2004 Kia Amanti Review

Walkaround


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Kia describes the Amanti's styling as Neo-Classical. As far as the front end is concerned, perhaps neo-Cyrano is more apt, what with its prominent, proboscis-like grille. And the conflict between the grille's trapezoidal shape and the headlights' elliptical outlines only seems to emphasize the grille's dominance of the car's fascia. Belying the subordination of function to style, the top third of the grille opening is blocked with matte black-finished backing behind the egg crate inset, apparently to direct the air flow through the part of the opening feeding the radiator and engine air intake.

Viewed apart from the awkward grille, the elliptical headlight contours project luxury, borrowing as they do from many a luxury car from Europe or Japan. At night, their appearance is clean and sharp, and the crisp, precise blinking of the LED turn indicators readily catches the eye of drivers and pedestrians.

Side view is more of a piece, and more classic, neo or otherwise, than that from the front. An understated wedge-look begins at the top of the laid-back headlights then rises gently from the front fenders through the rear quarter, trailing off slightly before draping over rounded taillights. Remarkable for how well it's integrated into the car's overall proportions is the rear door, which closes on an opening several inches longer than is the norm in this size sedan. This large door opening makes for ease of entry to and exit from the rear seat. It also gives the Amanti a look of richness, of stretch intended to benefit rear-seat users.

As it accelerates away, the Amanti leaves a memorable image in its wake. A slight hump in the middle of the trunk lid's trailing edge functions as a mini-spoiler, breaking up the air flow over and behind the car, reducing lift at highway speeds. Eye-like taillights wrap around the rear fenders to each side and bracket a chrome-framed license plate recess in the vertical face of the trunk lid. At night, the juxtaposition of the red taillights and back-lighted license plate paints an especially striking picture.