2007 Kia Amanti Review

Improvements lift flagship model for 2007, while lowering the price

Kia has moved with lightning speed to significantly improve its flagship Amanti sedan for 2007.

The previous Amanti had just-adequate handling, slow-reacting steering and was underpowered. It was overly soft, like an old U.S. luxury car, and I wrote in AutoTimes last Aug. 13 that it "seemingly was from designers who deliberately got stuck in the past.''

Forget all that -- the new front-wheel-drive Amanti is improved on all fronts. It also costs less -- although previously standard leather upholstery, heated front seats and a power sunroof now cost extra. The 2006 Amanti listed at $27,795, while the new one is $25,495.

Moreover, the Amanti has one of the industry's best warranties, including 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage and a five-year/ 60,000-mile roadside assistance plan.

Kia didn't turn the Amanti into any sort of sports sedan, but it can confidently be driven faster and harder with as much safety. It's still for those who prize comfort and convenience in an upscale auto that doesn't cost an arm and leg.

The 3.5-liter 200-horsepower V-6 has been replaced by a smoother, quieter 3.8-liter V-6, which has 264 horsepower and far more torque with dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. It works with an alert five-speed automatic transmission and makes shorter work out of fast merges and 65-75 mph passing times.

Despite added punch, the engine delivers an estimated 19 mpg in the city and 26 on highways, compared with 17 and 25 for the old engine. Only 87-octane gasoline is needed.

The rack-and-pinion, speed-sensitive steering is nicely geared. And a modified all-independent suspension considerably improves handling while still delivering a smooth ride, with such items as gas- pressurized shock absorbers. My test Amanti's $350 package with 17-inch (vs. 16-inch) machined alloy wheels and wider tires enhanced handling. The brake pedal had a smooth action.

One reason for the improved economy -- and sharper handling -- is lighter weight. Last year's Amanti weighed 4,021 pounds, while the new model is fully 251 pounds lighter.

Kia didn't lighten the car by removing lots of equipment. It's well-equipped with such items as air conditioning with dual-zone automatic climate control, power front seats, cruise control, AM/FM/CD sound system with eight speakers, one-touch up-and-down anti-pinch power windows, dual illuminated sun visors, automatic-on headlights and power windows, door locks with remote keyless entry and heated body color mirrors.

Leather upholstery and heated front seats are in a $2,500 Leather Package, which also contains an upscale sound system, trip computer and newly available power-adjustable pedals.

A new $1,300 Premium Package contains chrome alloy wheels, exclusive black interior color, aluminum trim and wider tires on 17-inch wheels.

The power sunroof can be had as a $900 stand-alone extra, but requires ordering the Leather Package and $500 electronic stability control system, which is very worthwhile with its anti-skid system, traction control and brake assist feature for surer panic stops.

Anti-lock brakes are standard, as are front and rear side air bags (usually found only up front) and curtain side air bags.

The Amanti's large grille has been made even larger, presumably for a more imposing appearance. It also has a redesigned hood, headlights, front/rear bumpers, alloy wheels, trunk lid, taillights, rear body quarter panels and even new dual exhaust outlets.


Kia continues the Amanti's flowing lines and gently curved surfaces in the car's quiet interior. It has an upscale look with a redesigned dashboard, chrome door handles, wood trim and leather-covered armrest. A leather-covered tilt wheel has handy remote audio controls and sporty new white-blue interior illumination for more ambiance.

There's good room for four tall adults, with an especially roomy back seat -- although the center rear area is too hard for anything but short trips. Front seats are quite comfortable, and the backlit gauges are easy to read in various lighting conditions. Large outside mirrors help allow good rear visibility.

The shifter is rather notchy, but can prevent entering the wrong gear. Climate controls are large, while sound system controls are small. The driver's power window controls are well-located, and front console cupholders are positioned to avoid spills and covered when not in use for a tidier look. The glove compartment is large, and the front console bin is moderately deep. Doors have storage pockets, and there's a cigarette lighter and ashtray.

The trunk is large at 15.9 cubic feet and has a lid that swings up smoothly on hydraulic struts. A handy indented pull-down inner trunk lid area prevents hands from getting dirty on outside sheet metal. Rear seatbacks don't flip forward for more cargo room -- not that it's really needed -- but have a ski pass-through area. A full-size spare tire is standard.

The hood also raises on struts to reveal an engine that looks unusually long and is hidden with a large plastic cover. Fluid filler areas are easily reached without getting clothes dirty.

The Amanti is a car for the value-minded that doesn't look or act like it, although its resale value is still questionable.

2007 KIA AMANTI

PRICE: $25,495.

LIKES: More power. Higher fuel economy. Better handling. Upgraded styling. Nicer interior.

DISLIKES: Some formerly standard items made optional. Small radio controls. Questionable resale value.