Driving
The Kia is available with 2.0-litre or 2.7-litre V6 petrol engines, but we prefer the 2.0-litre turbodiesel. There's a fair amount of diesel clatter at idle, but once on the move it delivers power progressively, and at cruising speeds is impressive refined. It serves up its power in a progressive manner too. So it's a shame the Kia's clutch action is snappy which, combined with a less-than-slick gearbox, makes smooth progress difficult. What's more, dynamically the Magentis feels flimsy. It rolls through corners, and this increased body movement means it works its front tyres much harder. There's also a lot of dive when braking, and the middle pedal is soft under-foot too. The steering is light and vague, and never inspires confidence. Unfortunately, the soft dynamic set-up doesn't translate into a decent ride quality either, because while the Kia is cushioned over smooth surfaces, the dampers don't control suspension movement. As a result, it can become crashy over imperfections, while kickback through the wheel is a problem. Still, stability control is standard.
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Introduction
It seems like just yesterday that Kia was fielding quirky offerings like,
well, the previous-generation Sorento, a traditional body-on-frame SUV that
never really caught on in America. But this co ...
Fuel filler lid
Opening the fuel filler lid
The fuel filler lid must be opened from
inside the vehicle by pulling up the fuel
filler lid opener lever.
NOTICE
If the fuel filler lid does not open
because ice h ...
POWER AND FUEL-ECONOMY ARE UP TO PAR
That description might have you thinking the Optima has all sorts of power.
True, the upgraded 2.4-liter four-cylinder gets added power for ’09 with 175hp
and 169 ft-lbs of torque, but it’s no ...


