Kia names new luxury saloon

Kia has released the first image and details of a large new four-door luxury saloon it will put into production later this year. Called the Cadenza - after a musical term in Italian - the new model is not intended for the European market at this stage.

Kia Motors (UK) Limited Managing Director Michael Cole commented: "Despite its striking appearance and high-tech engineering I do not believe this is the right time to try and extend our range into a sector of the market that is dominated by German brands."

However, the Cadenza does indicate that Kia intends to continue its design-lead onslaught on the market. Kia's head designer, Peter Schreyer, has taken some influence from the striking Vauxhall Insignia for the Cadenza, though the Kia is a larger car and will be more luxurious.

The next new Kias to hit the UK will be the Venga mini-MPV and the new Sorento SUV, though rumour has it that Kia is working on a two-door coupé based on the underpinnings of the cee'd.

Shane O' Donoghue