Inventive Kia from South Korea constructs value-priced vehicles extending upscale to Amanti, a sedan of large-car status with the trappings of a premium luxury model.

Kia's line for 2005 includes three additional sedans in three sizes with Spectra, Optima and Rio. There are wagons too with the five-door Cinco hatchback, a feature-packed Sedona minivan and the Sorento SUV.

Kia's original SUV -- the compact-class Sportage -- is slated for an update with the new editions arriving in 2005.

Amanti represents the largest marque in Kia's fleet and it looks elegant with sculptured styling drawn from classic luxury touring sedans from Europe. Foundation comes from the XG350 sedan by Hyundai, Korea's larger automaker and Kia's parent, only the wheelbase has been extended and the body is larger. The resultant stretched structure forges a four-door passenger compartment of generous dimensions with a high ceiling so the headroom for front and rear seats is good even for someone with a tall torso.

The cabin, in a five-seat layout with cushy front buckets, contains dual-zone climate controls and an Infinity audio package with nine speakers, with safety gear ranging from eight air bags including curtain-style air bags in the headliner to an anti-lock brake system (ABS). Heated front seats go to the optional leather package on 2005 issues and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is in the convenience package, which also brings a sunroof. Under the hood, Amanti packs a dual-cam 3.5-liter V6 engine that develops 200 hp. All power moves through a sophisticated five-speed automatic transaxle with no-load choice of a manual shift control (MSC) mode.

Kia's mid-size SUV has five doors with two-wheel-drive (2WD) or four-wheel-drive (4WD) traction and V6 power. Styling seems strong with keen lines and slick shapes disguising boxy parameters of a typical two-box wagon design. It presents an aggressive face featuring a curvaceous stair-step hood with glittery headlamp clusters and a thick slab bumper. Tail treatment adds a padded step on the bumper, corner lamps in a starburst pattern and a liftgate with inset window glass. Inside, Sorento features plush accommodations and plenty of features for comfort and convenience. Power comes from that 3.5-liter V6 which achieves 195 hp and connects to a five-speed manual shifter or new five-speed electronically-controlled automatic.

Both 2WD and 4WD versions are available in trims labeled LX and deluxe EX. The EX also lists a luxury package with leather upholstery. For the Sorento LX an optional sport package brings the manual stick, step bars fixed below side doors, a rack on the roof, alloy wheels capped with Michelin tires, new blacked-out headlamps plus a premium audio system. And Spark Blue is a new color choice for the sport version. (CONTINUED...)