Currently reading: Kia launches new luxury saloon
Cadenza hints at styling for future models

Kia has launched a new luxury saloon, the Cadenza, which hints at the styling of the new Magnetis.

The Cadenza replaces the Opirus model, which is sold in Korean, North American and European markets. It is set to appear at various Middle Eastern motor shows later this year, before going on sale in 2010.

Kia is currently working on its next-generation Magnetis saloon, which sits a class lower than the Cadenza. The styling of the Cadenza, which was previewed as the VG concept earlier this year, is set to heavily influence the Magentis as part of Kia’s new design language.

“It very clearly shows the deign direction we want to be going in and any new car we bring along now will conform to what our designer Peter Schreyer’s trying to achieve,” a Kia source told Autocar. “And that includes the Magentis.”

The source said it is likely to eventually be sold in mainland Europe, where the Opirus is currently sold, although a UK launch was unlikely.

“We’ve no plans at all at the moment to bring the Cadenza to the UK,” said the source. “It’s a segment we’re not in at the minute and it’s one dominated by German manufacturers in the UK. The product would have limited appeal here financially so a right-hand drive version is unlikely.”

Mark Tisshaw

mark-tisshaw-autocar
Title: Editor

Mark is a journalist with more than a decade of top-level experience in the automotive industry. He first joined Autocar in 2009, having previously worked in local newspapers. He has held several roles at Autocar, including news editor, deputy editor, digital editor and his current position of editor, one he has held since 2017.

From this position he oversees all of Autocar’s content across the print magazine, autocar.co.uk website, social media, video, and podcast channels, as well as our recent launch, Autocar Business. Mark regularly interviews the very top global executives in the automotive industry, telling their stories and holding them to account, meeting them at shows and events around the world.

Mark is a Car of the Year juror, a prestigious annual award that Autocar is one of the main sponsors of. He has made media appearances on the likes of the BBC, and contributed to titles including What Car?Move Electric and Pistonheads, and has written a column for The Sun.

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tali 20 October 2009

Re: Kia launches new luxury saloon

Hyundai Grandeur, is import special order only in UK afaik.The luxury XG was fully available though.

Much prefer XG to bland Grandeur.Suppose Grandeur is for someone who finds a Honda Legend too common

TegTypeR 20 October 2009

Re: Kia launches new luxury saloon

Sensible move not bringing it to the UK, no matter how good it is. If they did, it could repeat the sales performance of the Hyundai Grandeur, which in isolation wasn't a bad car.

jelly7961 20 October 2009

Re: Kia launches new luxury saloon

There is a Maserati Quattroporte somewhere with no tail lights!