Secret family cars of 2006 - Kia Magentis

On sale: February 2006
How much: £14,000 (est)

The Magentis saloon is the latest step in the complete revision of Kia's model range. Following on from the likes of the Picanto and Rio, the family car will go on sale in February, with an expected starting price of around £14,000.

Although Kia will sell the Magentis worldwide, it's proud that the trim and seats on UK cars have been tailored to European tastes. Perhaps more important is the fact that this is the first Magentis to be available with a diesel engine.

However, the 138bhp 2.0-litre unit will reach showrooms a couple of months after the petrol engines – a 144bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder and 188bhp 2.8 V6, which arrive in February. In a rare move, all will be available with an automatic gearbox – as standard on the V6, but optional on the others.

The all-new car is more expensive than the previous model, but buyers will get more for their money. It's larger in every dimension, for instance, so there’s more space inside for passengers, and a larger boot.

Entry-level LX should bring air-conditioning, a CD player and all-round electric windows, while EX trim should add climate control, a leather interior and alloy wheels.
All models will have anti-lock brakes and anti-whiplash front head restraints and front and side airbags, while stability control, curtain airbags and parking sensors will be available as options.


For more details on the What Car? 100 Secret Cars of 2006 and Beyond, see the February 2006 issue of What Car? magazine, on sale now.