KIA's all-new Magentis sedan, which goes on sale across Europe next spring, is the latest model in the complete regeneration of Kia's product line-up over the last four years.
Created by Kia design teams in Korea, the US and Germany, the new Magentis will transform Kia's fortunes in the D-Segment to become the marque's flagship mid-size executive car.
For the first time in the D-Segment, Kia will be offering customers a choice of petrol and diesel engines in the Magentis.
The new 2.0-litre CRDi diesel engine features a variable-geometry turbocharger for the optimum economy and clean emissions, is compliant with Euro4 standards, and also delivers highly 'competitive-in-class' performance.
The new Magentis is an exclusively Kia product, independently developed and built on the new MG platform and is not related to the Hyundai Sonata, which uses a different wheelbase and suspension systems.
Styled to attract modern, image-conscious consumers, the 4,735 mm long new Magentis sedan is a car that perfectly matches Kia's 'Power to Surprise' brand aspirations. Taller 1,480 mm (+70 mm), wider 1,805 mm (+15 mm) - excluding the old model's protruding door handles - and longer (+5 mm) than the model it replaces, the new Magentis has a longer wheelbase 2,720 mm (+20 mm) and reduced front overhang 935 mm (-25 mm) to create much improved packaging which offers significantly more cabin space than its predecessor, together with an enlarged trunk.
Three engines
Customers can choose from two equipment levels (GL and GLS), two petrol engines (2.7 and 2 litres) and one diesel engine (2 litres) with manual or automatic transmissions, and an extensive range of optional equipment.
Kia's range-topping Magentis GLS model can be ordered with a powerful, responsive, comprehensively upgraded quad-cam 2.7-litre V6 'Mu' CVVT petrol engine. The latest version of the all-aluminum Delta engine generates 188 ps and 247.1 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm and twin exhaust tailpipes distinguish this model from its stable mates.
Available in both GL and GLS Magentis models, the all-new 'Theta' 2.0-litre petrol engine is an impressively quiet, economical and powerful state-of-the-art four-cylinder powerplant. The Theta engine features continuously variable valve timing (CVVT) and produces 144.5 ps and 188.8 Nm of torque at 4,250 rpm.
Making its first appearance in a sedan, the 2.0 CRDi diesel engine will also be available in both GL and GLS Magentis models. Similar to the power unit fitted in the Kia Sportage, this SOHC engine features second generation common rail fuel injection, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) and a diesel particle filter (DPF) as standard. This engine is designed to produce 140 ps and 305 Nm of torque from 1,800 to 2,500 rpm.
The new Magentis will be available in a choice of nine distinctive exterior colours and offers customers handsome styling, more power, higher performance, better handling, a smoother ride, more space, more luxury, a larger trunk and enhanced fuel economy.
It has a modern, stylish, clean, elegant and purposeful appearance with no unnecessary over-ornate features. Its distinctive proportions, sweeping C-Pillar, plus large diameter alloy wheels and refined detailing (that results in excellent aerodynamics) gives the new Kia a strong 'on-road' presence.
Longer, wider and higher than the model it replaces, the new Magentis features a longer 2,720 mm wheelbase (up by 20 mm) and wider track (up by 18 mm front and 22 mm rear) for enhanced stability and ride comfort, together with a broad stance which pushes the wheels out to the sides of the vehicle creating a purposeful look and delivers responsive, agile handling.
The new model's enlarged overall dimensions result in numerous customer benefits and also ensure that it fits comfortably into the modern D-Segment of the European market. Those benefits include generous headroom - the high roofline is between 8 mm and 51 mm higher than potential rivals such as the Mazda6, Ford Mondeo, Peugeot 407 and VW Passat - and 420 litres of luggage space that is nine per cent larger than the previous Kia model and can accommodate up to four sets of golf clubs.
Large dual-light black bezel headlamps, twin bonnet ridges that sweep down to wrap around the horizontal-bar air-intake grille and a deep front spoiler pierced by the broad lower air-intake, all create a solid sculptural quality and feeling of durability.
The all-new bodyshell engineered by Kia for the New Magentis is stronger and stiffer than the previous model - without adding weight - despite its larger dimensions. The Magentis body-in-white features numerous engineering improvements, beginning with the extensive use of high tensile-strength steel for structurally critical body components, including the front cabin bulkhead, C-Pillar and rear parcel shelf, to increase torsional stiffness.
More than twice as much high-strength steel is used in the body-in-white - 63.7 per cent by weight - compared to the old model.
The new model's enlarged overall dimensions - length up 5 mm, width up 15 mm (excluding the old model's protruding door handles) and height up 70 mm - result in numerous customer benefits and also ensure that it fits comfortably into the modern D-Segment of the European market.
The new model offers 1,010 mm of headroom at the front and 965 mm in the rear. Legroom is 1,110 mm (front) and 960 mm for rear seat occupants. Shoulder room is 1,450 mm for front seat occupants and 1,430 mm across the rear seat. Compared to the previous Kia Magentis, these new model dimensions are increased by between 10 mm (front legroom) and 40 mm (rear legroom).
The higher roofline and raised hip-point (up by 42 mm from the ground, to 532 mm at the front and to 557 mm in the rear), gives all occupants an outstanding view of the road as well as ensuring easy entry and exit from the car.
For maximum load carrying versatility, on all models, the rear seat backrest is split 60/40 and the two parts can be independently folded. The rear seats are also fitted with a folding centre armrest, which on GLS models also houses twin cup holders.
The driving controls are laid out to ensure optimum vehicle control, with maximum comfort and minimum effort. The thick-rimmed, four-spoke, steering wheel is tilt-adjustable for rake (telescopic reach adjustment is optional) and neatly frames the instrument cluster.
The central fascia, which is angled towards the driver for enhanced ergonomics, is finished in a high grade plastic to match the color tone of the interior and features an optional aluminum or wood-grain finish.
Thanks to the new Magentis' responsive handling, accurate steering, powerful ABS and EBD-equipped braking system and its many stress-reducing features, the Kia driver is well equipped to cope with the hazards of everyday motoring and to avoid potential accident situations.
Kia engineers have used state-of-the-art computer-aided design techniques to create a strong, stiff Magentis bodyshell structure with special high-strength steel in key load-bearing areas. The bodyshell is designed to deform in a controlled manner under impact forces to offer occupants good protection in front, side, rear and roll-over accidents. Side-impact beams are fitted in both front and rear doors with reinforced mountings as part of an integrated system to offer occupants high levels of protection.
The new Magentis is equipped with dual front airbags and front side airbags as standard.
The rear doors of the New Magentis are fitted with child safety locks and two ISOFIX anchor points are fitted in the rear seat for the attachment of child safety seats.
Kia's local agents are Easysell Kia (Malta) Ltd, Qormi.