurious interior materials," while ConsumerGuide is of the opinion that "though not quite to premium-car standards, 2008 Kia Amanti's interior is nicely finished with soft, high quality materials."

Noise levels are acceptable. ConsumerGuide reports that "the cabin is impressively hushed with very little wind or road noise," and that "the V6 engine produces a refined muted growl when pushed but is otherwise nearly silent." Edmunds adds "the Amanti is tuned to provide a smooth, quiet ride with maximum isolation from the road."

Conclusion: The 2008 Kia Amanti is a comfortable and quiet ride.

2008 KIA AMANTI SAFETY | [8 out of 10]

NHTSA: No data
IIHS: "Good," frontal offset and side impact tests
ConsumerGuide: "Outward visibility is good"

The 2008 Kia Amanti performs well in the insurance industry’s crash tests, but hasn’t been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The 2008 Kia Amanti does receive the highest rating of "good" in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) frontal-offset and side-impact crash testing.

Cars.com reports that "four-wheel-disc antilock brakes are standard" for the Kia Amanti 2008, as are "front and rear side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags," while "an electronic stability system is optional." Edmunds adds "an optional 2008 Kia Amanti package bundles stability and traction control systems with a brake assist feature."

The Kia Amanti has little in the way of vision obstructions. According to Cars.com, "outward visibility is good, though very tall drivers may find that the inside rearview mirror is mounted low enough to interfere with their forward view." Otherwise, drivers enjoy a clear view of the road ahead.

Conclusion: The 2008 Kia Amanti offers a safe, secure ride, but stability control is optional.

2008 KIA AMANTI FEATURES | [6 out of 10]

Edmunds: "The 2008 Kia Amanti sedan is available in just one trim level"
Cars.com: "Standard features include an eight-speaker CD audio system"
Kelley Blue Book: "Every 2008 Kia Amanti features dual-zone automatic air conditioning"

The 2008 Kia Amanti has a reasonable level of standard features, but the latest high-tech gadgets are nowhere to be found.

Edmunds reports the "2008 Kia Amanti sedan is available in just one trim level...standard features include 16-inch wheels, foglights, full power accessories, power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and an eight-speaker CD audio system." According to Cars.com, Kia Amanti "standard features include power front seats" as well.

Kelley Blue Book reports, "For the most part, the 2008 Kia Amanti options are offered in four packages." Choices include "an optional 4-inch display monitor with a trip computer and digital clock can supplement the center analog clock," according to Cars.com. Edmunds says that when you "opt for the Leather package...you'll get leathers seats, heated front seats, two memory settings for the driver seat, a trip computer and an upgraded Infinity sound system with a six-CD changer."

The list of options not offered on the Amanti is extensive: navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite and HD radio, and adaptive cruise control--all features found on some near-luxury models from other automakers.

Conclusion: The 2008 Kia Amanti has the basics covered, but in comparison, a midrange Honda Accord offers more luxurious features.