While the Kia nameplate has long been associated with value, some entry-luxury buyers are finding out that Kia's flagship sedan, the Amanti, offers a roomy, comfortable cabin loaded with luxurious amenities, all for the delightful price of just $28,000.
The Amanti looks and feels like it should cost much more. My co-tester and I found the exterior styling to be bold and sophisticated. Looking at Amanti's large grille and rounded headlamps, a fellow motorist asked me if my test model was a new Jaguar.
The shape of the headlamps and slight swoop of the hoodline do hint at Jaguar's S-Type but the rest of the Amanti's physique is more upright and actually reminds me of the Lincoln Town Car.
Whether you approve or disapprove of Amanti's "Neo-Classical" exterior styling, I'm sure you'll be a huge fan of its cabin once you slip behind the wheel.
For 2006, Kia treats Amanti buyers with new standard features like heated leather seats, a power sunroof and auto dimming rear view mirror with Homelink.
Amanti's generous list of standard equipment includes dual zone automatic air conditioning, AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers, one-touch up-and-down power windows, power door locks with keyless remote, an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar, a four-way power front passenger seat, and 16-inch alloy wheels including full-size spare.
Inside the cabin, we found the layout and overall feel to be very likable. A family of five or four large adults will find plenty of head and legroom. The roomy backseat is easily accessed via rear doors that open almost a full 90-degrees.
There's also a nice flip-down console for those seated in the rear. The trunk is spacious, too. It's large enough for four sets of golf clubs.
We were very impressed with Amanti's cabin. Our tester included the optional Infinity Package ($1,000), which includes an Infinity 225-watt AM/FM/Cassette/6-disc in-dash CD changer with nine speakers including a subwoofer, two-position memory setting for the driver's seat and outside mirrors, and a four-inch monitor, which displays trip computer information, outside temperature and digital clock.
Standard safety features include four anti-pinch windows, which senses obstructions and automatically rolls down the window, front active headrests and a best-in-class eight standard airbags - dual advanced front, front and rear seat-mounted side and full-length side curtain airbags.
On the active safety front, Amanti features standard four-wheel disc antilock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake distribution (EBD), which apportions braking force front and back according to the vehicle's load distribution.
Powering the front-wheel drive Amanti is a 200-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine. The V6 felt sluggish from a dead stop, but delivered adequate power for boulevard and highway cruising.
Mated to Amanti's V6 is a smooth-shifting 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode. The ride is quiet, smooth, and very pleasing. The steering system felt a bit over-assisted to us, but we imagine most of Amanti's buyers will be a bit older and prefer its ease of operation.
Traction control is optional. However, Kia includes traction control with electronic stability control and brake assist for a mere $500. I'd have to recommend this option.
Overall, it's easy to like the 2006 Kia Amanti. It's a premium sedan with a bargain-like price. Plus, like all Kia models, the Amanti is backed up by one of the best warranties in the business.
2006 Kia Amanti
Engine 3.5-liter (200 hp) V6
Transmission 5-speed automatic
Drive Type FWD
Fuel Economy 17 city/25 highway
Base Price $27,795
As Tested $29,935 (including $640 for destination)
Website whttp://www.kia.com |
