Since Hyundai took ownership of Kia, one of the challenges for the merged company has been to differentiate the models that share common under-the-skin hardware.

In the case of the Magentis and Sonata, the distinction is fairly subtle. Although the new 2007 Magentis has its own Kia face, the basic proportions of the midsize body are clearly derived from the new-last-year Sonata.

Given that Kia is supposed to have a sportier persona than Hyundai, it's surprising that the Magentis' available V6 is an evolution of last year's ho-hum 2.7-litre V6, and not the Lambda 3.3-litre that Sonata buyers have access to.

The base engine is a shared 2.4-litre "four" that delivers a respectable 161 hp and comes hitched to 5-speed manual or automatic transmissions. The V6 comes only with the automatic.

At the keen $21,895 entry price, standard features are generous. Even the base LX includes six airbags, ABS, cruise, A/C, heated seats, power windows/mirrors/locks, steering-wheel audio controls and keyless entry.

Move up to LX-V6 Luxury and you also get power-adjustable pedals, power sunroof, stability control, 8-way power driver's seat, trip computer, leather, and more -- all for still well under $30,000.

Like Sonata, Magentis is very roomy for its size. In fact, according to industry classifications based on interior volume, this Kia is considered a full-size car.

A lot of car for relatively little money

Not a lot of optional V6