Kia Magentis revealed

March 2010

Watch out Ford! Kia is gunning for top spot in the family car class with a new Mondeo rival - officially unveiled at the 2010 New York Motor Show.

However, despite the fact that the US show car is being referred to as a Magentis, bosses in Europe have privately admitted that they have yet to decide on what to call the car over in the UK.

Options under consideration include both Magenis and Optima nameplates (Optima is the US name for the Magentis). However in top spot for British drivers is a new alpha numeric tag - K5.

But while many favour the new K5 tag - which insiders describe as offering the dual benefit of a break with the past, and injecting a touch of Audi inspired class into the range (think Audi A6) there are those who would rather stick with tradition.

A decision is expected in the coming months - ahead of the car's 2011 launch.

Meanwhile, these are the first pictures of the car's debut and follow a set of official teaser sketches released back in February.

The bold new look is the work of the firm's European design team, led by Peter Schreyer.

The car is longer, lower and wider than its predecessor and follows the current trend for four-door saloons with coupé silhouettes. The Magentis also features a rakish roof and a high, rising shoulder-line to give it a sporty appearance.

We partcularly like the car's profile, which features flared wheelarches and a pronounced kink to the window line inject additional drama to the design.  Audi-style tail-lights, with individual led "spots" add to the upmarket looking model's sophistication.

Up front, there's a bold new grillle, that comprises Kia’s latest family face and clear badging.

This blends seamlessly into the compact headlight clusters. For the first time on a Kia, the car is also equipped with a set of LED daytime running lights add to the car’s more upmarket image.

Kia is hoping its latest model will have broader appeal in the UK and throughout Europe when it goes on sale at the beginning of next year. The sculpted body was designed in the firm’s studios in Frankfurt, Germany, and there will be a choice of three hi-tech diesel engines and one petrol unit.

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