Kia Magentis

Still, the styling is modern and well proportioned. It's a similar story inside, where the build quality continues to improve. The cabin is functional, too, and the seats are comfortable, while there's impressive rear legroom and a 420-litre boot. A 2.0-litre diesel joins two new petrol engines, and delivers 138bhp and 305Nm of torque. It's mated to a six-speed manual box.

Cruising refinement is fine, but the unit lacks punch. The gearshift isn't very slick, either, although the brakes are effective. Yet the flawed ride seals the Kia's fate. With sales difficult to come by in this declining market sector, it can't afford to be second best.