Combining with the electronic driver's aids are 4-wheel discs with ABS. Except for the aforementioned significant nosedive, the Amanti brakes provide strong, fade resistant performance that is easily modulated. Keeping control is a snap, even during panic braking on wet surfaces. The all-season P225/60R 16-inch tires gripped the pavement with great tenacity, providing stops that felt short and controlled.

The Amanti's 4-wheel ABS brakes provide strong, fade resistant performance that is easily modulated. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

Kia has further assured safety by including dual threshold front airbags, front and rear side impact airbags and side curtain airbags. In addition to these passive safety devices, the Amanti features HID (high intensity discharge) headlamps, integrated projector fog lights, power heated mirrors and rain-sensing wipers to assist with bad weather driving.

Coming in only one trim level, most every comfort and convenience feature conceivable is included in the value priced Amanti. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

Overall the entire package wants for very little, except perhaps a navigation system. The Amanti arrives in a singular trim level - that's it. There are no options, except $200 for pearl white paint. Most every comfort and convenience feature conceivable is included, such as rear heater controls, power windows with express up and down, power glass sunroof, tilt steering, keyless entry and alarm, dual memory function for driver's seat, rear center armrest with ski pass through, reverse dipping rearview mirrors, solar control glass and a windshield wiper de-icer. All this for an impressive MSRP of $34,995, along with what Kia claims is the best warranty in the business: 5 years and 100,000 km comprehensive.