2009 Kia Amanti

NEW FOR 2009:

- New Base trim line added

- Standard Sirius satellite radio, stereo auxiliary input and USB ports

- Trip computer relocated to instrument cluster

- New ventilated seats on Luxury edition

- Exterior colours: White Pearl with two-tone Gold Silver, and Ebony Black with two-tone Warm Grey added

For 2009, the Kia Amanti, the company’s flagship sedan model, adds a new Base trim line. The previous single, fully-loaded trim line is now called the Luxury. As well, the stereo receives standard Sirius satellite radio, an auxiliary input jack and a USB port, and the colour choices include new two-tone combinations.

The Amanti uses a 3.8-litre V6 with a five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode.

Features on the Base trim line include 16-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary input and USB port, Sirius satellite radio, cruise control, keyless entry, heated mirrors, tilt column, auto up/down on all windows, fog lamps, LED front turn signals, heated mirrors, front and rear mud guards, variable intermittent wipers, rear seat side airbags, floor mats, heated seats with eight-way driver and four-way passenger power adjustment, and leather-wrapped wheel.

The Luxury adds 17-inch alloy wheels, Xenon headlamps, Super Vision cluster, two-position driver’s side memory, auto-dimming rearview mirror, garage door opener, heated and ventilated leather seats, heated rear seats, and solar control glass.

Although it steals its styling cues from a variety of higher-end manufacturers, and the end result is a bit of a mishmash, the Amanti is a very comfortable and roomy car that offers numerous luxury touches for a relatively low price, especially with the new, less-expensive base model. This is a good cross-shopper for those who like big, smooth-riding cars like Buick or Lincoln, with its relatively low price-tag and its long warranty.