CAR manufacturers are getting the message: customers want value for money when it comes to buying a new model.

One of the manufacturers leading the way is Kia. The Korean manufacturer has just launched its new flagship saloon, a very roomy 2.5-litre V6 with a start-up price of £12,995.

Given the name Magentis, there are two trim levels, LX and SE, with a Sport derivative featuring a sequential gearbox in between.

The bargain-price saloon is the first Kia in this country to be offered with a V6 engine as well as the H-Matic automatic sequential transmission.

It is a good-looking car, with the use of chrome for the grille, window surrounds, door handles and waistline rubbing strip (this on the SE model only) giving the car a contemporary look. Built-in fog lamps and multi-reflector headlights add to the picture of an upmarket executive saloon.

But it is inside where the Magentis shines. It draws on the strengths of the Kia Clarus (and its sister car the Hyundai Sonata) to provide contemporary and European styling. It is a full five-seater and certainly does not shirk on space, providing plenty of leg and headroom all round. Even the boot is generous with space, 386-litres. The rear seats can also be split for carrying larger loads.

This car is a strong performer: there is good cornering power and a nice steady ride, helped somewhat by its low profile which also keeps road and engine noise to a minimum.

The more powerful 2.5-litre engine offers the same fuel consumption as the Clarus 2.0-litre four-cylinder car it replaces. The manual transmission model returns 28.2mpg at the combined rate, and the automatic 25.9mpg combined.

Safety specification is good. There are seatbelt pre-tensioners and driver and passenger airbags. Side airbags are fitted on the SE. There is also an Isofix child seat mounting. The car is also fitted with an advanced ABS anti-lock braking system with electronic brake force distribution, while a traction control system is also standard on the SE model.

Trim levels clearly indicate that the LX model is not your usual stripped out entry level model with a basic equipment level found on much higher-priced under-powered hatchbacks. No, hop into the LX and there is ABS, electronic brake force distribution, air conditioning, alloy wheels, front fog lights, CD player, remote control key entry as well as separate boot opening and a security alarm.

The LX is available either with a manual five-speed gearbox or the Sports H-Matic automatic gearbox, which is standard on the flagship SE model. The "H" box allows the driver to change gear without using a clutch pedal. The driver can choose to tap in quick shifts especially useful when driving on demanding hilly or twisty roads.

Specification level of the SE also includes traction control, side airbags, climate control and air quality system, cruise control, heated mirrors, electrical radio aerial and leather upholstery, all within a £15,995 price bracket. The LX with the Sports H-Matic transmission is £13,995.

Inside trim includes chrome door handles, stainless steel scuff plates, wood trim fascia, while the SE also features leather upholstery.

Kia expects its new V6 to attract a new raft of customers, particularly those who could not rise to more expensive models offering the same features. Just to give an example, the fully-loaded Magentis SE is £3,000 less than a base level V6 Ford Mondeo.

People worried by residual values will also find Kia scoring well. The company says that getting the price right in the first place is all important. It is possible that the residual value loss of many of Magentis's competitors will be more than the full price of the car, and that in itself must make the car a cost effective proposition.