Everything in the cabin imparts a richness consistent with vehicles in the Amanti's class, and even beyond. The selection of materials, including butter-soft leather, could easily deceive the most discriminating occupant into believing they are riding in a premium brand. Although plenty of forest-friendly wood-like trim abounds, it's nice to look at and quite convincing.

Little conveniences, such as a trunk lid that opens a full 90 degrees, demonstrate that a great deal of thought and planning went into the Amanti. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

The Amanti's build quality also seems very good, both inside and out. Joints and seams fit together with precision and accuracy. Following this theme there is nothing flimsy or unsubstantial about this vehicle. Whether grabbing a door handle or the gearshift lever, everything feels solid.

Door and body panel gapping is accurate and of minimal width. The 4-doors thump shut very securely and with a heft normally associated with quality. Interestingly, the rear trunk hinges articulate and allow the trunk lid to swing open a full 90 degrees, enabling easy, flat access to the nicely lined trunk. Little conveniences, such as these, demonstrate that a great deal of thought and planning went into the Amanti.

Very little road, engine or wind noise penetrates the vault-like cabin of the Amanti. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

All the convenience in the world, however, is of little use if no one wants to drive an automaker's flagship vehicle. Fortunately for Kia, this is definitely not the case. So let's leave all the chatter about comfort and convenience at the curb side, fire up the engine and listen carefully, because the Amanti is quiet, very quiet.

Quiet was a key word for the engineers tasked with crafting the new Kia's chassis and powertrain. I'll save you the details and just say that if the "proof is in the pudding," so to speak, the Amanti is all vanilla cream. Upon first pressing of the gas pedal I was awed by the hush in this mid-thirty thousand dollar Lincoln wanna-be. Very little road, engine or wind noise penetrates the vault-like cabin. I did however notice one small tsetse fly in the ointment: A slight "clunkiness" invaded the cabin whenever the right-front wheel encountered a bumpy surface. This was nothing overt and would likely be missed by less fastidious customers, but for me it would nag like a spouse in a bad marriage. I would be heading back to the dealer to have it checked out, pronto.