Yet another Kia display at the 2006 Paris Motor Show was the new 2007 Kia Magentis, with an entirely new platform different from the previous model. The new Kia Magentis based on the same platform as the Sonata NF, except for some differences like different suspension systems – the Sonata NF uses double wishbones while the Magentis uses McPherson struts and multi-link at the rear.
This particular model shown is a turbodiesel model, which can be identified by the CRDi badge on the boot – a 2.0 litre CRDi with a Variable Geometry Turbocharger, similiar to the one found in the Porsche 911 Turbo. Of course, VGT has been around in turbodiesels for quite some time already. Performance stats are 138hp at 4,000rpm and 305Nm of torque between 1,800rpm to 2,500rpm. The turbodiesel is also equipped with a Diesel Particulate Filter for better emissions. If you prefer petrol, the UK market has a 2.0 I4 CVVT and 2.7 litre V6, but in other markets there is also a 2.4 litre I4 CVVT.
After dabbling for years in the IT industry, Paul Tan initially began this site as a general blog covering various topics of personal interest. With an increasing number of readers paying rapt attention to the motoring stories, one thing led to another and the rest, as they say, is history. An avid electronic gadget aficionado as well as big-time coffee lover, he's also the executive producer of the Driven motoring TV programme.
Good car, Naza shall rebadge it and sell at around RM 90K to RM 100K.
I don really like the front lights.. hmmm.. but rear lights are nice… n I think the ppl in UK will get turbodiesels… diesel cars are popular in UK.. but the diesel fuel price is slightly higher than petrol.. different from Malaysia.. but due to the fuel efficiency, diesel engines are still popular here… n most of the cars are in manual versions…
Not bad, decent looking.Korean make in paris motor show, is any p1 there?
the rear looks a lil' like audi tho .. or is it jz my imagination?it looks kinda luxurious… but the front is old fashioned…however, it passed as an average car .an ordinary nothing-to-shout-about machine ..
I have to say, its front looks like a chinese Geely.
The name sound like "disease"!
Front design looks like 2 years too old. Rear ok, but also looks 2 years too old.
isn't the Magentis the Optima as we call it here? I kinda prefer the older one which is being sold here…. somehow looks more appealing
kia looks better
(no pic here but) the interior looks much better than Sonata NF. Naza-Kia is pretty aggressive bringing in the latest model to our shore. Bet this one will be here soon.
BTW, the Sonata NF 2.4 was recently awarded the best marge sedan by AutoCar Asean. The Magentis should be another good value car from Kia (or Naza…!!!).
In terms of looks, I reckon this is a MASSIVE improvement over its predecessor.
I seen it on the roads in Singapore. Personally i liked it because the rear end does looked like VW's Phaeton. The front looks very much like the Infiniti Q45 (do a search on Google). The lines of the designs are simpler than Sonata's although i think both of them are clearly inspired by VAG cars. Oh yes the Magentis (Optima) comes with factory-fitted HID headlights too! Nice…
The article says the main difference is their suspension. Can anyone advise which suspension is better?
It's quite cheap in S'pore (per capita) about SD68K++coe.
just wait 4 naza rebadge 2008… ; -)