The Kia Amanti does everything we expect 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.Where it doesn't excel is in sprightliness in acceleration and handling. Its 200 horsepower is low for the class, while its curb weight is high. It's heavy and under-powered, in other words. These factors, combined with the low-tech engine management system, may have played a role in the 20 miles per gallon fuel consumption we saw on a daylong, 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 quality and cost governed choice of tire specifications. Steering response and cornering suffer through the Hankook tires. Also, the relatively high weight of the Amanti leads to noticeable suspension movement on rough roads.