The Kia Magentis is a mid-size car manufactured and marketed globally (except in the USA and Malaysia) by the South Korean car manufacturer Kia Motors from 2000 to 2010.
History of the Kia Magentis
Kia Magentis (2001–2003)
Kia started to improve its lineup and introduced the Optima/Magentis in 2001 as a 2002 model for specific markets. After years of offering simple, modest vehicles, Kia launched an assault on the mid-size segment with the Optima, which was also known as Magentis outside the U.S. The Korean carmaker was part of the Hyundai group and used the same platform as the fourth generation of the Sonata. It was a surprising move that got them into more families' garages. Even though it cost twice as much as the Kia Rio sedan, it was still cheaper than the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. From the outside, the Optima/Magentis surprised with its angular-looking headlights, while the biodesign era was not completely over. Inside, there was enough room for four adult passengers, thanks to its 2.7 meter (106.3") wheelbase. Under the hood, Kia dropped a 2.4L inline-four and a 2.7L V6. Both were paired as standard to a 5-speed manual transmission and an option for a four-speed automatic. The independent suspension in all corners was another good feature to add more comfort.
Update (2003–2006)
Just three years, give or take a few months after it unveiled the first generation of the Optima/Magentis lineup, Kia introduced a mid-life cycle refresh for its flagship model. The Korean carmaker thought that if it would change the generations faster, it would catch up with its main competitors on the market.
Somehow, that system worked quite well for Kia, and its evolution was faster than anyone predicted. But not any facelift might be a good reason to buy the newest version. Stylewise, Kia didn't know exactly how to design its cars and make them appealing to the customers. It tried different lines and shapes. Some of them worked, and some didn't. Inside, the carmaker didn't try too hard to hide its low-budget vehicle expertise. The car offered cloth seats for the base trim levels but installed standard air-conditioning, power windows and locks, power mirrors, and a sound system that worked well. Under the hood, Kia installed a 2.0L engine for the entry-level version, while the top trim level received a V-6 unit. For the U.S. market, an inline-four 2.4L was available on the base model.
Kia Magentis (2006–2008)
Kia unveiled the Optima at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and it was the last piece of the puzzle in its lineup. With the Optima, the Korean carmaker completed the three-year regeneration process of its lineup. It was a mid-size sedan built on the same base as the Hyundai Sonata. It was built to offer good comfort and decent performance at an affordable price. The result matched the promise, and the Optima was sold well around the world, bearing different names such as the Magentis in Europe or Lotze in South Korea. Peter Schreyer signed the design, and its influence was obvious. It was starting with the big headlights swept back on the sides and top of the fenders. Inside, a big sound system occupied the center stack's upper side, and, underneath it, the designer placed the climate control buttons. Under the hood, Kia offered a wide choice of diesel and gasoline engines. For the U.S. market, the Korean carmaker installed only gasoline versions.
Facelift (2008–2010)
The Optima sedan was unveiled at the 2008 New York Motor Show as a 2009 model year. It was a major facelift for the already-known Kia Optima/Magentis. The 2009 model was the facelift for the second generation of the Optima, which was introduced in 2005. Unlike that, the new version featured angled headlights instead of the bulky ones from before. But underneath the bodywork, there was the same platform with independent suspension in all corners. Under the hood, there was also a new generation of engines, based on the Theta II family, together with some of the older units. For the European versions, a 2.0L diesel unit was installed. The standard transmission for some versions was a 5-speed manual, while the other received a newly developed 5-speed automatic.
Price
The price range for a used Kia Magentis varies based on the trim level you choose. Starting at $2,500 and going to $6,100 for the latest year the model was manufactured.
Features of the Kia Magentis
Exterior Features
The headlights were narrowed to create a sharper look and the fog lights were installed lower in the front apron. The grille was reshaped with the integration of the "Tiger-nose" touch imagined by Peter Schreyer, the chief of design from Hyundai-Kia. Another improvement was the addition of an extra inch in the overhangs, both front, and back, to enhance safety.
Interior Features
Inside, the dashboard was completely changed, with new electronic devices installed. The standard system featured MP3 compatibility and a Sirius satellite radio. The rest of the center stack and console were mildly changed. Due to its generous wheelbase, it offered enough legroom for the rear passengers.
Specs and Performance of the Kia Magentis
- 1991 - 2656 cc (121.6 - 161.6 cui) displacement
The Kia Magentis's 2.7L engine delivers 190 hp (142 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 184 lb-ft (250 Nm) of torque at 4,500 rpm. Kia marketed the Magentis as a front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicle, and it was available with a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode. Kia Magentis accelerates from 0 to 60 mph (0–97 kph) in 8.1 seconds with a top speed of 138 mph (222 kph). Dimension-wise, the Kia Magentis measures 4,800 mm (189 in) long, 1,805 mm (71.1 in) wide, and 1,480 mm (58.3 in) high. Its wheelbase measures 2,720 mm (107.1 in) and has a curb weight of 3,325 lbs (1,508 kg).
Release Date
The Kia Magentis was released between 2000 and 2010. The nameplate was discontinued in 2010, and the company continued to use the Optima nameplate after that.