First drive review: 2003 Kia range
Approaching the Rowhill Grange Hotel one winter's morning to test drive the new face-lifted Kia Rio and Magentis, I already had a very good idea of what I was in for, and I was looking forward to it about as much as a trip to the dentist. It's one of those jobs you sometimes have to do, trying to get enthusiastic about some boring, run of the mill cars that can only dream about raising your heartbeat higher than tickover. But an opportunity to drive cars for the whole day is still nothing to be sniffed at, so after some stern words from the boss, an embargo on mentioning white-wall tyres and a reminder about being open minded, there I was.
My first sight of the cars reinforced my thoughts. Sitting outside the grand Victorian hotel were the cumbersome Sedona (which reminds me of the word 'sedative'), the ugly little Rio, the artificially exclusive Magentis which I had a particular dislike for, and the non-descript Carens.
I decided to start with the Magentis 2.5 V6, a car that strikes me as something a slightly effeminate middle manager with an unnecessarily long job title would drive. I tried frantically to feel objective about the car as I picked up the keys and walked out to the car park. I unlocked the door, opened it and began to be surprised. It opens with a satisfying firmness, and I was instantly greeted by the pleasant waft of new leather. I climbed in and was again surprised by the quite acceptable interior. There are trimmings of plastic wood here and there, but they're not at all offensive. Although the steering wheel is rather shiny, the rest of the leather is well above the expected standard. I started the engine, and far from the metallic shriek I expected, there's a rather cultured hum. Slipping the gearstick into drive, my spirits lifted rather, and I set off down the drive of the hotel. The engine sounds a little rough lower down in the rev range, but I reached the road and accelerated away to a V6-enhanced musical accompaniment.
I set off towards Hextable, and as I reached higher speeds it became noticeable that the cabin is well insulated. I was struck by the smoothness of the ride and the cultured grunt from the V6 engine. The gear change is smooth, and the 'H-matic' selectronic works effectively, refusing to change up until instructed. Reassuring handling and effective brakes complement the ride. Cruise control is fitted and the radio is well specified with a single-disc CD player and good sound quality, but disappointingly is lacking satnav and does not work with the ignition off (which always riles me). Even the heating controls are pleasing to use. Headroom in the back is excellent and the boot is generous. Safety is covered by four air bags, seatbelt pre-tensioners, traction control and ABS (with EBD).
The Magentis is only let down by a few minor details. The windscreen wipers look particularly cheap and should be far more substantial for this type of car. The numbering beside the gearstick really lets the interior down, looking very down-market indeed, and the action of the gearstick itself could be improved on. The release handle for the steering wheel is very nasty, and the emergency fuel cap release lowers the tone of the boot, but apart from these minor niggles, there's really little to criticise, particularly at the price (£15,995 on the road for the top-of-the-range model).
I followed this up with a drive in the 2.0-litre manual (designated Magentis 2.0LX Manual), which I was expecting to feel underpowered in comparison, but actually it really doesn't. It's generally a very similar car, but the lower specification completely removes the V6's feeling of luxury and makes it feel like a much less impressive package overall, though admittedly is £4,000 cheaper to put on the road.
Next up was the Rio, and this was always going to be a tough one as I frankly detest its looks. I took the keys to the 1.3LX for starters. Straight away it's obviously a very cheap car, with little tactility and a feeling of tinniness, but this is only to be expected for £7895. I fired up the engine, noticing a distinct lack of soundproofing (despite Kia's claims to have loaded even more in than on the old model) and set off down the drive at a keen pace. It feels harsh, noisy and uncouth, but at least it's nice and light to drive. Hitting the main road something suddenly clicked (and no it's not the infernal relay controlling the intermittent wiper speed) and I suddenly understood what this is all about. It may feel like an old car with fewer creature comforts, but I have to say this is one of the only new cars I've driven that actually possesses character.
It's an absolute hoot to drive. I floored the throttle, spun the rev counter straight round to the red line, knocked her up a gear and broke into a broad smile. I quickly discovered a twisty A-road, and all of a sudden I was hurling the car through corners, red-lining it, and thoroughly enjoying myself. This was quite unexpected. What looks like an anaesthetised estate feels more like a supermini. The new model has undergone modifications to the suspension, which have improved handling, and to the brakes, resulting in confidence-inspiring braking performance. ABS is standard on this model.
There is decent space in the back for passengers, and the boot is a reasonable size, certainly offering enough space for a week's shopping (or perhaps some slicks for a day's track racing?!). On reaching the end of the lane, I turned round for the hell of it and took it again in the other direction, this time a little faster. Sadly time was getting on, so I headed back to the hotel, feeling almost sorry not to have had more of a chance to play. Getting out I managed to almost forgive its looks, but it would be so much better as an attractive two door coupe…
Next I took out the Rio 1.5SE, expecting it to feel like a souped up 1.3, but disappointingly it has lost that fun factor. Although it is better specced and has a larger (and incidentally much harsher) engine, it's a less frenetic drive and loses much of the revvy fun. The 1.3 is the best seller and it's easy to see why. It's harsh, it is noisy, but it's also loads of fun!
Things were going well, and I decided to take out the Sedona 2.9 CRDi LX next, temporarily forgiving it for the hateful power bulge in the bonnet. It's remarkably cheap for a 7-seater people carrier, coming in at £14,495 for the V6 petrol and £14,750 for the basic diesel model, but as I've now discovered, that can mean very little. The moment I got in though, I realised that this was the Kia I had been expecting all along. Although the seating position is very comfortable, it feels like a much older vehicle than the Rio or the Magentis, and far more American than European. I started it up and recoiled at the death rattle of the ancient-sounding diesel engine. I set off noisily down the now familiar drive, struggling slightly up the little hill.
Reaching the main road, I accelerated away from the junction to an increasing cacophony of agonised metal from under the revolting bonnet. The engine is horribly underpowered, and the turbo, wheezing asthmatically, does almost nothing to improve things. The steering is vague, the suspension wallows, and the whole experience is harsh and altogether very unpleasant. The radio is a base level one with terrible sound quality and complements the cheap interior. Even the electric windows are clonky and feel much older than they should. I turned around after only a couple of miles and headed back to the hotel as quickly as possible to get shot of this beast. Backing it into the parking space I noticed that it has no reverse sensors, something it could really do with. I was disappointed at this point, as things had been going so well.
I decided to finish the day with the Carens 2.0 CRDT SE, and had no idea what to expect. The door closes with a reasonably good noise, and the interior is very acceptable, feeling much more like a newer car again. Starting it up, I was again tormented with the rattling of the diesel engine, but it is just a little better soundproofed. The car is uneventful to drive, but nevertheless capable and adequate.
The test Carens was fitted with the most advanced stereo of all the cars, which even includes a basic satnav system. The audio is too bassy for my liking, but nevertheless acceptable. I decided to try out the satnav, but it remained indignantly silent, until I burst into fits of laughter as I was suddenly told in no uncertain terms by the baritone female voice to make an immediate left turn. I contradicted her, and she redirected me in her stern, humourless manner. I imagine her name is Doreen and she used to work as a librarian before she became trapped in the dashboard.
Enjoying this car, I decided to pull over in a little lane and explore the practicalities - something usually at the very bottom of my list. I happened to be near a school and was being passed by numerous parents and children. It all felt very much in keeping, and I was a little surprised that I was so comfortable with a car that I'd have turned my nose up at just a few hours before. The rear legroom is only just OK for me (Ed: Adam is 6 foot 3), but for anyone of normal stature would be more than adequate. Desperately trying to think practical, I found there are no rear cup holders except in the boot, decided that the glovebox is a little small and that the seats are probably not that easy to wipe clean, although this is mere speculation. I drove back to the hotel, safely guided by Doreen, and finally as I backed the car into its space, I was surprised to find it has rear-parking sensors - a welcome addition.
To summarise, Kia are way ahead of my initial perception of them. They are producing cars which are fun to drive, well made, thoroughly capable, and backed up by an unbeatable three year unlimited mileage warranty with three years' European roadside assistance. For anyone with little or no passion for cars, Kia offer several absolutely blinding deals, with more for your money than just about any other manufacturer can offer. And even for those who enjoy driving, three of the four models I drove will not disappoint. The only stumbling block is the perceived image of the cars, and for this reason I suspect some people may shy away from Kia without even a glance. Which is a shame, because if you forget your pretensions for just a moment you'd be very, very surprised at just what a good car you can get for very little money indeed.
Since Adam drove the cars above, Shane O' Donoghue has had a loan of the Kia Magentis SEV6 for a week. He too was very impressed by the car. The review will be online shortly on the main Road Tests page.
Links
www.kia.co.uk
First drive review of the Kia Sorento
Story by Adam Jefferson
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