Not Many On The Road

Today's post shows a picture from the Sacramento Auto Show of a vehicle that has not gained all that much popularity in America. It's a Korean made vehicle - the 2008 Kia Amanti. I've yet to see a 2008 model on the street. When they first arrived, a few years ago, and before the Hyundai Azera was added to the dealer showrooms, they were a more common sight. Since the Azera, which according to the car pundits, is a better choice, Kia has not really done much to make a challenge and has all but forgotten it's marketing plan for the car . The styling has changed a little this year, particularly with the taillights and the rear end of the car, but the look is not to every one's taste and it is now looking somewhat dated - compared to other vehicles in this class. It list (MSRP) for around $32,000 (loaded), but for that money you can choose from quite a number of cars. The interior has also changed somewhat from previous years, but to date, unlike the Azera, you can not get a navigation screen, nor a connector for your iPod or Mp3 player. So, again - compared to several other vehicles - it not only looks dated, but it isn't as well equipped technologically.

On the plus side, it does have a comfy ride (I've driven an earlier model) and a more robust engine than in previous years. And, of course, it has that great ten year/100,000 mile warranty. According to Consumer Report, that is probably a good thing, because you may have more than a few occasions when you just might need to use that long warranty.

To me, it's the kind of vehicle that if you were to find a low mileage used Amanti (they depreciate rapidly), or an extremely discounted new one, it might be on your list of vehicles for consideration. I kind of like the odd styling, and to some extent the interior, but with so many other vehicles in this class, I doubt that I could be swayed - even with a great deal on the price.