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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 i...Read the full article

 Looks quite Saab'ish from the side

The rear end looks like a rip-off of the Lexus IS, and the front somehow reminds of a Skoda Superb, a word that will probably never go near this Kia again.

fuzzybear:

 Looks quite Saab'ish from the side

I was thinking the same thing in terms of the DLO. I can see the IS in the tail lights but I was thinking the boots form reminded me of the recentley replaced 5-series. Despite thes similarities I think the DRG is very strong and overall I like their effort, especially over previous models.

Not a bad looker for a KIA, but then it was designed by their European studio.

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.

Overdrive:

Not a bad looker for a KIA, but then it was designed by their European studio.

Don't under estimate The Koreans. They're very skilled and determined. The Nation's recent Winter Olympic's showing is a case in point. The cars good value, and getting more attractive. Forget the badges, in 5 years they'll probably be on a parity with European premium brands.

Kind of reminds me of a Skoda Superb looking in a hall of mirrors. Very VAG-like in appearance. Huge jump forward though. Kia has come a very long way since the Pride, original Magentis and Rio.

I was really impressed until I saw the rear side window profile. They should have given it a six-light glasshouse, which is the one feature I've always really liked about the current Audi A6 saloon. Still, I think Peter Schreyer is a force to be reckoned with design-wise - Kia have come a heck of a long way. Now, they just need to make it RWD, based on the Hyundai Genesis platform...

 The Koreans now being established names in the smaller car segments, are definitely making their way up. A very good design especially considering that they will be very competitively priced.

Will need to see this in real life before giving any praise on its design, I still don't find Kia's at all good looking or stylish. its all good in pictures but in real life parked next to a established European rival the quality is evident to the eye.

 it does look good however when will the koreans realise that cars in this sector from them i.e kia hyundai do not sell! it will be interesting to see how this one goes! but this sector is tied up by the insignia and mondeo and i cant really see kia doing well with this car! just look at the sales figures for the laguna c5 407 etc

Mr£4worth:

Overdrive:

Not a bad looker for a KIA, but then it was designed by their European studio.

Don't under estimate The Koreans. They're very skilled and determined. The Nation's recent Winter Olympic's showing is a case in point. The cars good value, and getting more attractive. Forget the badges, in 5 years they'll probably be on a parity with European premium brands.

Sound advice. I'll stop underestimating Korean car makers (and their winter Olympic team) with immediate effect!