Kia Amanti could be classic in the making in U.S.

Seoul September 7, 2004; Bloomberg reported that the Kia Amanti, an eye-catching Korean sedan that went on sale in the United States about 10 months ago, may be a rookie destined for stardom.

The Amanti (the Opirus on Kia's home soil) has been flying out of showrooms — despite most car buyers still not having heard of it. When shoppers drive it, they often jump at the low price of about $26,000 coupled with a $3,000 rebate.

ˇ°People see this car, drive it and then they hear the price and go, this is ridiculous,ˇ± said George Glassman, a Kia dealer in Southfield, Michigan. Kia Motors Corp. hopes to sell about 15,000 Amantis this year and increase that total by 5,000 to 10,000 next year — even though the automaker believes it can build and sell more.

Every so often a new model like the 1976 Honda Accord debuts by sending shock waves through automaking, eventually altering the status quo through innovation in quality, value, design or performance.

The Accord made its splash by being exceptionally fuel efficient, utilitarian and inexpensive. The popularity of models like the Accord — and the Ford Mustang, to cite another classic — often are driven first by word of mouth. Eventually, some models become icons after years of high regard and strong sales, and are remembered because they changed conventional thinking.

The Amanti might just change perceptions that Korean vehicles are cheap, flimsy or poorly designed. To help do that, Kia has equipped its new sedan with such premium features as leather, a sunroof, heated seats and a high-end sound system. Its price is at least 15 percent less than similar midsize sedans by Toyota, Buick, Chrysler and other better-known marques. "Personally I don't like the way it looks," said Jim Hall, automotive analyst for AutoPacific Inc. "°The interior is great, though, and it's tough to beat for the money. "Yet, some buyers obviously like the Amanti's look a lot. With headlamps inspired by the Mercedes E Class and a grill filched from Jaguar, the styling is unashamedly derivative.

The 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine is smooth and quiet, reminiscent of the Toyota Avalon or Lexus ES300, with a bit less pickup.