Kia Magentis

Now the Magentis is available as a 2.0-litre, as well as a 2.5 V6, and the new unit should help sales with its economy and improved CO2 figures. The newcomer also represents amazingly good value. For ΂£11,995, you get a roomy four-door with air-con and electric windows all-round. Safety features include ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution, traction control and four airbags.

That 2.0-litre engine has hidden talents, too. It is very quiet and refined while cruising, but there's a purposeful change of note and real get-up-and-go when you need it. Just like the V6, in fact, but with better economy of 31.9mpg.

But that's it as far as the Kia's sporting pretensions go. As with the previous-generation car, this new model is most at home either on the motorway or pottering around town. The handling is safe and predictable, but the light steering gives very little feel for the road. And if you do summon up the enthusiasm for some quick cornering, you will find yourself hanging on to the wheel as you slide sideways over the seats.

The interior works well enough, but the design is simply predictable and dull, something no amount of 'wood' trim can alleviate. To be fair, the seats are comfortable and this Kia rides well. Space in the rear is up with that of the class leaders, while the back seat can be folded forward to increase the already sizeable load area.

It all sounds as though the Magentis would make a great taxi, and the company's three-year unlimited mileage warranty makes this use very appealing. As a company car, however, the low list price is offset by C02 figures of 210g/km - worse than most of the 2.0-litre competition.