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Kia is keeping mum about the new Magentis until its debut at the New York International Auto Show on April 2.
Kia's new, bigger and substantially more attractive Magentis goes on the shelves in October, badged over the top of the latest Hyundai i45 chassis.
Kia is keeping mum about the Magentis - to the point of refusing to comment if it will be called by its international name Optima - but it's coming with a more powerful 150kW/245Nm 2.4-litre direct-injection four-cylinder petrol engine.
The Korean has shown previously that it is prepared to accommodate alternative engines, which may spring the 2-litre R-Series turbo-diesel onto this market and may even debut with a DSG-style semi-automatic transmission.
The Magentis/Optima with the 2.4-litre engine will have a conventional six-speed automatic and sit on an extended wheelbase to boost cabin room. It is longer, lower and wider than the previous model and sits on a significantly longer wheelbase.
Kia Australia spokesperson Alyson MacDonald said the specifications and final pricing - and even the name - would not be announced until closer to the launch date. The new sedan makes its global debut at the New York International Auto Show on April 2.
Designed by Peter Schreyer and wearing the family face adopted by Sorento, Cerato and Soul, the sedan is touted as having a fresh shape to ‘embody a bold, athletic and sporty visual energy’.
