They just keep getting better. These are the first official images of what the new Kia Magentis will look like and who is to say that it can be anything close to being ugly?

These official images will be showcased at this year's New York Motor Show in April and will be released in American and Korean showrooms to consumers later in the year. No news yet about its arrival here in Singapore but that's always the case with new cars. We just cannot deny the fact that we are still too tiny and insignificant to the world. And that's a pity because I'm sure many potential car buyers, in this segment especially, will be looking forward to this particular model which sits in the large family saloon category, and more often than not for most Kias these days, they are affordable and value for money.

Chief designer Peter Schreyer has not missed a beat with Kia's designs and this is no exception. The new Magentis is said to be longer, wider and lower than the outgoing model, and it also features a longer wheelbase. As for the engine, details are still under wraps but sources say that there will be a 2.0 litre petrol and diesel unit which will be the main powerplant for the Magentis with a chance of smaller capacity engines if there is sufficient demand.

This will definitely be a car to look out for in the next 2 years or so as its release in Europe is scheduled to be in 2011. So maybe we'll hear from Kia then..