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Kia's sharp Mondeo rival

14 March 2010

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Kia’s Magentis replacement defines the firm’s future styling direction and will influence all future models from the Korean company. The new car, which will go on sale in the UK next year, was designed at Kia’s European HQ in Frankfurt.

Designed to give Kia a rival to established mid-size offerings such as the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Insignia, the car will initially only be available as a saloon. However, it’s possible that Kia will add an estate version too. Design boss Peter Schreyer is said to be very keen on the idea, having put forward a proposal for the car.

See the Kia Magentis gallery

Based on the platform launched on the new Sonata, the Magentis replacement is longer, wider and significantly lower (by as much as 60mm) than the Mondeo, Insignia or Passat.

Drivetrains will feature 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines, including the diesel from the new Sportage with 131bhp and 224lb ft. There is also the possibility of a hybrid option, as the Sonata platform has been engineered to take a petrol-electric powertrain. Kia’s battery technology is advanced and the firm sells a hybrid version of its Forte saloon, with lithium ion batteries, in Korea.

The car’s European and UK name has not yet been chosen, but it’s unlikely to retain the Magentis badge in the UK at least, where it has little brand equity.

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