Kia Magentis: A car to rival the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Insignia

16 March 2010

The new Magentis reveals the path Kia is treading in terms of style and design. It also gives an indication of how design and styling for future models would look.

The new Magentis reveals the path Kia is treading in terms of style and design. It also gives an indication of how design and styling for future models would look. The new vehicle, which will be seen in UK next year, was designed at the firms European headquarters in Frankfurt.

The new car, designed to stand as Kias competitor to other established mid-size cars like the Vauxhall Insignia and Ford Mondeo, will only be launched as a saloon at first. But it is possible that Kia will add an estate version later on. Peter Schreyer, the models design manager, is said to be very eager about the idea, having presented a proposal for the vehicle.

Based on the new Sonata the Kia Magentis is significantly lower (by around 60mm), wider and longer than the Ford Mondeo, Vauxhall Insignia or Volkswagen Passat.

Drivetrains will be packed with 2.0-litre diesel and petrol engines, including the new Sportage diesel that gives 224lb ft of torque and 131bhp. There will also be a possible hybrid option, since the new Sonata platform is designed to adapt to a petrol-electric powertrain. The battery technology of the car is advanced, and Kia offers a hybrid version of the Forte saloon, which uses lithium ion batteries.

The UK and European name for the car has not yet been decided, but the company is not likely to retain the Kia Magentis badge for its UK market due to its small brand equity here.

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