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2009 Kia Amanti Review

July 19, 2009

STYLING | 5 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

styled like one of Lee Iacocca's K-cars of the 1970s
Automobile Magazine

looks much statelier than before
Cars.com

nice touches like tasteful faux wood and metallic accents
Edmunds

attractive dash
Kelley Blue Book

Reviewers just don't give the 2009 Kia Amanti good marks for styling, which is somewhat derivative, somewhat boring.

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." 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." Cars.com notes that a recent redesign results in "vertical taillights and a taller profile [that] give the rear a much fuller figure." They also insert 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. 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." Edmunds reports "nice touches like tasteful faux wood and metallic accents, [and] a leather-covered front console armrest." Kelley Blue Book says "the attractive 2009 Kia Amanti dash employs a split-level two-tone design with a prominent analog clock or optional information screen taking center stage."

Conclusion

The 2009 Kia Amanti lacks originality and excitement on the exterior. Inside, however, the design is much better.

STYLING | 5 out of 10Expert Quotes:styled like one of Lee Iacocca's K-cars of the 1970sAutomobile Magazinelooks much statelier than beforeCars.comnice touches like tasteful faux wood and metallic accentsEdmundsattractive dashKelley Blue Book Reviewers just don't give the 2009 Kia Amanti good marks for styling, which is somewhat derivative, somewhat boring. 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." 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." Cars.com notes that a recent redesign results in "vertical taillights and a taller profile [that] give the rear a much fuller figure." They also insert 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. 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." Edmunds reports "nice touches like tasteful faux wood and metallic accents, [and] a leather-covered front console armrest." Kelley Blue Book says "the attractive 2009 Kia Amanti dash employs a split-level two-tone design with a prominent analog clock or optional information screen taking center stage." ConclusionThe 2009 Kia Amanti lacks originality and excitement on the exterior. Inside, however, the design is much better. 2009 KIA AMANTI STYLING | [5 out of 10] Automobile Magazine: "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" Reviewers just ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

There is only one full-size competitor that can match the 2009 Kia Amanti when it comes to value and its warranty: the 2009 Hyundai Azera. Coincidence? The experts from TheCarConnection.com think not. Many automotive shoppers don't know that Kia and Hyundai are owned by the same Korean company. The Azera wears a more contemporary (and stylish) shape. Equipment levels, powertrains, and warranties are nearly identical between the two. The Ford Taurus and Buick Lucerne are two other solid front-wheel-drive sedans in the full-size class. The Taurus offers more interior room than the 2009 Amanti, while the Lucerne is available with V-8 power and a number of options not found on the Kia. The Taurus also offers the option of all-wheel drive. The Toyota Avalon remains the benchmark for the full-size sedan class. Over the years, it has become the leader based on its quality, room, and high level of refinement. When driving the Avalon back to back against the 2009 Kia Amanti, it's easy to see the Toyota's greater level of polish.

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See the Kia Amanti in Other Years:

2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004

Comments (1 total)

  1. By  sultan #1, Posted: 10/30/2009

    is amanti same as operius ?

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