“Kia Magentis” of the previous generation, being a model of the “family” category, did not cost more than a golf car (Russian assembly ensured an affordable price). Nevertheless, this sedan was not particularly successful with us. Buyers were little attracted by the inexpressive design and by no means outstanding quality of interior trim. Built on the same platform, the “Hyundai Sonata” has earned much greater popularity... And in March, a fundamentally different “Magentis” enters our market, in no way similar to its predecessor. Its trump cards are a modern appearance, more powerful engines, and a high-quality interior. The distributor of the Korean brand, the Kia Sandol company, invited us to get acquainted with the new product in Spain, where the European premiere of “Magentis” took place.

In the land of winemakers

The modern interior is a big step forward compared to the old Magentis.

A FEW days before my flight to Spain, a parcel from Kia Sandol was delivered to me. Inside is a large wall calendar. Traditionally, such branded “souvenirs” contain advertising photographs of the model range, but here there was something different - landscapes of rare beauty. From the captions it follows that these are famous wine-producing regions: Bordeaux, Champagne, the Rhone Valley... And here is the logo of the Korean company. This is how exquisitely “Kia” now presents itself. Creating a fairly aristocratic image has been an important part of the company’s strategy in recent years: after all, Kia cars are reaching a new qualitative level.

The previous version of Magentis was based on the fifth generation Hyundai Sonata platform. Last year, the “Sonata” had a successor - the new “NF” model, which its creators tried to bring as close as possible to European standards in design, power, and equipment. The debutant from Kia is now being released on the same new platform.

The cars were waiting for us on the southwestern coast of Spain, in the city of Jerez. (I wonder if winemaking is becoming part of Kia’s corporate identity?) Here, at the end of winter, it’s already quite warm, and the cherry trees are starting to bloom. And the places are suitable for traveling behind the wheel: there are expressways, or you can rush with the breeze along picturesque mountain serpentines. Therefore, I decided to start getting acquainted with the new “Magentis” with the most powerful modification. And here's the first surprise: the flagship 3.3-liter V6, which is equipped with the Hyundai NF, is not installed on the Kia. The debutant received a more modest engine - 2.7 liters. One platform, but lower status?

A winding road requires you to slow down every now and then before turns and accelerate again on the straights. The engine, which develops 188 horsepower, does this with ease. Only the “automatic machine” calms his ardor a little. It is a 5-speed unit, configured for comfortable – extremely smooth – shifts. It turns out a little faster if you put the box in manual mode. But there is no traditional manual transmission for the 2.7-liter engine.

The mountain track, which had to be driven at a ragged rhythm, soon turned into a spacious highway, and if “Magentis” were a living creature, I would say that he had more fun. In the left lane of the highway, the speedometer needle quickly approached 200 km/h. According to the passport, the maximum is 220 km/h, but I did not dare to check this. The road may be empty and the police are invisible, but you never know...

Since the new sedan was created with an eye on European buyers, Kia for the first time included a diesel version in the range of modifications. Interesting to try! The organizers provided a stop for a short rest, after which I changed into a car with a 2.0 CRDi engine. Its 140 hp. They are more suitable for phlegmatic driving, and the automatic transmission here is outdated - 4-speed. At the first opportunity, I handed over this car to my Bulgarian colleagues - anyway, the diesel version will not be supplied to Russia. In return, I received from them a “Magentis” with a basic gasoline engine. This is also a new 2-liter “four”. It seemed that one couldn’t expect much agility from it, but with this 145-horsepower engine and a manual gearbox (by the way, you can also order an automatic transmission), the sedan drove surprisingly cheerfully. The weight is smaller compared to the flagship (this modification is almost 100 kg lighter than the version with V6).

Is there a sporty variant on the way?

In the BRIGHT rays of the southern sun, “Magentis” looks solid and elegant. No comparison with the boring exterior of its predecessor. But if the sister model “NF” from Hyundai has many memorable features (narrowed headlights, pointed lines, etc.), then the creators of the new “Magentis” decided not to look for fresh ideas. At a quick glance from the newcomer, it can be mistaken for a Toyota Camry or one of the Lexuses of the previous generation, and the closest analogy is the Infiniti Q45. Whether this similarity is considered a disadvantage or an advantage is a matter of personal taste...

From now on there is absolutely nothing to complain about in the cabin. The boring lines, pale plastics and fake wood that decorated the interior of the previous model are a thing of the past. They were replaced by a strict “business style” finish, competent ergonomics... The steering wheel is adjustable within a very wide range, both in height and reach. Stylish blue backlit instruments are easy to read. On request, you can also get the now fashionable keyless engine starting system.

In “family” class models, a lot of attention is traditionally paid to passenger comfort, but the previous “Magentis”, to be honest, did not shine with such advantages. Despite the large size of the body, it was a bit cramped in the back. Passengers taller than average could be said to have their heads propped up against the ceiling. Now - no problems. This is due to the fact that the new product is longer and wider, and most importantly, the ceiling has risen noticeably - by as much as 7 cm. The creators of the model proudly note that in terms of headroom, the Magentis outperforms its European and Japanese counterparts - the Ford Mon-deo ”, “Mazda 6” and “Peugeot 407”.

At the same time, comparing the new “Magentis” with the world leaders of the D-class does not seem far-fetched at all, and this is the main merit of the debutant’s developers. The Kia brand has moved one step higher from the “affordable” segment. As marketers put it, it was repositioned.

At the press conference, the topic of promoting the Korean brand received an unexpected

turn. A Romanian colleague asked a seemingly naive question:

– “Kia” sponsors sporting events: the FIFA World Cup, Davis Cup tennis, “Australian Open”. Isn't it time to produce sports cars too? For example, make a “hot” version in the “Magentis” range like, say, “Mazda 6 MPS”...

The answer from Won-Dong Choi, deputy head of Kia's Middle East and Africa division, erased the ironic smiles from the journalists' faces:

We also recommend test drives of competing cars

Audi A6
(4-door sedan)

Generation C8 Test Drives 21

– You hit the nail on the head, we are working on it.

Damn it, are the Koreans really going to release a sports sedan?! But then the speaker, without blinking an eye, clarified:

– Actually, we won’t change the suspension and engines, but the bumpers, sills and radiator grille will get a bright, dynamic design.

There was no sensation. However, a bit of external individuality will indeed not be superfluous for the new product from Kia. The company is preparing to present the “Magentis” sedan with a “sporty twist” by the end of the year.

The Koreans compare the new “Magentis” with the best European and Japanese counterparts, and these comparisons do not look strained.

P.S. The previous generation of “Magentis”, produced in Russia, is now disappearing from the scene - dealers are selling out the last copies. And the debutant is already on his way to the salons. But this is “Magentis”, produced in Korea. The contract for Russian assembly was terminated.

Brief technical characteristics of “Kia Magentis”
	2.0	2.0CRDi	2.7
dimensions	473.5x180.5x148.0 cm
Curb weight, kg

Hello everyone reading this review.

I’ll say right away that the car is not mine, but a company one, purchased in February 2008 from a dealer. At the moment, she has already covered more than 136 thousand km. without any breakdowns, nothing was changed or repaired. Personally, I have been driving it for more than six months. The car is very comfortable, there is plenty of space, even when I, with my height of 184 cm, sit behind the wheel, after I move the seat back, there is enough room for the passenger’s legs.

The suspension absorbs all sorts of potholes and pits at once. The only thing is that at speeds above 120 km/h the air noise in the area of ​​the front pillars begins to annoy, but for me personally this is not critical. Several times I foolishly flew into such holes that I already thought, wow, the stand has gone into the engine compartment)) But nothing, not even the rims were bent.

Strengths:

• Comfort
• Moderate consumption for a car of this size

Weak sides:

• Dimensions
• Rear visibility

Review of Kia Magentis 2.0 CVVT (Kia Magentis) 2007

Hello dear readers.

This review will be about my father's Kia Magentis. We got it in 2009 with a mileage of 64 thousand km.

My father is a respectable man and is engaged in private business. The history of his car ownership goes back to the distant 80s. There were almost all models of domestic production: kopeks, six, five, nine, eleven. Then there were the Germans... WV Jetta, Boomer: three, seven... the penultimate car was and is in the role of a service swallow of the Korean production Samsung (Sema) SQ5. My father says that this is the best car (in terms of trouble-free operation) of his automotive life (by the way, there is also one review about it on this site). Due to his constant business trips, KIA is at home, and, as you understand, the car cannot stagnate for a long time, so over these six months I have thoroughly studied our swallow!

Strengths:

• The main advantage is the price-quality ratio!

Weak sides:

• Insufficient underbody noise
• Oakiness of some interior elements

Review of Kia Magentis 2.7 V6 (Kia Magentis) 2008

Good afternoon, dear forum users!

I want to tell you about a company like KIA Motors, which sells “quality” cars (I am writing on behalf of my brother, since he does not believe in the power of the media and is not friends with the Internet).

My sad story began with the arson of my garage, where an almost new VAZ-2112 burned down. Another car became necessary. The choice fell on a KIA Magentis car, bought in August 2009. The full amount was not enough, so I decided to take out a car loan. As soon as they answered from the bank, I immediately went to the dealership and got my car. The joy knew no bounds: V6, leather, etc. All the fun is just over 700 thousand rubles. + CASCO, music and alarm. I blew off specks of dust from it, did zero maintenance so that everything was perfect. From August to the end of January I drove only 4000!!! thousand km

Strengths:

• Comfortable
• Powerful…

Weak sides:

Review of Kia Magentis 2.0 CVVT (Kia Magentis) 2008

Hi all.

Before the “crisis” I became the owner of a KIA for $24,000. + registration. Already now the price of a new one is $15,000. Well, that's it, preface.

When I looked at a car (with automatic transmission) at a car dealership, I was surprised by the performance of the engine. Almost silent (but as it turned out after buying my car with a manual transmission, the engine can be heard, especially after 3 thousand rpm). The reason is probably Shumka - it’s much better for automatics. In general, vibration and noise insulation must be done additionally 100%.

Strengths:

• Big
• Beautiful
• Economical
• Inexpensive to maintain
• Unstoppable

Weak sides:

• Noisy
• Loses a lot in value
• Materials budget

The Kia Magentis is a mid-size D class sedan. It is a very close relative of the fourth generation Hyundai Sonata. The cars differ only in external design details and equipment. The appearance at that time turned out to be reasonable and attractive, but today the rear optics look old-fashioned.

In the Korean and American markets the car was called Optima. Since 2001, the sedan for Russia has been assembled in Kaliningrad at the Avtotor enterprise. In 2003, the model underwent restyling. The most characteristic changes are front optics with separate headlights, a new front bumper and radiator grille.

Magentis offered a range of standard equipment along with optional equipment. All cars were equipped with air conditioning, electrically controlled mirrors, windows and locks. Basic fabric seats could be made into leather for an additional fee. Richer trim levels boast cruise control, ABS with brake force distribution, TSC traction control system, electric driver's seat, climate control, wooden inserts and even a sunroof.

In 2001, the “American” Optima earned only one star in IIHS crash tests.

Engines

Kia Magentis, assembled in Kaliningrad, was offered with 2.0 l/136 hp petrol engines. and 2.5 l/168 hp. These units are the most common in the secondary market (more than 90%).

There are hardly more than a couple of dozen remaining engine options in the advertisements. And these are the Korean basic versions with a four-cylinder 1.8 liter (Betta / G4GB / 131 hp series and Sirius II / G4JN / 125 and 134 hp series). In the American market, the palette began with an inline four with a capacity of 2.4 liters (138-149 hp). Six-cylinder 2.7 l / 170 hp appeared in the American Optima after restyling.

The gas distribution mechanism of the 2.0 L (Sirius II / G4JP) and 2.4 L (Sirius II / G4JS) inline fours is driven by a timing belt. It should be changed every 40-50 thousand km. Cheap analogues often break after 20-30 thousand km. As a result, pistons and valves are damaged. In case of trouble, you should prepare for repairs in the amount of about 50,000 rubles. They will ask about the same for a contract engine.

Keep in mind that replacing the timing belt on Sirius series engines requires some experience. The presence of a balancer shaft makes it difficult to accurately align the marks. If the marks do not match, vibration appears and the engine loses traction.

The V-shaped sixes - 2.5-liter (Delta / G6BV) and 2.7-liter (Delta / G6BA) - use a combined type timing drive: belt plus chain. A timing belt drives the intake camshafts, which are connected to the exhaust shafts by a chain. The service life of the chain is more than 250-300 thousand km. Troubles with the timing belt are much less common here.

Cases of engine overhaul are observed after 200-300 thousand km. The reasons for opening are an increase in oil consumption and loss of compression in one of the cylinders. For repairs you will need about 50,000 rubles. Fortunately, capitalism is not a widespread phenomenon.

After 150-200 thousand km, they may require replacement of the engine and gearbox mount (1-2 thousand rubles per mount), as well as the throttle position sensor and ignition coil (from 1,500 rubles). The radiator may soon become leaky (from 3,000 rubles).

Interruptions in the operation of a 2-liter unit are often caused by a failed crankshaft position sensor (2,500 rubles). To replace it, you will have to remove the timing drive. From time to time the ITS J5T ignition sensor also fails. In this case, the tachometer stops working. The cost of the analogue is from 1,500 rubles. However, some manage to revive the sensor using a soldering iron.

After 150-250 thousand km, the catalysts fail. Over time, the corrugation of the exhaust pipe burns out.

Hydraulic valve clearance compensators begin to knock after 200-250 thousand km: first when cold, and then after warming up.

In the domestic market of South Korea, cars were also sold with engines designed to run on gas. There are such specimens on the secondary market. It should be borne in mind that with age, the number of problems with gas equipment inevitably increases.

Transmission

The engines were combined with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. Automatic transmission – Japanese F4A42 developed by Mitsubishi. The box is reliable and durable. The first complaints about performance occur after 200-300 thousand km and more often in cars with powerful V6s. Failures can occur due to failure of the speed sensor, as well as oxidation or damage to contacts and wiring. It comes to serious repairs after 300,000 km, which will require about 50,000 rubles.

There are no known mechanical problems. Except that you have to change the clutch (11,000 rubles including labor), and in cars with a 2.5-liter unit there is also an expensive dual-mass flywheel. The cost of the original unit is almost 50,000 rubles. Fortunately, you can find an analogue for 9-10 thousand rubles.

Chassis

The front axle uses a double wishbone design, and the rear axle uses a multi-link system with a steering effect. The suspension is quite soft, the body rolls a lot when cornering and sways on gentle waves. Reactions to turning the steering wheel are slow and blurred.

Wheel bearings run more than 100-150 thousand km (1-2 thousand rubles). Shock absorbers, silent blocks and ball joints will last no less. After some time, the rear springs may sag.

The steering rack may knock or leak after 200-250 thousand km. For a new rail you will have to pay over 9,000 rubles.

Other problems and malfunctions

Traces of corrosion on the body of the already middle-aged Magentis can often be found in the area of ​​the rear wheel arches and sills.

A crack in the top of a metal fuel tank is a common occurrence. A faulty adsorber contributes to the defect. The cost of a new fuel tank is from 8,000 rubles, and an adsorber – from 3,000 rubles.

Sometimes the air conditioning compressor clutch (from 2,000 rubles) or the compressor itself (from 9,000 rubles for an analogue) fails. And after 200-250 thousand km, the generator may also require attention (from 5,000 rubles).

Malfunctions in the operation of the air conditioning system occur as a result of unscrewing the screws securing the damper drive motor, wear of the motor itself (1,000 rubles) or disconnection of the pipe connecting the stove to the climate control unit.

Conclusion

There is no doubt: the first generation Kia Magentis is a completely reliable car. Most problems and malfunctions are caused by high mileage and decent age. Fortunately, all malfunctions are easily fixable and do not require large expenses... unless you take into account the possible repair of the automatic transmission or engine (after a broken timing belt).

25.11.2017

Kia Magentis is a mid-class sedan from the South Korean automaker Kia Motors. Since its appearance on the domestic market, most car enthusiasts have perceived the Kia Magentis as a company car for an average official, as well as a more affordable alternative to the Toyota Camry and the like. The first thing that attracts people with this car is its good size-to-cost ratio. Few manufacturers can offer “as much business class” for reasonable money. But now we’ll try to find out how things stand with the reliability of this model after many years of operation, and whether it’s worth considering the Kia Magentis 2 for a second-hand purchase.

A little history:

Kia Magentis was presented to the public at the end of 2000 at the Paris auto show, and the next year mass production of the model began. Magentis became the first joint development of the two largest Korean corporations, Hyundai and Kia. The new product received a promising name, consisting of two English words “majestic” and “genteel”, which translated into Russian sound like “majestic” and “noble”. In many markets (China, USA, etc.) this model is better known as . Magentis shares a platform with the fourth-generation Hyundai Sonata and was offered only as a sedan. The car was restyled twice in 2002 and 2004, during which the main emphasis was placed on changing the interior and exterior, as well as improving equipment.

The debut of the Kia Magentis 2 took place in 2005 at the international motor show in Frankfurt. The best specialists from innovation centers in Europe, Korea and the USA took part in the development of this generation. Like its predecessor, in the US market the new product was still called Optima, and in the local Korean market the car was known as “Kia Lotze”. The second generation of Kia Magentis appeared on the Russian market in 2007. The car underwent its first major modernization in 2008; the updated car was presented at the auto show in New York. During the restyling, the front and rear parts of the car and the interior design changed significantly, and engine power was also increased. The design development was led by the famous German specialist Peter Schreyer, who later became Kia's chief designer, and a little later, one of the three presidents of the company. Production of the model lasted until 2011, after which its place on the market was taken by a new model, which received the global name Optima. This car was presented in 2010 at the New York Auto Show.

Weaknesses of Kia Magentis 2 with mileage

Traditionally for Korean cars, the paintwork is soft and poorly resistant to mechanical damage - scratches and chips appear even from slight contact of the car body with branches. The corrosion resistance of body iron is at a fairly high level, but there are still a couple of weak points here. The rear drain requires special attention - over time, “bugs” appear on it. In the early stages, to remove the “saffron milk caps”, it is enough to wipe the problem area with a special solution or gasoline; if you start it, you will have to repaint it. Also, rusty deposits on the surface of the paint can be seen on the doors ( rust is coming out from under the moldings and door handles). If you take care of the body and eliminate bugs in a timely manner, there will be no serious problems with the body (I have not encountered any complaints about the metal rotting to holes). The chrome on the radiator grill is also not very durable - it begins to peel off after 3-5 years of using the car. The chrome decorative door glass trims may also begin to peel off.

Over time, when driving on uneven roads, an unpleasant squeak appears from the windshield lining. Treating with silicone grease and washing the car helps to temporarily get rid of the annoying squeak. To permanently eliminate the problem, the overlay must be placed on double-sided tape or sealant. The rear door locks also received a lot of criticism; at the most inopportune moment they may stop opening. The front optics on restyled Kia Magentis 2 are prone to fogging in wet weather and temperature changes. Over time, the protective plastic of the front optics becomes covered with a fine “mesh”. The rear license plate rattles when the trunk lid is closed; covering the frame with vibroplast and splen helps solve the problem. In cars equipped with heated wipers, the windshield often cracks due to temperature changes in the cold season. The rubber bands of the original wipers become very dull in cold weather, therefore, when replacing, it is better to give preference to an analogue one.

Power units

Kia Magentis 2 was equipped with gasoline engines equipped with a CVVT system - 2.0 (144, 150 hp), 2.4 (162, 175 hp), 2.7 (188, 193 hp) and diesel CRDi - 2.0 (140 and 150 hp). In most CIS countries, cars equipped only with 2.0 and 2.7 gasoline engines were officially sold. Gasoline 2.4 and diesel engines, as a rule, were offered for the European market. All power units are tailored to Euro 4 standards and are sensitive to the quality of fuels and lubricants. If, for example, gasoline engines are fed with “bad” gasoline, the “Check Engine” error will appear on the instrument panel, and the service life of the catalysts will be significantly reduced (there are 3 of them in the 2.7 engine). In diesel engines, the exhaust system begins to smoke heavily, and early replacement of the particulate filter may also be required. The Koreans, knowing the quality of fuel our gas stations offer, have released new firmware for the engine control unit, which reconfigures the engine to Euro 3 standards. This problem is relevant for cars manufactured after 2008.

The CVVT system, which was equipped with all gasoline engines, is demanding on the quality of the oil. If the power unit is not serviced in a timely manner (oil change every 8-10 thousand km), the process of coking of the valve of this system is accelerated. Increased noise (knocking) of the engine at idle will indicate problems with the valve. If you can notice the problem at an early stage, flushing will be enough to eliminate it; in advanced cases, you will have to change the valve. The disadvantages of gasoline engines include leaks in the oil pan gasket and the front cover. In addition, for overly active drivers, closer to 150,000 km, the front crankshaft oil seal may leak. If oil leaks are not corrected in a timely manner, this may lead to failure of the attachment pulley with rubber damper coupling. Due to the fact that the 2.0 engine does not have hydraulic compensators, many servicemen recommend adjusting valve clearances every 80-100 thousand kilometers. Crankshaft and camshaft sensors, as well as oxygen sensors (there are two of them), may begin to mope at a mileage of 100-120 thousand km

At idle speed, engines can “diesel” until a certain warm-up; the official dealer does not recognize this as a malfunction, calling this behavior of the engine a feature of it. The power unit of the G4KD 4B11 brand makes a “chirping” sound during operation, thereby making owners nervous, but there is no reason to worry, since this is a feature of the operation of the injectors. If vibrations appear at rpms from 1000 to 1300, it’s most likely time to change the spark plugs. The service life of catalysts is 120-150 thousand km; if it is not replaced in a timely manner, when destroyed, its particles will fall into the cylinder, which is why scuffing will form there. There are no specific statistics about the shortcomings of diesel engines; the only thing that can be stated with confidence is that in our realities, after 100,000 km, they will have problems with fuel equipment and particulate filters ( when removed, the ECU firmware needs to be replaced) and EGR valve. Fixing any of these problems will cost a pretty penny.

Transmission

The Kia Magentis 2 was equipped with one of two types of gearboxes - a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed Tiptronic automatic, which after restyling was replaced by a 5-speed automatic transmission. Operating experience has shown that all gearboxes are reliable even with timely maintenance ( oil change in manual transmission once every 60,000 km, in automatic transmission once every 90,000 km) do not cause unnecessary trouble. The mechanical clutch can last up to 150,000 km. In diesel versions, the dual-mass flywheel needs to be replaced every 100-120 thousand kilometers. Symptoms – a characteristic knocking sound appears when the clutch is engaged. Shifting manual transmission gears on some copies is accompanied by a noisy clattering sound - the problem cannot be cured. The automatic transmission speed is generally not high. When changing gears, slight jerks are felt, but there are no serious complaints about the operation of the transmission. The key to the longevity of automatic transmissions is sedate driving (especially in cold winter) and timely maintenance.

Disadvantages of the Kia Magentis 2 suspension

The Kia Magentis, like most business sedans, has a broken chassis and has good energy consumption. A double-wishbone MacPherson strut design is used at the front, a multi-link at the rear, and anti-roll bars are installed on both axles. The suspension is strong, but is characterized by increased noise; most often the cause of knocking in the suspension is the shock absorber boots - in winter they freeze and slip out of the mounts. Also, when driving over small irregularities and under heavy load, the shock absorbers may knock, but after a slight warm-up the knocking goes away. In 2010, the part was modernized and the problem began to occur less frequently. There is a more serious drawback - over time, the camber bolts of the rear suspension arms become sour, which makes it no longer possible to adjust the wheel angles. To avoid problems, the bolts must be lubricated periodically.

But the service life of the original suspension elements cannot but rejoice. Stabilizer struts last 40-50 thousand km, bushings - up to 80,000 km. Silent blocks of front suspension arms last 100-150 thousand km, and wheel bearings and shock absorbers last about the same amount of time. Ball joints last up to 200,000 km. In the rear suspension, the “ball” upper wishbones give out first of all; this happens at a mileage of 100-130 thousand km. The remaining elements run 150-200 thousand km. The steering rack is equipped with a hydraulic booster; in most cases, problems with it begin after 100,000 km - the bushings break (the rack is repairable). Steering ends run on average 100-120 thousand km, rods - up to 150,000 km. The brakes are reliable, but require periodic maintenance - it is recommended to lubricate the caliper guides. If you do not use the handbrake for a long time, the cable becomes rusty and turns sour, which is why it has to be replaced.

Interior and electrical equipment

The quality of the finishing materials in the Kia Magentis 2 interior is at a fairly high level - high-quality plastic is used (does not creak), the fabric trim of the seats is non-staining and retains its presentation for quite a long time. But the sound insulation was frankly disappointing, especially on the arches and the bottom - you can hear the noise of the wheels, especially when driving on paving stones and in the rain. The problem can only be solved by installing additional sound insulation. Also, the disadvantages include insufficiently high-quality leather on the steering wheel braid and gear knob - it wears out quickly. As for electrical equipment, the dampers of the ventilation system require special attention - they often fail. The air conditioner has the ability to automatically turn on when you select the windshield heating mode. There may be other problems with the interior electrical system, so before purchasing it is better to check the functionality of all equipment.

Result:

Despite its advanced age, the owners have no serious complaints about the reliability of the Kia Magentis 2, and those minor problems that may arise during operation will not require the owner to make significant investments to resolve. It’s up to you to decide whether to buy such a car or not; for my part, I can only add that this model definitely deserves attention.

If you are the owner of this car model, please describe the problems that you encountered while using the car. Perhaps your review will help the readers of our site when choosing a car.

Best regards, editor AutoAvenue

Dear time of day, dear readers.

The review will be about the KIA Magentis car, 2005. two year old, at that time, in the maximum configuration for those times and with a top-end V 6 2.5 l 169 hp engine, with a mileage at the time of purchase of just over 50 t.km.

It was not purchased by chance, having in 2007 the amount of 17,000 dollars on hand, one could consider buying a lot of new C-class cars, but I always wanted to drive something with good equipment, a larger size and a relatively powerful engine, fortunately there was an opportunity .

After some hesitation, I settled on the KIA brand, which has proven itself well (adjusted for personal experience), I wanted Magentis, automatic, fully equipped. So, on the skin they (Magentis) for the most part came with a gray interior, I leisurely looked for a beige one. The interior of this color, subjectively, looked much nicer than gray. After a leisurely search for about a month, the desired copy was found.

The purchase history was as follows. A very wealthy man sold the car for 16,500 euros, and he handed it over to the dealer on commission. Arriving with him at the dealer, I went to look at the car, and the owner remained in the car. By the way, the dealer had a car with a price tag of 17,500. After crawling the car up and down, taking it for a ride (as a passenger with the seller), I returned to the owner, and we shook hands. The next day he took it from the salon and, having parted with 16,500 dollars, I became the owner of this pepilats.

So, for this relatively modest sum, I became the owner of a car, the package of which included: ABS, anti-books, 4 SRS, electric sunroof, beige leather interior, power driver's seat, separate climate control, automatic transmission and many other little things. What I like about buying a used car with minimal mileage is that if you take proper care of the car, you don’t need to invest money. Those. The car also came with 2 sets of castings (even a cast spare tire) with expensive imported winter tires, an alarm system with auto start, two sets of interior carpets, high-quality tinting.

After I said goodbye to the now former owner, I got into my new car and... felt almost childish delight. It doesn't ride, it floats. External sounds do not bother me at all; after manual transmission I didn’t even have to get used to the automatic transmission - just like I’ve been driving it all my life. Cozy leather interior... Very decent standard Infiniti music with an amplifier (although MP3 does not play). Of course, I quickly got used to it, but the sensations were unforgettable.

What I liked:

It rides very smoothly, the American-style suspension absorbs all the bumps, but you have to pay with rolls in corners. However, roll is not critical, I’m not a racing driver, and for myself I consider this suspension setting to be optimal.

The motor is a beast. There are not so many horses, by modern standards (169), but the torque did its job and 8.8 seconds to 100 normally pressed into the back of the seat. I repeat that I am not a fan of high speeds. I only once, out of curiosity, accelerated it to 180 km/h on a completely empty 4-lane highway, it more than willingly continued to accelerate further, but that was enough for me. At this speed, it maintained good directional stability and noise insulation. We must pay tribute to the automatic transmission, 4-speed. When I bought it, I thought that a 4-mortar was archaic, but then I changed my mind. At a speed of 140 km/h, the engine speed is about 3500. The engine does not strain at all due to the gearbox. The cruising speed on the 2.5 liter was the same as now on the 1.6 engine “for 300 rubles”, i.e. exceeding the permissible limit by no more than 20 km/h. In general, I consider myself a follower of the “three Ds” (GDD - Give Way to the Fool), and if some wild basin settled in the stern and “farmed”, I gave way to him without a twinge of conscience.

I liked the totality of the equipment, there was a lot of everything, even unnecessary things - for example, electric. seat adjustment - used it 2 times: 1st time when I bought it, 2nd time after the service.

Reliable. For about 12,000 thousand that I drove, I didn’t do anything to it except changing the oil and routine adjustments (wheel alignment, light adjustment, etc.).

Low beam. It's the best I've ever ridden.

Noise insulation. It is significantly higher than average, which was noted even by skeptic friends (meaning the Korean auto industry as a whole), for example, in the 2004 Accord. it is much worse (the owner of the chord agrees with this =)).

Well, little things. For example, the headlight washer is located on the dashboard with a separate button, you wash the headlights when you want, and not according to an incomprehensible algorithm with excessive washer consumption.

What I didn't like:

Algorithm for climate control operation. Situation: summer, 30 in the shade, you get into the car and set it to 22 degrees. What does this embodiment of Korean engineering genius do? It turns on recirculation, maximum fan speed and minimum temperature, and it really starts to freeze the driver, in the literal sense of the word.

In general, I did not like him and often interfered with his work. A plus for it, perhaps, can be called a control system for the air supplied to the cabin, i.e. if the “smart” climate control “understood” that gas pollution was higher than normal, it automatically turned on recirculation, although often with a delay.

Leather. I won't buy myself any more. Well, maybe only if it’s combined or perforated with ventilation (like the NEW Tean - I drive it periodically - great). In winter it’s cold to get into a car (despite the heating and auto-start, I often noted), in the summer it’s generally amazing, despite the beastly climate, all places in contact with this fashionable coating sweat.

Black color. Clean, it is certainly a sight for sore eyes. But you need to monitor him more closely than any other. So I just washed the car, carefully polished it (I like to clean up the mess myself), drove it to the garage (200m), and the car was already covered in dust, which was very noticeable... In such cases, I had to restrain the obscene expressions rushing out.

Automatic antenna. A very capricious device. You have to constantly wipe and clean, otherwise not all the knees come out/retracted. A very controversial engineering decision.

But, we must pay tribute, it catches well.

Fuel consumption. In the city 15 l/100 km, outside the city it’s easier - it fits into 8-8.5 liters.

Well, little things. The lack of a trip computer (there was only an outside temperature sensor), the dubious image of the brand (but for me this was even a plus - I didn’t even think about insuring it under CASCO)…

What else can I add... The body was absolutely without any hint of corrosion, I liked the quality of the paintwork, the engine did not consume oil.

I sold the car to the first buyer, it was clear that he was also looking for a specific copy. Left for 17,500 ue, after 8 months of ownership, in excellent condition.

The reason for the sale is to buy an apartment, but that’s a completely different story...

If you have any questions, I will be happy to answer them.