New York show: Kia uncovers all-new Magentis

KIA Motors has taken the wraps off its new-generation Magentis ahead of its global debut at the New York motor show on April 2.

Previewed in a series of sketches last month, the South Korean manufacturer’s redesigned medium-sized sedan looks as startling in final production form as the teaser images suggested, holding true to the assertion that the vehicle has been “completely transformed” under chief design officer Peter Schreyer.

Due for release in Australia late this year, following its release in the US in October (under the Optima nameplate), the all-new Magentis continues the trend of other models in the Kia stable – and those of rival manufacturers – in being longer, lower and wider than before.

As sister brand Hyundai has done with the Sonata-replacing i45, due for release in Australia soon and built off the same platform as Kia’s all-new mid-sizer, the Magentis also has a coupe-like profile and a much sportier demeanour than the current slow-selling model.

The exterior design was done by Kia’s European studio in Frankfurt, Germany, while the interior was created in California.

Full details will be released at the New York show, but as GoAuto has reported the new Magentis will feature a new direct-injection ‘GDI’ 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, delivering about 150kW and 245Nm – up from 119kW/221Nm in the current model.

Similarly, six-speed transmissions should replace the five-speed manual and automatic gearboxes currently on offer.

“The next generation of Magentis possesses the power to surprise,” said Mr Schreyer this week. “It’s a car that people will simply not expect from Kia – and that’s exactly what we set out to achieve.

“This new model embodies Kia’s confident new design direction. It’s a global car with individual appeal.” Kia claims the sedan “exudes an athletic confidence from every angle”, pointing to its raked roofline, sculpted flanks, pronounced shoulder line, long wheelbase, flared wheelarches and shallow glasshouse.

The front-end design also features a new interpretation of Kia’s so-called “tiger” family face, bordered by sharply angled headlights.

Kia Europe chief designer Gregory Guillaume said: “For this car we started with a clean sheet and worked to achieve an exterior design with a European feeling and stance.” Kia claims the sedan is spacious for this category, with “class-leading” levels of safety and luxury equipment.

Although other Magentis body styles could materialise down the track, Kia has not followed Hyundai in producing two versions of its new-generation medium-sized car, with confirmation this week that the production car shown in New York is the same to be sold in Europe.

A Euro-specific i40, which is likely to join the i45 in Australia next year, was previewed by the i-flow concept shown at the Geneva motor show earlier this month.