Kia releases first renderings of next premium sedan

This past April at the Seoul Motor Show, Kia showed off the KND-5 concept, the Korean automaker's vision for its next-generation "near luxury" model. Based on the front-wheel drive platform shared with the Hyundai Azera, the car is known internally as VG and is slated to go on sale in Korea later this year. Even better, the sedan should make it Stateside in early 2010 after making its American debut at next year's Detroit Auto Show. Expect a range of engines, possibly including Kia's 2.4-liter direct-injected four and 3.8-liter Lambda V6.

It's not often that concepts keep their most distinctive features when they reach production, but if these latest renderings from Kia are anything to go by, we like where this is heading – especially when compared to the ugly-duckling Amanti. Says Hyoung Keun Lee, Kia's Senior Executive Vice President and COO of International Business Division:

"VG clearly demonstrates the next stage in Kia's design evolution and showcases our new design principle of 'sophistication by simplicity'. The exterior is a seamless blend of powerful front, sleek profile and sophisticated but simple rear lines to create an elegant and luxurious appearance."

The VG obviously subscribes to the en vogue four-door coupe concept with an appropriately low roof and rising beltline. Up front, we note a prominent version of Kia's latest corporate grille, flanked by dramatic headlamps with LED eyebrows overhead and deep-set foglamp sockets below. Another remnant leftover from the KND-5 concept are the sweeping swage lines that add visual interest to the car's side profile. Out back, the LED pattern is repeated in the large tail-lamp clusters. See the renderings for yourself below and click past the break for the official press release.

PRESS RELEASE:

KIA MOTORS RELEASES FIRST IMAGES OF ALL-NEW MODEL

Kia Motors has today released the first images of its new premium saloon due to go on sale in Korea at the end of the year.

The new model, currently known by its code name VG, was shown in concept form at the Seoul Motor Show earlier this year and is set to replace the existing Opirus model in Korean, North American and European markets.

"VG clearly demonstrates the next stage in Kia's design evolution and showcases our new design principle of 'sophistication by simplicity'. The exterior is a seamless blend of powerful front, sleek profile and sophisticated but simple rear lines to create an elegant and luxurious appearance," commented Hyoung Keun Lee, Senior Executive Vice President and COO of International Business Division at Kia Motors Corporation.

There are no current plans to bring this model to the UK market.