Frankfurt Motor Show 2005 - Kia

What's the star of the stand?
The new Magentis four-door saloon is Kia’s big draw at Frankfurt. Kia claims it marks the latest step in the complete regeneration of its product line-up over the past four years, following on from the introduction of models such as the Picanto, Cerato, Sportage, Rio and Sorento.

It’s longer, wider and higher than the model it replaces, which improves interior and boot space, making it a real proposition for family motoring.

The emphasis on value is clear too, with a generous level of kit across the new Magentis range. ESP (electronic stability programme), rear parking sensors, front, side and curtain airbags and anti-whiplash front head restraints are available on certain models.

Kia has confirmed a new 2.0-litre diesel engine will also be offered, along with two petrol engines, a 144bhp 2.0-litre unit and a 188bhp 2.7 V6. The 2.0-litre petrol comes with a manual gearbox as standard and an auto 'box as an option. The 2.7 comes with an automatic gearbox. The diesel comes with a six-speed manual gearbox.

The car will be on sale in February with a starting price around £14,000.

They say
‘Like its sister Kia cars, the Magentis has been designed with European consumers in mind,’ says Kia’s senior European vice-president, Jean-Charles Lievens. ‘We’re maintaining our rapid growth and ability to attract more and more new customers to the Kia brand.’

We say
The new Magentis looks competent in many respects, and the conservative styling is unlikely to offend. For value-hunters, it will probably make a sound investment, but overall it is unlikely to set too many pulses racing.

Anything else?
The seven-seat Multi-S crossover concept unveiled by Kia today is described as the company's approach to designing a car for the new generation of driver. However, forget the name and accept that some of the exterior styling will change and you will almost certainly looking at the replacement for the Carens due sometime towards the end of next year.

Any gossip?
The starting price for the new Magentis is a big step up from the current entry-level car - a £4000 step, to be more precise. This could well be the sign of things to come. Kia insiders say it cannot continue on the premise of building cheap cars – manufacturers from countries as China and India will be better placed to undercut it. Kia is instead focussing its strategy on building higher quality – and therefore higher priced – cars. Magentis is proof of that.