2004 Kia Amanti

Those kinds of neat little detail touches continue elsewhere, as well. Both the hood and decklid are supported by gas-pressure struts, the engine bay is tastefully dressed in noise-attenuating plastic covers and the Amanti's decently proportioned, 15.5-cubic foot trunk opens on space-optimizing scissor-type hinges. The trunk also contains a first-aid kit and tucks a full-size spare tire on an equally full-size alloy wheel in a well beneath its carpeted floor.


Motivation for the front-drive Amanti comes from a single powertrain combo that pairs a 3.5-liter, 24V DOHC V-6 with a 5-speed "adaptive" automatic transmission that also incorporates a manual sequential shifting feature. While the engine makes 200 hp and 220 lb.-ft. of torque in Amanti trim and a plus-four count over each of the totals in the XG350, the Kia's heftier 4,021-lb curb weight confines acceleration to modestly enthusiastic levels and results in EPA numbers of 17 mpg/25 mpg in the city/highway cycles.

Motivation for the front-drive Amanti comes from a single powertrain combo that pairs a 3.5-liter, 24V DOHC V-6 with a 5-speed "adaptive" automatic transmission.

Underpinning the Amanti is a chassis that pairs double wishbones up front with a multilink setup in the rear. These work in consort with coil springs, gas-pressure shocks and anti-roll bars, while a 205/60HR16 all-season tire on a 9-spoke cast-alloy wheel graces each corner. Directional control is provided by a power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system and stopping power comes from 4-wheel disc brakes fortified with 4-channel ABS. Dynamically, the mix delivers a solid combination of comfort and control that allows for at least some measure of spirited motoring through the twisties.


Given its comprehensive roster of appointments, Kia offers only three option groups for the Amanti. The $1,805 Leather Package sees leather replace cloth as the primary upholstery medium while adding a 2-position memory function for the driver's seat/outside mirrors, premium Infinity audio system with AM/FM/cassette and a 6-disc in-dash CD changer plus a trip computer with 4-inch monitor. For an extra $900, the Leather and Convenience Package brings a sunroof, front seat heaters, an auto-dimming inside mirror and HomeLink. The final step-up is the ESP Package. It runs $550, requires the previous two accessory groups, and includes an electronic stability program, traction control and Brake Assist.


Kia has set a fairly modest sales goal of 15,000 units for the Amanti in 2004. With its amiable personality, massive roster of features and an as-equipped price edge projected to be $1,600-$4,000, that figure may well turn out to be fairly conservative. (www.kia.com)