With upgraded state-of-the-art diesel power, European-standard ride and handling, modern and dynamic styling, top-level safety and low costs of ownership, the Kia Magentis has all that it takes to meet the expectations of private and fleet motorists.

It is a D-segment saloon that competes with the Ford Mondeo, Opel Insignia and Volkswagen Passat. Even with the gravitation of buyers to compact SUVs, MPVs and so-called premium-badge cars, this sector still accounts for well over a quarter of a million sales in the UK each year.

The 2009 Magentis is a development of the clever platform created to be shared with Kia Carens, the company's clever compact MPV. Carens offers buyers the choice of five or seven seats without the need for two cars of different length, the path rivals have been forced down. The platform allowed Kia designers to give Kia Magentis a dynamic stance that does justice to the way it drives, plus exactly the proportions they wanted - not only for style but also for safety and aerodynamic performance. There is, naturally, ample room for five passengers and their luggage.

The basis of the 2009 Kia Magentis is a modern, dynamic, European-influenced four-door saloon that successfully harmonises the flair of the new design face of Kia which has been developed by Kia's Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer.

The revised Kia Magentis has been given the 'Schreyer' styling treatment all round, most notably the new 'tiger nose' grille at the front, with a long sweeping, bold front bonnet edge which caps the grille and headlights. The car is 65 mm longer than the outgoing model, which gives a sleeker appearance.

Space, refinement, comfort and luxury are the hallmarks of life on board the Kia Magentis and these have been enhanced for the 2009 model. Kia recognises that many people who buy or drive D-segment cars spend long hours on the road, and though they expect a responsive and involving car to drive, they also value peace, quiet and comfort. The new Magentis delivers more of this, thanks to a completely revised suspension package and improved NVH characteristics.

It features seats and trim specifically developed for European tastes and driving styles. The seats have large side bolsters that provide more lateral support than those fitted in other markets - a concession to UK drivers' generally higher cornering speeds and the country's more twisty roads. They also have a longer cushion to provide greater under-thigh support.

Space is a necessity, not a luxury in D-segment cars. In the Kia Magentis, it is generous all round, supporting Kia's claims that this is a genuine five-person car. This has been achieved without resorting to the gargantuan lengths of some competitors, but through intelligent packaging solutions.

The Kia Magentis's safety credentials are underscored by a long list of standard features, including twin front, side and curtain airbags, active headrests on both front seats to prevent whiplash injury in nose-to-tail crashes, and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), allowing the car to be steered and braked simultaneously without going out of control. Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) ensures the stopping power automatically goes to the wheels with most grip. And Electronic stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control (TC) are fitted as standard.

In order to simplify the range, there is only one version of the 2009 Magentis on sale in the UK, based on one high specification trim level, one efficient CRDi engine and a choice of two transmissions. The all-independent suspension has been revised delivering a more dynamic experience and with improved comfort, and allied to the latest electronic driver aids to minimise the risk of accidents. The revised Kia Magentis is right at home with its European competitors.

That is emphasised by Kia's decision to fit the upgraded, modern and efficient 147bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine, as seen in the recently facelifted and European built Sportage. With sales to business 'user-choosers' so important in the D-segment and diesels by far the preferred choice because they reduce the amount of benefit-in-kind tax paid by owners, the Kia Magentis CRDi is proving to be hugely popular for its low running costs, refinement and performance. It is capable of upto 47.1 mpg (40.9 mpg for the automatic) when touring.

The 2009 Kia Magentis is now only available with the 2.0-litre CRDi power and a choice of six-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmissions. Diesel sales hold the majority for the Magentis so the 2.0-litre and 2.7-litre petrol derivatives have been dropped from the range.

With regards to trim levels, there is only now one, highly-specified model - the TR trim replaces the outgoing GS and LS specifications. The best attributes and equipment of previous Magentis models have been loaded into one, new and well appointed TR trim level which is equipped to a far higher level than many competitors. Cruise control with steering wheel mounted controls, full climate control with a cabin air filter, front and rear electric windows with auto-down function for the driver, electrically-adjustable heated door mirrors, variable intermittent wipers and automatic headlamps add to the comfort of, and minimse stress on, the person behind the wheel.

• It looks as good as it drives
• Spacious, safe and well-equipped
• Engines, gearboxes, suspension, steering and brakes
• Powertrain
• Running gear
• Refinement