This is the first interior image of the all-new Kia Magentis, which will be launched at next week's New York motor show.
The new Magentis will go on sale later this year in the US and Korea, where it is known as the Optima, and European sales will follow early in 2011.
See the interior and exterior Kia Magentis pics
Kia told Autocar that the car encompasses everything it wanted to achieve with its future design under its chief designer Peter Schreyer and all new Kias were likely to feature styling cues taken from the Magentis.
The Magentis is longer, wider and lower than the model it replaces and sits on a longer wheelbase than the outgoing car. This has significantly increased both cabin and luggage space.
Although initial details on the new Magentis are scarce, Autocar understands that it will feature Kia’s next generation of petrol and diesel engines. The big-seller should be the 2.0-litre diesel taken from the Sportage.
A 2.0-litre petrol engine will be the staple of the petrol range, although Kia could introduce smaller-capacity petrol engines, should there be sufficient demand.
Kia concedes that the Magentis is never likely to be a major seller in Europe, but believes the large saloon segment is one in which it must compete, as a volume manufacturer.
But the real demand for the car will come from the US and domestic markets, where its much improved styling and dynamics should hold appeal for buyers.
At present, the Magentis name is strongly expected to remain in Europe, although Kia is considering a numerical system for its future cars. It is introducing such a system in Korea.
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