2004 Kia Amanti Review
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Driving Impressions |
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The Amanti does everything Kia expects it to, and very well, indeed. As a commuter, it's sufficiently agile with good visibility to maneuver in congested traffic. As a long distance traveler, it's a delight, quiet, smooth and tireless, both in willingness to make good time and in occupant comfort. The sound system lives up to promise, with good radio reception and quality sound. Where it doesn't excel is sprightliness, in both acceleration and anything approaching sporty handling. Its 200 horsepower is lowest in class, while its curb weight tops the class scale. These factors, combined with the admittedly low-tech engine management system, may have played a large role in the 20 miles-per-gallon fuel consumption on a day-long, 500-mile drive at an average speed only slightly higher than California's posted maximum. Similarly, the Sportmatic transmission promises more than it delivers, returning a smidgen of driveline lash on throttle lift-off and upshifting on its own in manual mode as the engine hits a pre-determined rpm. Ride over handling governed choice of tire specifications, as did cost the choice of tire supplier; the Michelins originally considered lost out to local guy Hankook, and steering response and cornering tell the sad tale. There's also more unsprung weight than is the norm in the Amanti's aspiration class, leading to noticeable suspension movement on rough roads. The Amanti's anti-lock brakes delivered as promised, with controllable stops and light pedal pulses.
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| ADDITIONAL RESOURCES |
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T
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