Overheat
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Kia has ambitious plans for expansion worldwide, and the all-new Magentis saloon is very much a part of these: developed for global sale by teams in Korea, Germany and the USA, it looks considerably more convincing than the dated, unattractive outgoing model. Kia is hoping to triple sales of this range across Europe, though admittedly, this will still only reach a figure of 10,000 a year.
Sharing some of its powertrain components with the also much-improved Hyundai Sonata - though Kia claims it is built on an entirely different platform with different suspension system - it will come with a choice of two petrol engines, the 188bhp 2.7 V6 and 145bhp 2.0-litre units familiar in the Hyundai range, and a new 2.0-litre, 140bhp diesel with particulate filter, also to feature in the Dodge Caliber and Mitsubishi Lancer (see separate stories). Four-speed automatic transmission is optional with the 2.0-litre engines (the diesel gets six-speed manual transmission as standard) and a five-speed auto 'box with the V6.
Kia promises higher performance, better handling, a smoother ride, more space, more luxury and enhanced fuel economy. A Europe-specific cabin has been designed with all-black or grey-black interior trim and upholstery, and different seats with longer cushions and larger side bolsters, in answer to some of the criticisms of the outgoing model. Longer, wider and taller than before, with an increased wheelbase, the new Magentis is considerably more spacious, with a larger 420-litre boot. Standard safety equipment will include ABS with EBD, front and side airbags, active front head restraints and five three-point seatbelts; options will include curtain airbags, parking sensors and stability control.
