Kia Clarus (1999 - 2001)

Models Covered: (4 dr saloon 1.8, 2.0 litre petrol [S, SX, GSX, Executive])

BY ANDY ENRIGHT

Youre a thrusting executive, aiming to make a splash in the corporate car park. Your manager informs you that youre in line for a new company car. A Kia Clarus. If this doesnt merit a constructive dismissal claim, nothing does.

Its only until you realise that the car is a fully equipped Mondeo-sized car for less than the price of some Fiestas that you realise that things arent as bad as all that. An increasing number of used buyers are now beginning to see past the badge and realise that if value and a generous helping of metal for your money are prime considerations, then a Clarus may well merit further investigation.

Build
Comfort
Depreciation
Economy
Equipment
Handling
Insurance
Performance
Styling
Value

The Clarus interior lacks the classy looks achieved by many European designers, and some of the interior components and trim might not quite be what UK buyers would regard as executive saloon standard. However, everything is well located for the driver and operates precisely, though youll have to get used to indicators on the right and a wiper stalk on the left. The steering wheel adjusts only for height but theres ample seat adjustment and loads of room for passengers and oddments. Although its a reasonably large saloon, the Clarus is beaten by some rivals for boot space and its rear seatback doesnt fold to extend the load area.

Until now, few British car buyers have heard much about Kia. Most wont yet know the one-time Korean bicycle maker is now one of the worlds top 20 car producers, selling over half a million cars in 90 countries every year. Imported by the same company which also brings in Mazdas, Kias relatively small range and dealer network hasnt made a big impact in the UK so far, but that is already changing. Another point worth considering is that most of the recent crop of Korean cars have proved themselves well.

Reports of major problems are rare, while reliability and build quality are regarded in the trade as above average - handy when its time to sell on. Kias first go at building a plush saloon is a pretty good attempt. It isnt a serious threat to rivals in the hard-fought company car market but, for the private buyer with his or her own hard-earned cash to spend, a used Clarus is a bit of a bargain. Loads of metal for the money, in fact.

If you were considering a tired used Mondeo or Vectra, you would do well to check out a nearly new Clarus before committing yourself. What do you have to lose?

Big far Eastern saloon cars usually have a depreciation curve that resembles the North Face of the Eiger. With a weak image and strong rivals, youd expect the Kia Clarus used value to plummet, but in fact 1999 model year cars have held their value better than an equivalent Ford Mondeo or Vauxhall Vectra. Expect to pay around £2,200 for a 1999 T-registered 1.8 SX, and about £150 more for an automatic.

You should be able to bag a similar vintage 2.0 GSX manual for £2,400. Insurance for the 1.8-litre models is Group 9, and a modest Group 10 for the range-topping 2.

0-litre cars.

Make sure the car is in perfect condition. Theres no reason why it shouldnt be, as it will be within warranty, but any dents, scratches or interior damage will knock values hard. Only one significant fault exists with the Clarus, and its a sticky boot locking mechanism. Dealer will be able to fix this quite easily with the insertion of a low-friction strip into the lock.

Otherwise insist on a full service record and contact a few franchised dealers to try to find the best bargain available.

(approx based on a 1999 Clarus 1.8SX) Kia spares prices have gained an enviable reputation for good value, and replacement parts for the Clarus are no exception. A clutch assembly is around £220, whilst front brake pads weigh in at around £40. An alternator will cost around £130, and for a starter motor youll be looking at £115.

A replacement headlamp will require £110.

So the Kia Clarus is a sensible buy, well made and well equipped. But is it a pleasant car to drive? Provided you dont have the same expectations as Damon Hill, you should be happy enough with this new Kia. As you might expect from a twin cam engine with Mazda heritage, the 1.8 and two-litre units are both smooth when dawdling but can be a little coarse when pushed hard.

Still, they can certainly pull lustily to give the Clarus class-competitive acceleration. Rest to sixty is dispatched in 10.8 seconds in the 1.8, on the way to a top speed of 115mph.

Oddly, the 2.0-litre model is fractionally slower to sixty but reaches a top speed of 121mph. Similarly, the Kias road behaviour wont give Nissan Primera or Ford Mondeo chassis engineers any sleepless nights. However, most drivers report that the Clarus responds well to changes of direction and is quiet and refined.

For enthusiastic motoring, the power steering can be a little light at open road speeds but theres ample assistance for parking or manoeuvring in tight spots. Some potential purchasers might think the ride quality is a little busy on certain surfaces but most should find the car quite comfortable on UK roads.

Nobody will pretend that the Clarus is the most dynamic or charismatic car in its class, but most would point to the fact that as a new proposition it certainly represents good value. As a used buy, its surprisingly stable residual values make it less of a bargain, and the enthusiastic or image conscious buyer will undoubtedly be drawn to rival offerings from more mainstream manufacturers. Having said that, based on equipment and probable condition, a Clarus would make an ideal used deal for the more mature buyer looking for a touch of luxury and a healthy dose of reliability in a modern, unobtrusive package.